St Mary's Church, Kersey - Image 1
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St Mary's Church Kersey

4.7
·38 reviews·Kersey, United Kingdom

A historic church crowning a hill, offering breathtaking views of one of Suffolk's most picturesque and unspoiled villages.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Clearer views and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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St Mary's Church, Kersey - Image 1

St Mary's Church Kersey

Best Time

Morning

Clearer views and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic church crowning a hill, offering breathtaking views of one of Suffolk's most picturesque and unspoiled villages.

4.7
(38 reviews)

"Superb building really prominent with views over the village. Really worth a visit!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Steep steps lead to the church; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the grounds and village. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Views

The churchyard offers stunning photo opportunities of the village and surrounding countryside. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Village Views

Panoramic Village Views

Churchyard

Soak in breathtaking views of the unspoiled Kersey village and its iconic ford from the churchyard.

15th Century Angel Roof

15th Century Angel Roof

Interior

Marvel at the intricate details of the 15th-century roof, a testament to medieval craftsmanship, despite some 'decapitated angels'.

Victorian Restoration

Victorian Restoration

Church Porch

Admire the beautifully restored Victorian church porch, a striking example of historical preservation.

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Planning Your Visit

Arrive Early for the Best Views

St. Mary's Church sits prominently on a hill overlooking the picturesque village of Kersey. Arriving earlier in the day ensures you can fully appreciate the panoramic views and the church's commanding presence before potential crowds gather. Consider the weather for optimal photo opportunities.

Prepare for the Ascent

Accessing the church involves steep steps, though handrails and resting benches are available. Wear comfortable footwear, especially if you plan to explore the village and its ford after your visit. The climb is rewarded with stunning vistas and a sense of tranquility.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Clearer views and fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

St Mary’s was built in 1895 in North Brookfield NY. It was an important part of my ancestor’s lives for generations so when it was slatted for demolition to make a parking lot, I decided to buy it, move it half a mile and save it. Two years later, after soooo much work (and a heck of a lot of $$$!) its ready for another 130 of life and I’ve never regretted it for a second ❤️ #restoration #beforean...
@megbarnes22
1.3K likes • 10K views

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Steep steps lead to the church; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the grounds and village. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Views

The churchyard offers stunning photo opportunities of the village and surrounding countryside. :camerawithflash:

At Swansea Minster/St Mary’s Church today and tomorrow #swansea
@swanseascoop
1.2K likes • 31.7K views
ST. Mary’s Church, New Jersey. #🙏🙏🙏 #newjersey #church #stmary #stmarys #stmaryschurch #romancatholic #romancatholicchurch
@roman.catholic.churches
850 likes • 17.3K views

☕ Visit The Bell Inn

Enjoy a superb pub lunch at The Kersey Bell, known for its homemade pies and pleasant atmosphere. :knifeforkplate:

🚽 Facilities Available

A toilet is conveniently located inside the church for visitor use. :toilet:

reddit.com

5 days trip in East Anglia, please share your tips!

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Steep steps lead to the church; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the grounds and village. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Views

The churchyard offers stunning photo opportunities of the village and surrounding countryside. :camerawithflash:

☕ Visit The Bell Inn

Enjoy a superb pub lunch at The Kersey Bell, known for its homemade pies and pleasant atmosphere. :knifeforkplate:

🚽 Facilities Available

A toilet is conveniently located inside the church for visitor use. :toilet:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(38 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise St. Mary's Church Kersey for its prominent hilltop location offering superb views over the picturesque, unspoiled village. The church itself is noted for its architectural beauty, including a notable 15th-century roof. The nearby Kersey Bell pub is also a frequent highlight for its excellent food and atmosphere.

"Great larger church on the hill with views over the village. Superb building really prominent. Be warned steep steps into the grounds but 2 handrail and seats outside the church to for a rest. .Really worth a visit and has a toilet inside much needed . Further down the hill there is a small Ford and a great pub The Kersey Bell a lovely old pub with a pleasant atmorsphere and really good food and decent garden."

Julie Youell

"One of my favourite suffolk churches situated in pretty unspoilt village which includes a ford on the main street.A peaceful church situated at the highest point in the village commanding a lovely view from the churchyard.When you go in the church,look up. ( in fact when you go in any church look up,) Suffolk has many angel roofs ,this one ,sadly has decapitated angels thanks to the reformation.Atmospheric feeling here,sit down and feel it wash over you.Cannot leave without mentioning the Bell Inn .After your church visit call in for a superb pub lunch.Been here at least 10 times and found it brilliant.Word of warning,have no breakfast if you have the homemade pies!,rather filling."

bodix006 UK

"Obviously a church that is still being used for the purpose it was built for. So Many features in plain sight and hidden. Interesting bosses, wooden and stone. It's position on the hill above the lovely village of Kersey means it can be seen from afar."

