Beautiful wooden church roof.
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St Mary the Virgin Church Brading

4.8
·16 reviews·Brading, United Kingdom

A 12th-century church on the Isle of Wight, known for its historic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Enjoy the light through stained glass

CrowdLow
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Beautiful wooden church roof.

St Mary the Virgin Church Brading

Best Time

Daytime

Enjoy the light through stained glass

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 12th-century church on the Isle of Wight, known for its historic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

4.8
(16 reviews)

"A lovely little church and worth a visit if you're into your churches and history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Easy Parking Available

Pay and display car park is right next door, making access super simple. :car:

🕰️ Allow 30 Minutes

A good amount of time to explore the church and its surroundings. :clock:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

12th Century Architecture

12th Century Architecture

Marvel at the ancient stonework and enduring design of this historic church, a testament to centuries of faith.

Instagram
Stained Glass Windows

Stained Glass Windows

Admire the vibrant colors and intricate designs of the superb stained glass windows that fill the interior with light.

Reddit
Charming Old Cemetery

Charming Old Cemetery

Wander through the small, charming old cemetery surrounding the church, offering a peaceful and historic atmosphere.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the History

Step back in time at St. Mary the Virgin Church, a 12th-century gem on the Isle of Wight. Explore its rich history and admire the beautiful stained glass windows. Allow about 30 minutes for your visit. Instagram

Parking and Access

Conveniently located with a pay-and-display car park just 50 yards away, making it easily accessible for all visitors. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Enjoy the light through stained glass
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Had to go give thanks for my miracle baby 🙏 such a beautiful and peaceful experience!! #miracle #nicubaby #virgendeguadalupe #virgencita #virgenmaria #thanks #teamwork
@fabbb80
947.3K likes • 9.9M views

🚗 Easy Parking Available

Pay and display car park is right next door, making access super simple. Reddit :car:

🕰️ Allow 30 Minutes

A good amount of time to explore the church and its surroundings. Reddit :clock:

The history of “Our Lady of Guadalupe” and how she defeated the Aztec god Quetzacoatl 🐍
@malvi_tx
133.2K likes • 1.1M views
Happy Easter 🌦️ This is the 12th century church of St Mary, in Brading on the Isle of Wight. The cult of the Virgin Mary, with images like the “Throne of Wisdom,” flourished during this period, influenced by theologians like Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, who encouraged people to seek Mary’s guidance and protection. The Roman Villa, just over the hill from St Mary’s church, has evidence of pagan w...
oathboundsecrets
26 likes • 368 views

⛪ Open for Visitors

The church is usually open, allowing for spontaneous visits and quiet contemplation. Reddit :church:

Looking at some sketches from book 8 that were from March 2025. The George, Sherborne All Saints Merriott King Alfred, Burrow Bridge Burrow Mump The Blessesd Virgin Mary, Woolavington St Mary the Virgin, Brading, IofW All Saints Church, Newchurch, IofW All Saints Church, Godshill, IofW And St Mary’s Church, Brightstone IofW. #churches #sketchbook #sketches #march #dandraws
danartisan
14 likes • 208 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy Parking Available

Pay and display car park is right next door, making access super simple. Reddit :car:

🕰️ Allow 30 Minutes

A good amount of time to explore the church and its surroundings. Reddit :clock:

⛪ Open for Visitors

The church is usually open, allowing for spontaneous visits and quiet contemplation. Reddit :church:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(16 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find St. Mary the Virgin Church in Brading to be a lovely, historic site with beautiful stained glass windows and a charming surrounding cemetery. Its easy accessibility and convenient parking are frequently praised, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in churches and local history.

"This is a lovely little church and worth a visit of you're into your churches and history some pretty stained glass windows inside. Graveyard is worth a little walk around.

Time spent here 30 minutes.

Parking is next door on a pay and display car park."

Matt Longville

"Lovely looking church. It's open so I could have a wander inside, which was nice."

