Church of St Mary the Virgin
Church of St Mary the Virgin
Church of St Mary the Virgin
4.5
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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The area
Address
Reach out directly
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Restaurants
295 within 3 miles
Attractions
164 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
22 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
7
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
JanChan
United Kingdom
Aug 2021 • Friends
This atmospheric church combines Saxon roots with a medieval building, a 17th-century brass, 18th-century box pews and 21st-century accommodation! And in 1605 the Fordwich authorities paid 10 shillings (50p) to the King's Players, the London theatre company of which William Shakespeare was a member, and for which he wrote his plays. The venue for their performance might well have been St Mary's church, according to its very knowledgable custodian, and maybe featured William himself.
What more do you want? Well, the church now offers “champing” — that is, camping inside the building, where you are put up in one of the box pews! You might have some interesting dreams…
What more do you want? Well, the church now offers “champing” — that is, camping inside the building, where you are put up in one of the box pews! You might have some interesting dreams…
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheReidsUK
Aveley, UK
Mar 2015 • Friends
So this weekend it was off Kent for a spot of Champing. That would be camping in a church.
Arriving at the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Fordwich (England’s smallest town for you pub quizzers), the church looks quite unassuming, partially concealed as it is by the trees that surround it. On pushing through the heavy wooden door though and stepping through, you are transported back hundreds of years. This is a fascinating Norman church that has been extended and enhanced over the centuries resulting in a quite eclectic feel. There are 14th century windows, a clay tile floor, proud organ pipes and the stars of today’s particular show, the 18th century box pews. These pews will be our ‘rooms’ for the night!
Fordwich is about 3 miles from Canterbury, so after a trip into the city to explore the cathedral and watch a spot of rugby over a beer or two, it was back to Fordwich for an excellent three course meal in the Fordwich Arms, a charming pub right next to the church.
And so onto the event itself, the champing! We distribute our stuff amongst the box pews and I select one toward the rear and deposit my airbed on the floor of the pew – the foot well if you will. The seat of the pew acts as a shelf for my bag and a candle. We lock the heavy wooden door with the ancient wrought iron key, light a raft of pillar candles and prepare for the night. It is March and it’s cold, there’s no getting away from that, but with a few layers on its OK – it’s all part of the experience! It is very dark outside now and the light from our candles flickers off the various features of the church. I thought it might be eerie but it isn’t at all. It’s actually very, very peaceful. We share a final beer sitting in the chancel then it’s off to our pews and into our sleeping bags. I sleep much better than I thought I would and I’m only slightly disorientated when I wake up to find myself in a church! My colleagues gradually rouse themselves too and after a cup of tea and a quick brush of the teeth we head out for a stroll along the river Stour before returning to the Fordwich Arms for a hearty full English breakfast.
All in all, an unusual but enjoyable experience and an interesting tale to tell when you return to work on Monday!
http://www.visitchurches.org.uk/champing
Arriving at the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Fordwich (England’s smallest town for you pub quizzers), the church looks quite unassuming, partially concealed as it is by the trees that surround it. On pushing through the heavy wooden door though and stepping through, you are transported back hundreds of years. This is a fascinating Norman church that has been extended and enhanced over the centuries resulting in a quite eclectic feel. There are 14th century windows, a clay tile floor, proud organ pipes and the stars of today’s particular show, the 18th century box pews. These pews will be our ‘rooms’ for the night!
Fordwich is about 3 miles from Canterbury, so after a trip into the city to explore the cathedral and watch a spot of rugby over a beer or two, it was back to Fordwich for an excellent three course meal in the Fordwich Arms, a charming pub right next to the church.
And so onto the event itself, the champing! We distribute our stuff amongst the box pews and I select one toward the rear and deposit my airbed on the floor of the pew – the foot well if you will. The seat of the pew acts as a shelf for my bag and a candle. We lock the heavy wooden door with the ancient wrought iron key, light a raft of pillar candles and prepare for the night. It is March and it’s cold, there’s no getting away from that, but with a few layers on its OK – it’s all part of the experience! It is very dark outside now and the light from our candles flickers off the various features of the church. I thought it might be eerie but it isn’t at all. It’s actually very, very peaceful. We share a final beer sitting in the chancel then it’s off to our pews and into our sleeping bags. I sleep much better than I thought I would and I’m only slightly disorientated when I wake up to find myself in a church! My colleagues gradually rouse themselves too and after a cup of tea and a quick brush of the teeth we head out for a stroll along the river Stour before returning to the Fordwich Arms for a hearty full English breakfast.
All in all, an unusual but enjoyable experience and an interesting tale to tell when you return to work on Monday!
http://www.visitchurches.org.uk/champing
Written March 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mick J
Londond
Jul 2015 • Couples
The trend for unusual places to stay reaches its apogee with the opening of a small number of churches owned by the Churches Conservation Trust for overnight stays. Facilities are spartan--air mattresses, a kettle, a toilet tent but this isn't about creature comforts. It's about spending time in complete seclusion in an extraordinary building and experiencing it (literally) in different lights and drink in its atmosphere. You can read, you can meditate, you can listen to music, you can even pray. What you must do is sing a bit (or a lot), and read a poem from the pulpit to experience the excellent acoustics of the church. We chose to listen to a recording of Macbeth as the light faded, and were delighted to learn later that Shakespeare had performed in Fordwich--possibly in the church itself--in 1605.
