St Laurence Church, Upminster - Image 1
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St Laurence Church Upminster

4.5
·48 reviews·, United Kingdom

A tranquil medieval church with a striking 13th-century tower, offering peaceful grounds and a strong community spirit.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Community events often held

CrowdMedium
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St Laurence Church, Upminster - Image 1

St Laurence Church Upminster

Best Time

Weekends

Community events often held

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil medieval church with a striking 13th-century tower, offering peaceful grounds and a strong community spirit.

4.5
(48 reviews)

"A quiet place to escape to when you want to be at peace in the fine tranquility of life-and-death."

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🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Grounds

Enjoy the tranquility of the grounds, perfect for quiet reflection and observing nature. :butterfly:

🤝 Support Community Efforts

The church actively fundraises for improvements like disabled toilets. Support their work if you can. :heart:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Tower & Spire

Medieval Tower & Spire

Church Tower

Admire the distinctive 13th-century stone tower with its leaded/shingle spire, a key architectural feature.

Yew-Lined Approach & War Memorial

Yew-Lined Approach & War Memorial

Churchyard Entrance

Experience the quintessential English archetype with a serene yew-lined path leading to a listed war memorial.

Alice Perrers' Burial Site

Alice Perrers' Burial Site

Church or Churchyard

Explore the believed resting place of Alice Perrers, mistress of King Edward III, around 1400.

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Peaceful Escape & Historical Gem

Discover a tranquil haven with beautiful grounds and significant medieval architecture. It's a place for quiet reflection, appreciating history, and experiencing community spirit. Ideal for a peaceful afternoon.

Community & Restoration Efforts

This active church community is dedicated to restoration, including a new disabled toilet. Visitors often note the lovely atmosphere and the warmth of the people involved in events.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Community events often held
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
For quiet contemplation
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#christmas#market #christmascraft #giftidea #fyp
@gnmhandmade
35 likes • 564 views

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Grounds

Enjoy the tranquility of the grounds, perfect for quiet reflection and observing nature. :butterfly:

🤝 Support Community Efforts

The church actively fundraises for improvements like disabled toilets. Support their work if you can. :heart:

St Lawrence Church Essex #stlawrence #dronehorizons #essex #maldon
@dronehorizons
68 likes • 623 views

📜 Historical Significance

Appreciate the medieval architecture and its rich ecclesiastical history. :scroll:

🐿️ Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for birds, butterflies, and squirrels in the serene churchyard. :squirrel:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Grounds

Enjoy the tranquility of the grounds, perfect for quiet reflection and observing nature. :butterfly:

🤝 Support Community Efforts

The church actively fundraises for improvements like disabled toilets. Support their work if you can. :heart:

📜 Historical Significance

Appreciate the medieval architecture and its rich ecclesiastical history. :scroll:

🐿️ Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for birds, butterflies, and squirrels in the serene churchyard. :squirrel:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(48 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise St Laurence Church Upminster for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful grounds, and significant medieval architecture, particularly the 13th-century tower. The active community spirit and ongoing restoration efforts are also highlighted as positive aspects, making it a place of historical interest and community engagement.

"A quiet place to escape to when you want to be at peace in the fine tranquility of life-and-death. Birdsong, butterflies and squirrels beaming with life as former lives lay sleeping. 💙 Someone here also became my guardian angel at 11:38 today and saved me from a premature death."

Millie McGregor

"Nice architecture and grounds but wouldn't worship there."

Reg Nedi

"Much restored and renovated Medieval building with numerous additions over the years. Grade I Listed primarily for the distinctive stone tower with a leaded/shingle spire retaining fabric dating from the 13th.Century.
This church still dominating the ancient crossroads and locality looms large in ecclesiastical history.
The Yew lined approach and Listed war memorial in the graveyard epitomise an English archetype.
An active community here."

jeff benjamin

What People Like

Peaceful tranquility
Beautiful grounds
Medieval architecture

What People Dislike

Not a place for worship for all

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St Laurence Church Upminster is located at the ancient crossroads of Upminster. It's accessible by car, with parking likely available nearby. Public transport options may include local bus routes serving the Upminster area. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.