Donna W

"Brading is a small little town between Sandown and Ryde and definitely worth to make a stop at. It has a beautiful high street and a gorgeous church with a small charming old cemetery surrounding the church of St. Mary the Virgin."

Oliver Liebmann

What People Like

Beautiful stained glass
Historic architecture
Charming cemetery

What People Dislike

Short visit time

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Mary the Virgin Church is located in Brading on the Isle of Wight. It's easily accessible by car, with a pay-and-display car park conveniently situated less than 50 yards away. Reddit

Yes, there is a pay-and-display car park located right next door to the church, making it very accessible for visitors. Reddit

Absolutely! Brading is a charming town between Sandown and Ryde, and St. Mary the Virgin Church is a key historical site worth visiting as part of a day trip to the area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, the church is open for visitors to wander inside without requiring tickets. It's a place for quiet reflection and historical exploration. Reddit

While specific hours can vary, the church is often open for visitors to explore its interior. It's advisable to check local listings or inquire if you have a specific time in mind. Reddit

There is typically no admission fee to enter the church itself, though donations are often welcome to help with its upkeep. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you can admire the historic architecture, including superb stained glass windows that are a highlight for many visitors. InstagramReddit

Yes, the small, charming old cemetery surrounding the church is definitely worth a little walk around, offering a peaceful and historic atmosphere. Reddit

Most visitors find that about 30 minutes is sufficient to explore the church and its graveyard. Reddit

Indeed, it's a 12th-century church steeped in history, making it a significant historical site on the Isle of Wight. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside the church, allowing you to capture the beauty of the stained glass and architecture. However, always be respectful of ongoing services or other visitors. Instagram

The stained glass windows are a prime subject for photography, especially when the light streams through them. The exterior architecture and the surrounding graveyard also offer picturesque views. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Mary the Virgin Church in Brading offers a gentle introduction to history for families. The easy access and nearby parking make it convenient for those with young children. Reddit While the church itself is a place for quiet respect, the charming old cemetery can be an interesting space for kids to explore (with supervision, of course), imagining stories from the past. The stained glass windows can also capture their attention with their colors and light. InstagramReddit

⛪ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those passionate about history and architecture, St. Mary the Virgin Church is a must-visit. As a 12th-century church, it provides a direct link to medieval England. Instagram Pay close attention to the original architectural elements and the superb stained glass windows, which are often a focal point for appreciation. Reddit The historical context of the cult of the Virgin Mary during its construction adds another layer of interest. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

St. Mary the Virgin Church in Brading is a remarkable 12th-century structure on the Isle of Wight, offering a tangible connection to centuries past. Its enduring architecture speaks volumes about the craftsmanship and faith of its builders. The church has witnessed countless historical events and continues to be a place of worship and reflection. Instagram

The cult of the Virgin Mary flourished during the period this church was established, with influences from theologians who encouraged seeking her guidance. This historical context adds another layer of depth to your visit, allowing you to appreciate the spiritual significance of the site. Instagram

For those interested in local history, Brading itself is a charming town with a beautiful high street, and the church's small, old cemetery provides a peaceful space to explore and reflect on the lives of those who came before. Reddit

Architectural and Artistic Treasures

The interior of St. Mary the Virgin Church is particularly noted for its superb stained glass windows. These windows are not just decorative; they are intricate works of art that tell stories and fill the sacred space with vibrant, colored light. When the sun hits them, the effect is truly breathtaking and a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

Beyond the stained glass, the church’s 12th-century architecture itself is a significant draw. Visitors can appreciate the ancient stonework, the layout of the building, and the sense of history that permeates the air. It’s a place where you can feel the weight of centuries and the continuity of faith. Instagram

Even the graveyard surrounding the church is described as charming and worth a walk. It offers a quiet space for contemplation and a chance to see old gravestones, adding to the overall historical atmosphere of the site. Reddit

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