We supplemented our trip with dinner in the Fordwich Arms, a huge breakfast in The George and Dragon (included) a trip down the river with Canoe Wild and a visit to the tiny but fascinating town hall.For a tiny town Fordwich has much to explore.
It's not the easiest night's sleep--you will wake with the birds as the sun streams in through the church windows-- but a wonderful, revitalising experience none the less.
We supplemented our trip with dinner in the Fordwich Arms, a huge breakfast in The George and Dragon (included) a trip down the river with Canoe Wild and a visit to the tiny but fascinating town hall.For a tiny town Fordwich has much to explore.
It's not the easiest night's sleep--you will wake with the birds as the sun streams in through the church windows-- but a wonderful, revitalising experience none the less.
Written July 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob6079
Canterbury, UK
A wonderful old church open daily thanks to the work of the trust that takes care of it. Nestled in the smallest town in England this is a haven of peace within a picturesque and charming little settlement. Spend time marvelling at the sheer age of the pews and tombs within, and contemplate the tranquility. There is even a tomb purporting to hold relics of St Augustine of Canterbury. This church is beautifully looked after and totally unspoilt. 25 minutes from Canterbury by bike along a largely traffic-free cycle way. Also a short walk from Sturry Rlwy Stn. Time your visit after 1130 if you want a coffee in the local pub or on a Summer Bank Holiday or August Wednesday if you wish to visit the old Town Hall as well.
Written August 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ABEONAS
Folkestone, UK
Oct 2018 • Friends
We had to have a nose in here. Beautiful and ancient from the outside , even more so inside. Great atmosphere , loads of history to imbibe. There has been a church on this site since 620, the present building is from the 11/12 th centuries. It has old family pews with doors, stained glass windows and a delightful spire a top it. The latch to the door of the church rattled from the effect of the wind, akin to a Dickens novel. Worth a visit and a small donation for the up keep!
Written October 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi lobster64,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, really glad you enjoyed your visit and thank you for making a donation.
We have over 350 churches across England so hope to see you at another CCT church soon.
Best wishes,
Rachel M
Written October 23, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue N
Traverse City, MI
May 2015 • Couples
St. Mary's Church, Fordwich, has special meaning for our family: it is our ancestral home. Recently my son and I fulfilled a dream visiting St. Mary's with our 1597 family Bible. Visitors enter the church through the South porch door into an 1100s era church where history can be seen, felt, and imagined. One of the most interesting features inside the church is the Fordwich stone, which looks like a sarcophagus, was carved around 1100. It is thought the stone may have originally come from Canterbury and that the relics of a saint may have been placed beneath it--perhaps, even, St. Augustine. Of great interest to us is a Benefactions memorial plaque bearing the name of one of our cousins. The are postcards, a brochure, and a little booklet available for a small fee (a box for donations is close by), the booklet being especially useful in helping visitors remember their visit. We are grateful The Churches Conservation Trust has maintained this church, and like to imagine that our ancestors would be pleased to know we had "come home." [free site to visit, but leaving a donation is considerate and appreciated!]
Written August 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheDingoFamily
Bochum, Germany
Apr 2023
We loved to visit this little old church and the yard, had nice talks to a few people who were preparing the service. Definitely worth a visit!
Written April 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jul 2019
On a chance visit to Fordwich my wife and I stumbled upon this small exquisite anglican church dating back to Norman times set in a fairly overgrown churchyard adjacent to the river Stour. It has a fascinating history throughout the centuries and although no longer used for services is maintained by the Churches Conservation Trust. It provides a window of how pilgrims and local people worshipped in the past with interesting features such as the wooden box pews and a shelf for leaving loaves for the poor. Well worth a visit whilst in the tiny town of Fordwich.
Written September 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RCL222
Canterbury, UK
Mar 2019 • Solo
I always enjoy visiting this beautiful church.
I recommend it to anyone.
Fordwich town is also beautiful
I recommend it to anyone.
Fordwich town is also beautiful
Written March 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lestermusic-uk
Ramsgate, UK
Oct 2018 • Solo
Fordwich is the smallest town in Britain with fewer than 400 people living there at the last census.
The Church of St.Mary the Virgin is a most interesting place to see and I found the woodwork from construction to the pews amazing. St.Mary's is run by the Churches Conservation Trust and is Grade 1 listed.
Though the original church dates back to 620, much was rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Being near to Canterbury, Fordwich acted as a port for boats going there via the River Stour.
This is a wonderful church to visit and take in the pretty town too.
The Church of St.Mary the Virgin is a most interesting place to see and I found the woodwork from construction to the pews amazing. St.Mary's is run by the Churches Conservation Trust and is Grade 1 listed.
Though the original church dates back to 620, much was rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Being near to Canterbury, Fordwich acted as a port for boats going there via the River Stour.
This is a wonderful church to visit and take in the pretty town too.
Written October 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, really glad you enjoyed your visit.
We have over 350 churches across England so hope to see you at another CCT church soon.
Best wishes,
Rachel M
Written October 23, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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