St. Margaret's Church
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St Margaret's Church Bodelwyddan (Marble Church)

4.7
·317 reviews·Bodelwyddan, United Kingdom

St. Margaret's Church, the 'Marble Church,' captivates with its 14 types of marble, intricate carvings, and a poignant memorial.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily, 10 AM - 4 PM

Open hours for exploration

CrowdLow
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St. Margaret's Church

St Margaret's Church Bodelwyddan (Marble Church)

Best Time

Daily, 10 AM - 4 PM

Open hours for exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

St. Margaret's Church, the 'Marble Church,' captivates with its 14 types of marble, intricate carvings, and a poignant memorial.

4.7
(317 reviews)

"More beautiful and ornate than I'd expected, with a fascinating history."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry & Parking

Admission is free, with a donation box available. Enjoy complimentary parking on well-maintained grounds. :moneybag:

Explore the Graveyard

Walk respectfully around the graveyard to discover history and feel like stepping back in time. :walking:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Marble Interior

The Marble Interior

Main Sanctuary

Marvel at 14 varieties of marble, including striking red marble pillars, creating a breathtaking, ornate sanctuary.

Intricate Wood Carvings

Intricate Wood Carvings

Ceiling, Pulpit, Lectern

Admire the stunning craftsmanship of the detailed wood carvings, especially the magnificent ceiling.

Canadian Soldiers Memorial

Canadian Soldiers Memorial

Churchyard

A poignant red sandstone memorial honors Canadian soldiers who perished nearby in 1919.

Stained Glass Windows

Stained Glass Windows

Throughout the Church

Be captivated by the beauty and detail of the numerous stained glass windows.

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Planning Your Visit

A Glimpse of Grandeur

Known as the 'Marble Church,' St. Margaret's boasts 14 types of marble inside. Its striking 202ft spire is a landmark on the A55. Plan for a serene visit to appreciate its ornate details and poignant history.

A Place of Reflection

Beyond its marble beauty, the churchyard holds a memorial to Canadian soldiers who died nearby. Visitors find the atmosphere emotional yet inspiring, offering a chance to connect with history.

Best Times

When
Daily, 10 AM - 4 PM
Why
Open hours for exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

St. Margaret’s Church (Marble Church), Bodelwyddan, North Wales. You know you are almost home when you see this! #Bodelwyddan #NorthWales #MarbleChurch #Wales #Cymru #a55 #aerialphotography #dronephotography #mini3pro #dji #visitwales #gonorthwales
dragonscopemedia
12 likes • 226 views

Free Entry & Parking

Admission is free, with a donation box available. Enjoy complimentary parking on well-maintained grounds. :moneybag:

Explore the Graveyard

Walk respectfully around the graveyard to discover history and feel like stepping back in time. :walking:

Beautiful little church we found on our road trip in North Wales (I have since found out it’s St Margaret's Church in Bodelwyddan - aka the marble church) - #marblechurch #bodelwyddan #dji #djimini3pro #mini3pro #aerial #aerialphotography #aerialphoto #drone #dronephotography #dronestagram #dronephotos #church #wales #walesadventure #roadtrip
above_all_imagery
23 likes • 108 views
St Margaret's Church or the marble church as it's also known
seantwigg
0 likes • 370 views

Gift Shop Treasures

Browse the lovely selection of cards and gifts available at the small shop near the entrance. :gift:

On-site Facilities

Convenient toilets are located outside the church, with benches available for resting. :toilet:

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry & Parking

Admission is free, with a donation box available. Enjoy complimentary parking on well-maintained grounds. :moneybag:

Explore the Graveyard

Walk respectfully around the graveyard to discover history and feel like stepping back in time. :walking:

Gift Shop Treasures

Browse the lovely selection of cards and gifts available at the small shop near the entrance. :gift:

On-site Facilities

Convenient toilets are located outside the church, with benches available for resting. :toilet:

Drone Views

Capture stunning aerial perspectives of the church and its spire from above. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(317 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise St. Margaret's Church, the 'Marble Church,' for its breathtaking interior adorned with 14 types of marble and intricate wood carvings. The poignant Canadian Soldiers' Memorial in the churchyard adds a layer of historical depth, making the visit both inspiring and emotional. While some find the history moving, the overall consensus is that it's a beautiful and worthwhile stop.

"I've often passed this impressive church, with its distinctive 202ft spire, on coach journeys along the A55 on the way to the North Wales coast or Snowdonia. This time, we made a stop here, and I'm really glad we did! The church is more beautiful and ornate than I'd expected, with a fascinating history. There's tragedy too: the first thing we saw upon entering the churchyard was a red sandstone memorial to more than 80 Canadian soldiers who died in a military camp at nearby Kinmel Park in 1919 (most of them from the Spanish flu, but five of them in riots at the camp). The memorial stands among the neat rows of well-kept white gravestones close to the church. Consecrated in 1860, St Margaret's is known as the Marble Church because of the 14 different marbles that adorn its interior. The pillars are of a fine red marble. There's some very intricate wood carving, most notably the stunning ceiling, pulpit and lectern, and also some beautiful stained glass windows. Two welcoming and enthusiastic church staff/volunteers were on hand to tell us anything we needed to know, and we could buy some nice cards and gifts at a little shop near the entrance. There are toilets outside the church, and also a few benches. It's well worth spending some time here."

