Culbone Church
Discover Culbone Church, England's smallest active parish church, accessible via a scenic coastal walk. A truly unique and peaceful historical gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant walking weather
Culbone Church
Best Time
Pleasant walking weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Culbone Church, England's smallest active parish church, accessible via a scenic coastal walk. A truly unique and peaceful historical gem.
"A quaint, little church that exudes character and offers a rewarding walk."
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path to Culbone Church can be steep and rough. Appropriate footwear is essential for a comfortable walk.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
The 2-mile walk from Porlock Weir each way takes time. Enjoy the journey and the peaceful atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Culbone Church Interior
Inside the church
Experience the intimate atmosphere of England's smallest church, still in use today. Note the unique harmonium.
The Pilgrimage Walk
South West Coast Path from Porlock Weir
A rewarding 2-mile walk along the coast path, leading to this hidden gem. Enjoy stunning views en route.
Peaceful Churchyard
Church grounds
A tranquil spot to rest, reflect, and soak in the serene surroundings after your walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Walk to Culbone Church
A Tiny Piece of History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path to Culbone Church can be steep and rough. Appropriate footwear is essential for a comfortable walk.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
The 2-mile walk from Porlock Weir each way takes time. Enjoy the journey and the peaceful atmosphere.
🐶 Dog-Friendly (with caution)
Dogs are welcome, but be mindful of ticks in summer months. Keep them on a lead.
💧 Be Prepared for Dampness
The church can be damp, especially the harmonium. This adds to its unique character.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path to Culbone Church can be steep and rough. Appropriate footwear is essential for a comfortable walk.
🚶♀️ Allow Ample Time
The 2-mile walk from Porlock Weir each way takes time. Enjoy the journey and the peaceful atmosphere.
🐶 Dog-Friendly (with caution)
Dogs are welcome, but be mindful of ticks in summer months. Keep them on a lead.
💧 Be Prepared for Dampness
The church can be damp, especially the harmonium. This adds to its unique character.
🗑️ Leave No Trace
Please take all your rubbish with you to preserve the beauty of this special place.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Culbone Church for its unique status as England's smallest active church and its incredibly peaceful, historic atmosphere. The rewarding walk from Porlock Weir is a highlight for many, offering beautiful coastal views, though the terrain can be challenging. Some note the dampness inside the church and the need for sturdy footwear.
"These Churches are so important to visit and give a sense of purpose. To learn this Church is still in use amazes me and pleases. The Smallest Parish Church in the UK has a wealth of history and is set in a beautiful and peaceful location."
Michael Jones
"Went to Porlock Weir on Saturday, lovely little place, good parking, and fairly easy to get to. Went for a 6 mile walk around coast path to St Beunos and around to worthy woods with glimpses of the sea, my wife and I have been meaning to go for ages, so glad we did, very peaceful loved it"
phil todd
"A quaint, little (understatement!) church that exudes character. Plenty of information available to read about its history. The walk up the coast from Porlock is quite steep but should be manageable for most people, and the churchyard is a nice place to rest in preparation for the return."
Karan Warner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Culbone Church is only accessible on foot. The most common route is a 2-mile walk from Porlock Weir along the South West Coast Path. +1
Yes, there is parking available at Porlock Weir, which is the starting point for the walk to the church. +1
The walk is approximately 2 miles each way and can be steep and rough in parts. It offers beautiful coastal views. +1
No, Culbone Church is a car-free zone and can only be reached by walking.
Yes, signs are posted along the path, including one about a mile up indicating the pilgrimage ahead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees for Culbone Church. It is a place of worship and generally open to visitors.
As an active church, it is usually open during daylight hours, but it's best to check local listings or inquire if you plan to attend a specific service.
The walk itself is free, as it follows the public South West Coast Path.
While generally accessible, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the surroundings.
There are no modern facilities like electricity or running water within the church itself.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's famously known as the smallest Church of England church where services are regularly held, offering a unique historical and peaceful experience. 
The church is very small, with a capacity of around 33 people at a squeeze.
Services have been held here in some form for over 1000 years, making it a site of significant historical importance.
Yes, it is still an active place of worship, which adds to its unique charm and sense of continuity. +1
Inside, you'll find a simple, intimate space with a harmonium, which is pumped by foot or knee.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the quaint church, its setting in a quiet combe, and the coastal walk offer many picturesque opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful moods, especially with the coastal backdrop.
Visitors are generally welcome to take photos inside, but always be respectful of ongoing services or private prayer.
No specific restrictions are usually mentioned, but common courtesy applies. Avoid flash photography if it might disturb others.
Capture the church's tiny scale, the surrounding natural beauty, and the journey along the coast path.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Pilgrims
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culbone Church Walk: A Journey of Discovery
+1 Some even note peculiar natural formations along the way, like a tree resembling a human leg, adding to the unique character of the trek. This walk is more than just a means of access; it's an opportunity to connect with the landscape and the history of the area. The signs along the path, including one that marks the 'pilgrimage ahead,' further enhance this feeling.
The effort involved in reaching Culbone Church makes its eventual discovery all the more special. It’s a chance to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and quietude of Exmoor National Park. Remember to pack water and perhaps a snack to enjoy amidst the scenery. Culbone Church: England's Smallest Active Parish Church
+1 Nestled in a quiet combe, its diminutive size is striking, with an estimated capacity of just 33 people. This intimate scale contributes to its profound sense of peace and historical significance. Services have been conducted here in some form for over a millennium, a testament to its enduring presence. Inside, the church offers a unique glimpse into a simpler form of worship. Notably, there is no electricity, meaning services are accompanied by a harmonium that is pumped by foot or knee.
This detail, along with the damp atmosphere, adds to the church's rustic charm and historical authenticity. Visitors often describe the interior as peaceful and evocative, a place where one can truly feel the weight of centuries. 
Social
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