Boldre Church St John
A historic medieval church in the New Forest, featuring a significant HMS Hood Memorial and a fascinating, ancient graveyard.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful exploration
Boldre Church St John
Best Time
Peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic medieval church in the New Forest, featuring a significant HMS Hood Memorial and a fascinating, ancient graveyard.
"An excellent medieval church situated in a very pleasant part of Hampshire county."
🚗 Satnav Essential
Use the postcode in your satnav; it's a little out of the way but worth it!
🚶♀️ Scenic Walk Option
Enjoy a delightful 45-minute walk from Lymington along pretty country lanes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
HMS Hood Memorial
Churchyard
A poignant memorial to the HMS Hood, a significant historical landmark worth the trip alone.
Ancient Medieval Church
St. John the Baptist Church
Explore parts of this church dating back to the 1080s, filled with history and archaic English insights.
Historic Graveyard
Churchyard
Wander through a large, well-kept graveyard with ancient gravestones and a war section.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Satnav Essential
Use the postcode in your satnav; it's a little out of the way but worth it!
🚶♀️ Scenic Walk Option
Enjoy a delightful 45-minute walk from Lymington along pretty country lanes.
📸 Capture History
The church and its surroundings offer beautiful photo opportunities, especially the stained glass.
🌳 Explore the Grounds
Take time to walk around the well-kept graveyard and surrounding New Forest.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Satnav Essential
Use the postcode in your satnav; it's a little out of the way but worth it!
🚶♀️ Scenic Walk Option
Enjoy a delightful 45-minute walk from Lymington along pretty country lanes.
📸 Capture History
The church and its surroundings offer beautiful photo opportunities, especially the stained glass.
🌳 Explore the Grounds
Take time to walk around the well-kept graveyard and surrounding New Forest.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Boldre Church St John to be a very interesting and beautiful medieval church in a pleasant rural location. The HMS Hood Memorial and the well-kept, historic graveyard are frequently highlighted as significant attractions. While some have noted the church being closed at times, the overall experience is considered well worth the visit, especially for those exploring the New Forest.
"Very interesting church in a nice location. The HMS Hood Memorial worth the trip alone along with the association to the church. Well worth a walk round the Well kept grave yard . Ample parking."
John Sharman
"An excellent mediaeval church (sign says 1089) situated in a very pleasant part of Hampshire county. Delightful 45 min walk from Lymington, along pretty country lanes.
A very large and always interesting graveyard, including a well tended war section.
Shame the Kirk was closed due to COVID-19."
Steven Heath
"Very pleasant and very quiet burial ground and church. Worth popping into if you’re in the area."
Caïna Verrin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Boldre Church St John by car, using its postcode in your satnav for direct access. It's also a pleasant 45-minute walk from Lymington through country lanes.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the church, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy a scenic 45-minute walk from Lymington to the church, passing through pretty country lanes.
Entering the church's postcode into your satnav is the most reliable way to find it, as it's situated a little off the main routes.
While direct public transport might be limited, combining a bus to Lymington with the walk is an option for those using public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no admission fee to visit Boldre Church St John. Entry is usually free, though donations are welcome.
The church is often open, but hours can vary. It's advisable to check local listings or contact the parish for specific opening times, especially if visiting during off-season or for events.
The churchyard is typically accessible for visitors to explore, even if the church building itself has limited hours.
Local listings may show special services or events. Checking these can add another layer to your visit, though sometimes closures occur for these.
The HMS Hood Memorial is located within the churchyard and is freely accessible to all visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can discover parts of the church dating back to the 1080s and appreciate its historical architecture. Some videos mention insights into archaic English.
The graveyard is noted for being large, interesting, and well-kept, featuring ancient gravestones and a dedicated war section.
Yes, the HMS Hood Memorial is a prominent feature within the churchyard and is well worth seeking out.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing services or other visitors.
Dating back to the 1080s, it's one of the oldest churches in the New Forest, with parts of its structure from around 1200.
📸 📸 Photography
The church exterior, the ancient gravestones in the graveyard, and the HMS Hood Memorial offer great photographic opportunities. The surrounding New Forest scenery also adds to the charm.
Yes, the New Forest offers beautiful natural landscapes, and Boldre Church provides a historical element to your photography.
The stained glass windows are beautiful and often a highlight for visitors. Photography is usually allowed, but check for any specific restrictions.
Morning or late afternoon light can create a lovely atmosphere for photographing the church and its grounds.
The ancient gravestones, the HMS Hood Memorial, and the church's historical architecture provide unique subjects for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making the visit part of a larger New Forest adventure. The surrounding natural beauty offers opportunities for short walks or picnics, making the trip more engaging for younger visitors.
The drive to the church itself, especially if coming through the New Forest, can be scenic and enjoyable for the whole family. 🚶♀️ History Buffs & Heritage Seekers
The churchyard is a treasure trove of historical markers, including ancient gravestones and a well-maintained war section.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The churchyard itself is a significant feature, described as large, interesting, and well-tended. It includes a war section, adding a layer of remembrance to the historical exploration.
Beyond its own history, Boldre Church is closely associated with the HMS Hood Memorial, a poignant tribute that draws many visitors.
Exploring the New Forest Surroundings
For those who enjoy walking, the church is a delightful destination. It's approximately a 45-minute walk from the nearby town of Lymington, traversing pretty country lanes.
Visitors often combine a visit to the church with walks in the forest, appreciating the blend of historical architecture and natural landscapes. The well-kept graveyard and the church's rural location contribute to a serene experience, enhanced by the natural beauty of the New Forest.
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