Laurie Bolt

What People Like

Stunning village views
Historic architecture
Picturesque setting

What People Dislike

Steep steps to church

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Mary's Church is located in the village of Kersey, Suffolk. If arriving by car, follow signs for Kersey. Parking may be available in the village, but be mindful of the narrow lanes. Public transport options are limited, so a car is often the most convenient way to reach this charming location. Reddit

Public transport to Kersey is infrequent. The nearest train stations are likely in Ipswich or Sudbury, requiring onward bus connections or a taxi. It's advisable to check local bus timetables in advance if relying on public transport. Reddit

Kersey is best explored on foot. Wander through its picturesque streets, admire the historic buildings, and don't miss the iconic ford. The church is situated at the top of the hill, offering a great starting or ending point for your village exploration. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

St. Mary's Church Kersey is typically open daily and does not charge an entrance fee. Donations are always welcome to help with the upkeep of this historic building. Reddit

The church is generally open daily for visitors to explore. It's always a good idea to check for any specific service times or events that might affect visitor access on the day of your visit. Reddit

Photography is usually permitted inside St. Mary's Church Kersey for personal use. However, it's respectful to be mindful of any ongoing services or other visitors. Avoid using flash photography that could be disruptive. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you can admire the impressive 15th-century angel roof, the rood screen panels in the north aisle, and various wooden and stone bosses. The church also features a Victorian restoration of its porch. Reddit

Yes, there is a toilet facility available inside the church for visitors, which is a much-appreciated amenity. Reddit

The ford is a historic feature of Kersey village, adding to its picturesque charm. It's a shallow crossing point on the main street that many visitors enjoy seeing and photographing. Reddit

From the churchyard, you'll enjoy superb views overlooking the entire village of Kersey, which is considered one of Suffolk's most unspoiled and pretty villages. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Kersey Bell pub, located further down the hill from the church, is highly recommended for a superb pub lunch. They are known for their filling homemade pies and pleasant atmosphere. Reddit

The Kersey Bell offers traditional pub fare, with a particular emphasis on their delicious and very filling homemade pies. They also have a decent garden area. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The churchyard offers fantastic vantage points for capturing the village panorama. The church's exterior architecture, the Victorian porch, and the interior details like the angel roof are also excellent subjects. Reddit

Absolutely! St. Mary's Church and the surrounding Kersey village are incredibly photogenic, often described as 'picture postcard' perfect, especially on a sunny day. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Mary's Church Kersey offers a peaceful outing for families, though the steep steps to the church require supervision for younger children. The views from the churchyard are engaging, and the historic village with its ford provides a sense of adventure. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as amenities might be limited. Reddit

After exploring the church, a visit to The Kersey Bell pub could be a good option for a family meal, provided they are accommodating to children. The overall experience is more about appreciating the scenery and history in a tranquil setting rather than active entertainment for kids.

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Hikers

For walkers, St. Mary's Church Kersey serves as a beautiful destination or a point of interest within a larger walk. The churchyard offers stunning vistas, perfect for a rest stop. The village itself is a delight to explore on foot, with its charming streets and the unique ford. Reddit

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven, and the steps to the church are steep. You can easily incorporate a visit here into a longer countryside walk in the Suffolk area, enjoying the unspoiled landscapes. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Highlights

St. Mary's Church in Kersey is a Grade I listed building, showcasing significant architectural features that span centuries. Its prominent position on the hill makes it a landmark visible from afar. The church boasts a remarkable 15th-century angel roof, a stunning example of medieval craftsmanship, though some of its angelic figures were altered during the Reformation. Reddit

Visitors should also look for the rood screen panels displayed against the wall in the north aisle, offering a glimpse into the church's past. The Victorian restoration of the church porch is another notable feature, highlighting the ongoing care and preservation of this historic site. The presence of interesting wooden and stone bosses throughout the church adds further layers of detail for those who appreciate architectural intricacies. Reddit

Beyond the specific features, the overall atmospheric feeling of the church is often commented upon by visitors. Sitting inside and allowing the history and tranquility to wash over you is a recommended experience. The church's continued use for its original purpose adds to its living heritage. Reddit

Exploring Kersey Village

St. Mary's Church is intrinsically linked to the charm of Kersey village itself, often described as one of Suffolk's most unspoiled and picturesque locations. The village is renowned for its historic ford situated on the main street, which is a unique and photogenic feature that draws many visitors. Reddit

Walking through Kersey allows you to appreciate its quaint cottages and well-preserved architecture. The village offers a peaceful escape, and combining a visit to the church with a stroll through the lanes provides a comprehensive experience of this idyllic setting. The steep steps leading up to the church are part of the village's topography, offering rewarding views as you ascend. Reddit

For those looking to extend their visit, The Kersey Bell pub is a highly recommended stop. It's a lovely old pub with a pleasant atmosphere and serves really good food, making it an ideal place to relax after exploring the church and village. Reddit

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