Valerie Hinchliffe

"St Margaret's ( The Marble Church) was so beautiful and serene. The atmosphere when you see/ read the history is emotional.
Beautiful stained glass windows, various marble features, statues and carvings were exceptional.
There is a little gift area with a lovely selection.
Would recommend a visit and to even walk respectfully around the grave yard shows the history , its like stepping back in time.
Although the children' s section was too emotional it showed how life ( and death was ) all those years ago.
Please don't think it's a sad place its really not its so inspiring."

Michelle

"Fantastic beautiful Church
It was close at the time we went there, but just stand outside watching it was fantastic."

Peter Gustafsson

What People Like

Stunning marble interior
Intricate wood carvings
Poignant history

What People Dislike

Can be emotional

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Margaret's Church, also known as the Marble Church, is easily visible from the A55 expressway in North Wales. It's a convenient stop for those traveling along the coast or towards Snowdonia. Free car parking is available on-site. TikTok

While specific bus routes can vary, the church is often passed by coach journeys. Checking local bus timetables for routes serving Bodelwyddan is recommended for public transport users. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Marble Church is typically open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, allowing ample time for visitors to explore its beauty. Reddit

No, St. Margaret's Church is free to visit. There is a donation box inside if you wish to contribute to its upkeep. Reddit

Yes, the churchyard is open for visitors to explore respectfully, offering a chance to see the Canadian Soldiers' Memorial and other historical gravestones. Reddit

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

St. Margaret's is renowned as the 'Marble Church' due to its interior adorned with 14 different types of marble, including striking red marble pillars. It also features intricate wood carvings and beautiful stained glass windows. TikTokInstagram

The red sandstone memorial in the churchyard commemorates over 80 Canadian soldiers who died at the nearby Kinmel Park military camp in 1919, many from the Spanish flu. Reddit

Yes, there are toilets located outside the church, and benches are available in the grounds for visitors to rest. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted inside the church, allowing you to capture the stunning marble, carvings, and stained glass. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The ornate marble interior, detailed wood carvings, vibrant stained glass windows, and the impressive 202ft spire are all fantastic subjects. Drone shots offer unique perspectives. Instagram+1

Several drone videos showcase the church from above, suggesting that drone photography is possible, offering spectacular aerial views of the spire and grounds. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Margaret's Church offers a visually engaging experience for families. The striking marble interior and intricate wood carvings can capture children's imaginations, making it more than just a quiet church visit. The well-maintained grounds provide space for kids to move around respectfully. While the Canadian Soldiers' Memorial is a somber topic, it can be a valuable learning opportunity about history and remembrance, presented appropriately for the age group. Reddit+1

Consider focusing on the visual wonders like the colorful stained glass windows and the sheer amount of marble. The gift shop also offers a chance for a small souvenir. It's a relatively quick visit, making it suitable for shorter attention spans, and the free entry and parking are a bonus for family budgets. :familyww: :camerawith_flash:

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, St. Margaret's Church is a dream. The marble interior provides incredible textures and light play, especially the red marble pillars. The stained glass windows offer vibrant colors and intricate details, perfect for capturing light. Don't miss the detailed wood carvings on the ceiling, pulpit, and lectern, which showcase exceptional craftsmanship. Instagram+1

Aerial photographers will find the 202ft spire and the church's layout incredibly photogenic from above, as demonstrated by numerous drone videos. The surrounding grounds and the Canadian Soldiers' Memorial also offer opportunities for more reflective, historical photography. The church's consistent opening hours and free access make it an accessible location for capturing stunning shots. :camerawithflash: :drone:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The 'Marble Church' Phenomenon

St. Margaret's Church earned its nickname, the 'Marble Church,' due to the lavish use of 14 different types of marble in its construction and decoration. Visitors are immediately struck by the pillars of fine red marble that line the sanctuary, creating a rich and opulent atmosphere. The intricate veining and varied colors of the marble contribute to the church's unique aesthetic, setting it apart from many other ecclesiastical buildings. This dedication to using such a precious material was a testament to the wealth and vision of its benefactors. Reddit

The interior also features other exquisite marble elements, complementing the vibrant stained glass windows and detailed wood carvings. The overall effect is one of grandeur and solemn beauty, inviting quiet contemplation. The sheer variety of marble used is a talking point for many visitors, who often express surprise at the extent of its application throughout the church. Reddit

Beyond the visual splendor, the marble itself tells a story of craftsmanship and dedication. Each type of marble was carefully selected and placed to enhance the architectural design, creating a harmonious and awe-inspiring space. It's this unique characteristic that draws many to visit, seeking to witness firsthand the 'Marble Church' phenomenon. Instagram

A History of Remembrance

The churchyard of St. Margaret's holds a significant and poignant memorial to over 80 Canadian soldiers. These brave individuals died at the nearby Kinmel Park military camp in 1919, a tragic event that claimed many lives, primarily due to the Spanish flu pandemic, with some also succumbing to riots at the camp. The red sandstone memorial stands as a solemn reminder of their sacrifice and the devastating impact of the flu. Reddit

Visitors often find the experience of walking among the neat rows of white gravestones and reading the inscriptions to be deeply moving. It's a place that encourages reflection on the human cost of conflict and disease, offering a stark contrast to the church's internal beauty. The memorial serves as a vital historical marker, connecting the present-day visitor to a specific, somber chapter of history. Reddit

The emotional weight of this part of the churchyard is frequently mentioned by visitors, who describe it as both sad and inspiring. It adds another layer of depth to a visit to St. Margaret's, transforming it from a purely architectural appreciation into a more profound historical and human experience. Reddit

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