While specific parking details aren't widely shared, churches in such central locations often have nearby public parking or limited on-site options. It's advisable to check local council websites or parking apps for the most accurate information on parking facilities around the church.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to St Laurence Church Upminster is typically free, as it is an active place of worship. Donations are often welcomed to support the church's upkeep and community projects. :ticket:

As an active church, St Laurence Church Upminster is generally open during daylight hours for visitors to explore its grounds and architecture. However, it may be closed during services or private events. It's best to check with the church directly for specific visiting times.

The church is actively working on improving accessibility, with ongoing fundraising for a disabled toilet. While the historic nature of the building may present some challenges, the grounds are generally accessible. Inquire with the church for specific accessibility details.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors can admire the Grade I Listed medieval building, particularly its distinctive 13th-century stone tower and spire. The churchyard features a yew-lined approach and a listed war memorial. The grounds offer a peaceful environment with opportunities to observe local wildlife.

Yes, the grounds of St Laurence Church Upminster are a significant part of its appeal, offering a tranquil space for reflection. You can walk the yew-lined paths and appreciate the historical atmosphere. :walking:

The church's architecture, especially the medieval tower and spire, along with the atmospheric churchyard, provides excellent opportunities for photography. The yew-lined approach also makes for a picturesque shot. :camerawithflash:

Yes, Alice Perrers, the mistress of King Edward III, is believed to have been buried in or around the churchyard of St Laurence Church Upminster around 1400. Her grave is unmarked.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While St Laurence Church Upminster itself is a place of worship, the surrounding Upminster area likely offers various dining options, from local pubs to cafes and restaurants. It's recommended to explore the local high street for nearby eateries.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St Laurence Church Upminster offers a peaceful outing for families looking to connect with history and nature. The serene churchyard with its birds, butterflies, and squirrels can be a delightful distraction for children. While the church itself is a place of quiet reflection, the grounds provide space for gentle exploration. Consider visiting during a weekend event, like a craft fair, to experience the church's community spirit and potentially find activities that engage younger visitors. Remember to encourage respectful behavior within the church premises.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers

For those seeking a moment of peace and tranquility, St Laurence Church Upminster is an ideal destination. The reviews frequently mention the 'fine tranquility of life-and-death' and the opportunity to 'escape' into a quiet environment. The beautiful grounds offer a perfect setting for contemplation, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings. The historical significance of the site, including the medieval tower and the believed burial site of Alice Perrers, adds a layer of intrigue for solo explorers interested in local lore and history.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance

St Laurence Church Upminster is a Grade I Listed building, primarily recognized for its significant medieval fabric. The most striking feature is its distinctive stone tower, dating back to the 13th century, topped with a leaded/shingle spire. This tower has long dominated the ancient crossroads and the local landscape, symbolizing the church's deep roots in ecclesiastical history. Over the centuries, numerous additions and renovations have contributed to its unique character, making it a fascinating study for those interested in church architecture.

The church's historical importance is further emphasized by its role as a central point in the local community for generations. The yew-lined approach to the church, coupled with the listed war memorial in the graveyard, creates an archetypal English scene, evoking a sense of heritage and remembrance. These elements combine to make St Laurence Church Upminster more than just a building; it's a landmark steeped in history and local identity.

Community and Restoration

Beyond its historical and architectural merits, St Laurence Church Upminster is a vibrant, active community. Visitors have noted the lovely atmosphere and the great community spirit among those who attend and run events. This sense of engagement is evident in their ongoing efforts to improve the church facilities.

One notable initiative highlighted by visitors is the fundraising for a disabled toilet. This project underscores the community's commitment to making the church more accessible and welcoming to all. Attending a craft fair or other events held at the church offers a direct way to experience this community firsthand and contribute to their restoration goals. The warmth of the team and visitors alike creates a positive and memorable experience for those who participate.

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