St Helens Old Church Ruin
Explore the atmospheric ruins of an 800-year-old church and a WWII pillbox, set against stunning coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, cafe open
St Helens Old Church Ruin
Best Time
Calm waters, cafe open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the atmospheric ruins of an 800-year-old church and a WWII pillbox, set against stunning coastal views.
"Lovely piece of 800 year old history. The tower itself dates from 1220 but there’s not much left of it now."
Check Tide Times First
Essential for exploring the rocks and walking to Seaview. Don't get caught out by the incoming tide! :ocean:
History Info Board
A great information board details the church's past. Read it to truly appreciate the ruins. :scroll:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ruined Tower
Main church structure
A ghostly silhouette of its former 13th-century self, offering a glimpse into centuries of history.
World War II Pillbox
Base of the church ruin
A fascinating historical juxtaposition, this wartime structure is embedded at the ruin's base.
Coastal Views & Seaview Walk
Surrounding coastline
Stunning views of St. Helen's Fort and the Solent, with a walk to Seaview possible at low tide.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Atmosphere
Timing is Key for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First
Essential for exploring the rocks and walking to Seaview. Don't get caught out by the incoming tide! :ocean:
History Info Board
A great information board details the church's past. Read it to truly appreciate the ruins. :scroll:
Summer Watersports
Rent kayaks or paddleboards in summer for fun on the water. :kayak:
Navigational Marker
The white-painted seaward side of the pillbox once guided ships. :ship:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First
Essential for exploring the rocks and walking to Seaview. Don't get caught out by the incoming tide! :ocean:
History Info Board
A great information board details the church's past. Read it to truly appreciate the ruins. :scroll:
Summer Watersports
Rent kayaks or paddleboards in summer for fun on the water. :kayak:
Navigational Marker
The white-painted seaward side of the pillbox once guided ships. :ship:
Swim and Relax
The area is a lovely spot for swimming and relaxing by the sea. :swimmer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise St. Helens Old Church Ruin as a 'lovely piece of history' with a 'ghostly silhouette' of its past. The surrounding coastal area is highlighted as great for swimming, relaxing, and watersports in summer, with the added intrigue of a WWII pillbox. Some note that not much of the original church remains, but the historical context and views are appreciated.
"Lovely piece of 800 year old history. The tower itself dates from 1220 but there’s not much left of it now. It stands as a ghostly silhouette of its former self. Look out for the world war 2 pill box embedded at its base. It’s painted white at the seaward side to act as a navigational marker for shopping."
Chris Gledhill
"Great place to swim, relax and walk. There's a council car park (pay and display), cafe and toilets. During the summer can hire different kinds of sport equipment - e.g. kayaks, paddle boards etc. When the tide is out enough can walk round on the rocks to Seaview."
Chris Walton
"Wonderful piece of IoW history.
Great information board telling you some of the history about the Church.
How it would have looked so different all those years ago when the whole building was still there!"
Jason Owen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ruin is located near St. Helens on the Isle of Wight. Access is often via coastal paths. Parking is available at a council car park (pay and display) nearby, which also has toilets and a cafe.
Yes, there is a council car park with pay and display facilities close to the ruin.
The ruin is accessible via coastal walks. Exploring the rocks around it is best done at low tide.
The ruin is a prominent landmark on the coast. Information boards are available to help you understand its history.
Many visitors enjoy a walk along the coast, especially at low tide, to fully appreciate the surroundings and the ruin's position.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the church ruin is an open historical site and does not require tickets for entry.
As an open-air ruin, it is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
There is no entrance fee for the church ruin itself. Parking at the nearby council car park may incur a fee.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and limited visibility of the historical features.
The main consideration is tide times if you plan to explore the surrounding rocks. Otherwise, it's an open historical site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the remains of an 800-year-old church, including its tower dating from 1220, and a World War II pillbox embedded at its base. The coastal views are also a major draw.
It is largely a ruin, standing as a 'ghostly silhouette' of its former self. The tower is the most significant remaining structure.
During summer, you can swim, relax, hire watersports equipment like kayaks and paddleboards, and walk to Seaview at low tide.
Yes, there is a cafe and toilets available near the council car park.
The atmospheric ruins and coastal scenery make it a picturesque location for photography, especially during golden hour.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers beautiful light for capturing the atmospheric ruins and coastal views.
You can capture dramatic shots of the ruined tower against the sky, the unique WWII pillbox, and the expansive coastal scenery.
Many photographers focus on the silhouette of the tower, the juxtaposition of the old church and the pillbox, and wide shots of the coastline.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape, while a telephoto can isolate details of the ruins. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions.
Drone regulations vary, so check local rules before flying. However, the open coastal location might offer opportunities for aerial shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Check tide times before visiting if you plan to explore the rocks. The nearby cafe and toilets are convenient. Consider bringing beach toys and picnic supplies for a full day out. The historical information board can also be a good way to engage older children with the site's past.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Photographers
Photographers will find the atmospheric ruins and coastal vistas highly rewarding. The interplay of light and shadow on the ancient stones, especially during golden hour, creates dramatic shots. Don't miss the chance to capture the unique juxtaposition of the old church and the modern pillbox.
🏖️ Beach Lovers & Watersport Enthusiasts
Don't miss: The opportunity to walk to Seaview at low tide, offering a different perspective of the coastline. The views of St. Helen's Fort are also a scenic highlight.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Adding another layer to its history, a World War II pillbox is embedded at the base of the ruin. This structure served a defensive purpose and, on its seaward side, was painted white to act as a navigational marker for ships. This unique combination of medieval ecclesiastical architecture and wartime fortification makes the site particularly intriguing.
The site also holds a spiritual significance, with mentions of Saint Helena's discovery of the True Cross, connecting it to broader Christian history. While the physical structure is in ruins, the historical and spiritual echoes remain palpable.
Coastal Charm and Activities
The natural landscape also provides opportunities for relaxation and exploration. The area is described as a 'lovely place to swim, relax and walk.' A key attraction is the ability to walk around on the rocks to Seaview when the tide is sufficiently out. This requires checking tide times to ensure safe passage and the best experience.
The views from the ruin extend to St. Helen's Fort in the Solent, offering a picturesque backdrop. This combination of historical interest and natural seaside appeal makes St. Helens Old Church Ruin a multifaceted destination.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit