St Lawrence's Church West Wycombe
A striking Italian Renaissance-inspired church on a hill, crowned by a golden ball, offering stunning views and a rich historical context.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
St Lawrence's Church West Wycombe
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking Italian Renaissance-inspired church on a hill, crowned by a golden ball, offering stunning views and a rich historical context.
"Very unusual church with a design inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture."
Check Interior Access
Interior access can be limited. Call ahead or check local listings if you want to see inside. :informationdeskperson:
Combine with Hellfire Caves
The infamous Hellfire Caves are nearby and offer a unique underground experience. :cave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Golden Ball Tower
St. Lawrence's Church
An unusually tall, Italian Renaissance-inspired tower crowned with a prominent golden ball, a landmark visible from afar.
Dashwood Mausoleum
Adjacent to the church
An impressive structure offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and West Wycombe Park.
Historic Churchyard
St. Lawrence's Church grounds
Wander among old gravestones, including memorials to notable figures like a WWI air ace.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse Inside (or Not)
Beyond the Church Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Interior Access
Interior access can be limited. Call ahead or check local listings if you want to see inside. :informationdeskperson:
Combine with Hellfire Caves
The infamous Hellfire Caves are nearby and offer a unique underground experience. :cave:
Explore West Wycombe Village
The National Trust village is charming and worth a stroll after your church visit. :villageredbook:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
There's a lovely walk up to the church from the village. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Interior Access
Interior access can be limited. Call ahead or check local listings if you want to see inside. :informationdeskperson:
Combine with Hellfire Caves
The infamous Hellfire Caves are nearby and offer a unique underground experience. :cave:
Explore West Wycombe Village
The National Trust village is charming and worth a stroll after your church visit. :villageredbook:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
There's a lovely walk up to the church from the village. :athletic_shoe:
Enjoy the Views
The churchyard and mausoleum offer fantastic panoramic views of the Chilterns. :mount_fuji:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the unique Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture of St. Lawrence's Church, particularly its prominent golden ball tower. While interior access can be limited, the striking exterior, historic churchyard, and the adjacent Dashwood Mausoleum with its stunning views are highly praised. The surrounding West Wycombe village and nearby Hellfire Caves add to the overall appeal of the visit.
"Very unusual church with a design inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture. The unusually tall tower was raised above its original height to create a more visible landmark, accentuated by the golden ball on top.
Thanks to its prominent location on West Wycombe Hill, the church towers above the village and can't be missed by drivers on the A40.
The flint clad walls conceal an impressive interior. Sadly this was off limits to the public at the time of my visit due to the deteriorating condition of the church. That said, the churchyard appeared well maintained, and the external architecture is sufficiently striking that it still warrants a visit. There's more to see here, with the huge Dashwood Mausoleum sharing the grounds and the infamous Hellfire Caves cut into the hill below (a separate paid tourist attraction).
There's free parking right outside the grounds, alternatively the church makes an interesting stop on a longer walk through the Chiltern Hills.
It's worth taking a look around West Wycombe while visiting - this historic village was purchased by an arts society before being gifted to the National Trust to ensure its preservation. The dirt thrown up by large vehicles on the A40 does the light coloured buildings no favours, but it's a remarkable survival so close to the sprawling town of High Wycombe."
Andrew Thomas
"The church is beautiful with Sir Dashwood’s golden ball atop, which the public can no longer go up inside due to vandals and safety."
Madelyn Smith
"Lovely Church and some really old grave stones. Unfortunately, you cannot get in the Church as I think it has been sold."
Helen Blaney Gray
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Lawrence's Church is located on West Wycombe Hill, easily visible from the A40. Free parking is available near the church grounds. You can also enjoy a pleasant walk up from the historic West Wycombe village.
Yes, there is free parking available right outside the church grounds, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy a lovely walk up to the church from the village, which is part of the charm of the experience.
While specific bus routes can vary, West Wycombe is served by local bus services. It's advisable to check current timetables for the most up-to-date information on public transport options.
The church is prominently situated on West Wycombe Hill, so it's visible from the A40. For the best approach and views, consider parking and walking up from the village or the designated parking area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, visiting the exterior of St. Lawrence's Church and its churchyard is free. However, access to the interior may be restricted or require specific arrangements.
The churchyard and exterior are typically accessible during daylight hours. Interior access can be limited, so it's best to inquire locally or check for any posted notices regarding opening times or potential closures.
Access to the interior of St. Lawrence's Church can be limited due to its condition or if it has been sold. Some visitors have reported being unable to enter, while others have had positive experiences with guided access. It's recommended to check in advance.
The churchyard and the Dashwood Mausoleum are usually free to explore. These areas offer significant historical interest and beautiful views.
Visitors should be mindful of the church's condition and any posted restrictions. Vandalism has led to some areas being off-limits in the past. Respect the site and its history.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the striking Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture, the unusually tall tower with its golden ball, the historic churchyard with old gravestones, and the adjacent Dashwood Mausoleum. Great views are also a highlight.
The church and mausoleum are situated on a hill, offering fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding Chiltern countryside and glimpses of West Wycombe Park.
Yes, the Dashwood Mausoleum is highly recommended for its impressive architecture and the stunning views it provides. It's often visited in conjunction with the church.
The church features unique Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture, with its tower notably raised to serve as a landmark. It's part of the historic West Wycombe estate, which has a rich and sometimes eccentric past.
Yes, the infamous Hellfire Caves are located at the bottom of the hill, and the charming, National Trust-preserved West Wycombe village is also nearby, offering shops and cafes like the Apple Orchard coffee house.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the nearby West Wycombe High Street offers dining options. The Apple Orchard coffee house is a popular spot mentioned by visitors for drinks and food.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, the churchyard offers scenic spots where a quiet picnic might be possible, provided you are respectful of the site.
West Wycombe village typically offers traditional pub fare and cafe-style refreshments. The Apple Orchard coffee house is noted for its drinks and food.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the striking exterior, especially the golden ball tower. The churchyard with its gravestones and the Dashwood Mausoleum also make for excellent photographic subjects. The surrounding countryside offers panoramic shots.
Daytime offers the best natural light for photographing the church's architecture and the surrounding landscape. Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide dramatic lighting.
If interior access is granted, photography rules may apply. It's best to ask for permission if you wish to photograph inside, especially if there are specific historical or sensitive areas.
Generally, exterior photography is permitted. Be mindful of any private property signs or specific rules if you are exploring areas beyond the main churchyard.
The church's Italian Renaissance-inspired design, particularly its unusually tall tower topped with a golden ball, makes for a unique and visually striking subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While interior access might be limited, the Dashwood Mausoleum and the views from the hill provide excellent opportunities for exploration and photo ops. Consider combining your visit with the Hellfire Caves (a separate attraction) for an added element of adventure that kids often enjoy. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for the walk up from the village.
🚶 History & Architecture Enthusiasts
Delve into the history of the West Wycombe estate, preserved by the National Trust, and learn about the influence of figures like Sir Francis Dashwood. The historic churchyard with its old gravestones adds another layer of historical depth. If interior access is possible, the 'stunning' interior and acoustics are a treat.
📸 Photographers
The panoramic views from the hill offer fantastic opportunities for landscape photography. The historic churchyard provides atmospheric shots with its old gravestones. Aim for daytime for the best natural light, or consider golden hour for dramatic effects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Architecture of St. Lawrence's Church
This architectural choice was part of a broader vision for West Wycombe, particularly by Sir Francis Dashwood, who sought to create a unique and somewhat eccentric landscape. The church's design stands in contrast to more traditional English ecclesiastical architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into a different aesthetic sensibility. While the interior's condition has led to limited public access, the exterior alone is a testament to its unique design and historical significance.
Beyond the main church building, the surrounding grounds are equally noteworthy. The churchyard itself is a place of interest, featuring old gravestones, including memorials to figures like a World War One air ace. Adjacent to the church is the impressive Dashwood Mausoleum, another architectural statement that complements the church and offers further historical context to the Dashwood family's influence on the area.
Exploring the West Wycombe Estate
A major draw adjacent to the church is the Dashwood Mausoleum. This grand structure offers not only architectural interest but also provides spectacular panoramic views of the Chiltern countryside. The combination of the church, mausoleum, and the surrounding landscape creates a compelling destination for those interested in history, architecture, and scenic beauty.
Further down the hill lies the infamous Hellfire Caves, a separate paid attraction that adds an element of intrigue and mystery to any visit. These man-made caves have a fascinating, albeit somewhat notorious, history. Combining a visit to the church, mausoleum, and caves, along with a stroll through the preserved village, offers a comprehensive and memorable day out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit