St Andrew's Church Penrith
A Grade 1 listed Anglican church, rebuilt in the 18th century, featuring a striking medieval tower and a light Georgian interior.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Longer daylight for exploring
St Andrew's Church Penrith
Best Time
Longer daylight for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Grade 1 listed Anglican church, rebuilt in the 18th century, featuring a striking medieval tower and a light Georgian interior.
"The church itself is pleasant, with a light and airy Georgian interior and interesting ancient grave in the churchyard."
Visit the Giant's Thumb
Don't miss the ancient Norse crosses and hogback stones in the churchyard! :old_key:
Check Opening Hours
Hours vary seasonally. Confirm times before your visit, especially for the churchyard. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant's Thumb
Churchyard
An ancient grave site featuring Norse crosses and hogback stones, possibly from a 10th-century king.
Georgian Interior
Inside the Church
An agreeably light and airy interior, a testament to the 18th-century rebuilding.
Medieval Tower
Exterior
The tall, imposing tower, largely built by Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, is a striking feature.
Stained Glass
East Window
Colorful and contemporary stained glass, including portraits of Ralph Neville and Joan Beaufort.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Exploring the Churchyard
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit the Giant's Thumb
Don't miss the ancient Norse crosses and hogback stones in the churchyard! :old_key:
Check Opening Hours
Hours vary seasonally. Confirm times before your visit, especially for the churchyard. :clock1:
Explore the Churchyard
The churchyard is well-kept and offers a glimpse into history. :evergreen_tree:
Appreciate the Interior
The Georgian interior is light and airy, a pleasant contrast to the medieval tower. :church:
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit the Giant's Thumb
Don't miss the ancient Norse crosses and hogback stones in the churchyard! :old_key:
Check Opening Hours
Hours vary seasonally. Confirm times before your visit, especially for the churchyard. :clock1:
Explore the Churchyard
The churchyard is well-kept and offers a glimpse into history. :evergreen_tree:
Appreciate the Interior
The Georgian interior is light and airy, a pleasant contrast to the medieval tower. :church:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find St. Andrew's Church Penrith to be a pleasant and well-kept historic site, particularly appreciating its light Georgian interior and the ancient artifacts in the churchyard. However, some have expressed disappointment with the knowledge and demeanor of certain staff members regarding historical inquiries.
"Impressive grade 1 listed church built in the 18th century, retaining an agreeably light and airy Georgian interior.
The east window features colourful stained glass and is a highlight of the church. Another is the ancient grave known as the Giant's Thumb, believed to be the grave of a 10th century King of Cumbria. This grave sits in the churchyard and comprises a pair of Norse crosses and 4 hogback stones.
The church is situated close to the centre of town, within a 15 minute walk of paid public parking areas and the railway station. It's open between 08:00 and 18:00 in the summer months and 08:30 and 16:00 in winter."
Andrew Thomas
"The staff were a bit offish with me because I asked them questions about the grave they have outside mentioning the nephilim.
A female member of church staff was cheeky and none of them know their bible. Don't waste time going there, as the staff are ignorant.
But the church ⛪️ itself is pleasant."
Paul Crew
"Well kept, very large church in the centre of Penrith. Open during the day. There is a gallery all around which is accessible very wide stairs although the entry doors were locked when we visited. Many interesting features. Not many gravestones and few easily readable."
Alan C (AlanC-LAUK)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Andrew's Church is conveniently located near the center of Penrith. It's within a 15-minute walk of paid public parking areas and the railway station, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving by car or train.
Yes, there are paid public parking areas available within a 15-minute walk of the church.
Absolutely! The church is a short 15-minute walk from the Penrith railway station, making it a convenient stop for those traveling by train.
Given its central location, walking from nearby parking or the train station is recommended. The churchyard itself is also a pleasant area to explore on foot.
The church is situated close to the center of town, suggesting other local amenities and attractions are within easy reach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
St. Andrew's Church Penrith is generally open to visitors during the day. While specific ticketing information isn't widely mentioned, it's advisable to check their official hours as they can vary seasonally.
The church is typically open between 08:00 and 18:00 in the summer months and 08:30 and 16:00 in winter. It's always a good idea to confirm these hours before your visit.
Admission is generally free, as it's an active place of worship. However, donations are often appreciated to help with the upkeep of the historic building.
Yes, the churchyard, which contains the notable Giant's Thumb, is accessible and a key part of the historical experience.
While generally open, access to certain areas like the gallery might be restricted at times, and it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing services.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find an agreeably light and airy Georgian interior. The east window features colorful stained glass, including contemporary portraits.
The Giant's Thumb is an ancient grave in the churchyard, believed to be that of a 10th-century King of Cumbria. It comprises a pair of Norse crosses and four hogback stones.
While the church itself is generally accessible, some older parts like the gallery might have limited access due to wide stairs. It's best to inquire about specific accessibility needs.
Photography is usually permitted for personal use, but it's always respectful to avoid flash photography during services and to be mindful of other visitors.
The church is a Grade 1 listed building, rebuilt in the 18th century but retaining a tall medieval tower. The churchyard contains significant ancient artifacts. 
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the striking medieval tower from the exterior, the colorful stained glass in the east window, and the unique Norse crosses and hogback stones of the Giant's Thumb in the churchyard.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed inside the church. Be considerate of ongoing services and other visitors.
Morning light can be lovely for exterior shots of the tower and churchyard. The stained glass will also be illuminated beautifully during daylight hours.
Try framing the medieval tower against the sky. For the Giant's Thumb, capture the intricate details of the Norse crosses and hogback stones.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the interior and the churchyard.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The church's open and light interior is also less intimidating than some darker, older structures. While the church itself is a place of quiet reflection, the churchyard provides space for children to move around. Parking is conveniently located nearby, and the central town location means other family-friendly amenities might be accessible after your visit. Consider a brief visit to focus on the most visually interesting parts like the tower and the churchyard artifacts.
🚶 History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the stained glass in the east window, which includes rare contemporary portraits. The churchyard is equally significant, housing the Giant's Thumb. This collection of Norse crosses and hogback stones offers a rare glimpse into the region's early medieval past, potentially dating back to a 10th-century king.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Giant's Thumb: A Glimpse into the Past
Visitors interested in history will find this part of the churchyard particularly compelling. While the church itself was largely rebuilt in the 18th century, the Giant's Thumb provides a tangible link to an even earlier era. It's a unique feature that sets St. Andrew's apart and is often highlighted by those who visit.
It's worth noting that some visitors have reported limited knowledge from church staff regarding the specific historical details of the Giant's Thumb, particularly concerning its more esoteric interpretations. Therefore, doing a bit of research beforehand can enhance your appreciation of this ancient monument.
Architectural Evolution: From Medieval to Georgian
The rebuilding in the 18th century transformed the church into what is described as an 'agreeably light and airy Georgian interior.' This style emphasizes open spaces and natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere for worshippers. The east window is a particular highlight, featuring colorful stained glass that includes contemporary portraits of significant figures like Ralph Neville and Joan Beaufort, adding a layer of historical narrative within the glass itself.
This blend of architectural styles—the enduring medieval tower and the bright Georgian interior—makes St. Andrew's Church Penrith a site of interest for those who appreciate historical architecture. It tells a story of continuity and change over centuries.
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