St Mary's Church Kersey
A historic church crowning a hill, offering breathtaking views of one of Suffolk's most picturesque and unspoiled villages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views and fewer crowds
St Mary's Church Kersey
Best Time
Clearer views and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic church crowning a hill, offering breathtaking views of one of Suffolk's most picturesque and unspoiled villages.
"Superb building really prominent with views over the village. Really worth a visit!"
🥾 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Village Views
Churchyard
Soak in breathtaking views of the unspoiled Kersey village and its iconic ford from the churchyard.
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
Church Porch
Admire the beautifully restored Victorian church porch, a striking example of historical preservation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for the Best Views
Prepare for the Ascent
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
Yes, there is a toilet facility available inside the church for visitors, which is a much-appreciated amenity.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Absolutely! St. Mary's Church and the surrounding Kersey village are incredibly photogenic, often described as 'picture postcard' perfect, especially on a sunny day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Highlights
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.
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.
Exploring Kersey Village
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.
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.


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