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St Martin's Church

4.7
·459 reviews·, United Kingdom

The oldest church in continuous use in the English-speaking world, offering a profound step back in time.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and less crowded

CrowdLow
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The church

St Martin's Church

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and less crowded

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The oldest church in continuous use in the English-speaking world, offering a profound step back in time.

4.7
(459 reviews)

"History speaks from its walls! A peaceful and spiritually fulfilling location."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Find the Gates

The entrance gates can be a bit tricky to find, adding to the sense of discovery. Keep an eye out!

📖 Grab a Guide Sheet

Excellent visitor guides are available, packed with history and significance. Highly recommended!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Stones

Ancient Stones

Interior and exterior

Touch centuries-old stones and see carvings dating back over 300 years. History truly speaks from its walls.

Peaceful Churchyard

Peaceful Churchyard

Exterior grounds

A serene space with lovely views of Canterbury Cathedral in the distance. Perfect for quiet reflection.

Stepping Back in Time

Stepping Back in Time

Interior

Experience the awe of stepping inside a place of worship over 1400 years old. It feels like a journey to the past.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

St. Martin's Church is a hidden gem, often less crowded than Canterbury Cathedral. Visiting on a weekday, especially mid-morning, offers a peaceful experience. Check opening times beforehand, as they can vary.

Embrace the History

This is the oldest church in continuous use in the English-speaking world. Take your time to absorb the ancient atmosphere and consider the excellent guide sheets available to understand its profound significance.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and less crowded
Crowd
Low
When
Wednesday afternoons
Why
Quiet and reflective atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Meu sonho era conhecer a St. Martin's Church. Me lembro que, em 2018, eu salvei na minha galeria uma foto dessa igreja, e prometi para mim mesma que um dia conheceria. Me emocionei muito lá, lembro que sentei no quintal da igreja e comecei a chorar. Com certeza é um dos lugares mais bonitos da Inglaterra medieval. Localizada em Canterbury, a St. Martin's Church é considerada a igreja mais antiga e...
@aeremita_tarot
1K likes • 17.2K views

🎯 Find the Gates

The entrance gates can be a bit tricky to find, adding to the sense of discovery. Keep an eye out!

📖 Grab a Guide Sheet

Excellent visitor guides are available, packed with history and significance. Highly recommended!

When you realise what BC stands for 😅 #fyp #redhandedpodcast #podcast #undertheduvet #church #canterbury #kent #british #uk #stmartinschurch #christianity #beforechrist
@redhandedthepod
921 likes • 17K views
✨ கட்டடம் கட்டிடும் சிற்பிகள் நாம் | Tamil Christian Old Song | CSI St. Mark’s Church Interior ✝️🏛️#harvestfestival #jesus #tamilchristiansongs #christianmusic #oldtamilchristiansongs #ikm #tamilchristianstatussong #tamilworshipsongs #classicalhymnsphile #christianity #raretamilchristiansongs #raresongs #tamilchristianyouthnetwork #youthsongs #trending #trendingaudio #trendingreelsvideo #christian...
csi_markschurch_idaiyankulam
0 likes • 42.5K views

🕰️ Check Opening Times

Opening hours can vary, so it's wise to check in advance to plan your visit effectively.

🚶‍♀️ Well-Maintained Paths

The walking areas are well-maintained, making it accessible and safe for visitors of all ages.

Churches in Bengaluru ⛪ . ☑️St. Mark’s Cathedral Church,MG Road Founded in 1808 and consecrated in 1816 . Holy Trinity Church,Trinity Circle It was built in 1851, for the British Regiment stationed . Francis Xavier’s Cathedral Church,Pulikeshi Nagara diocese of Mysore from 1886 to 1940 . St. Patrick’s Church,Brigade Rd built in 1841 . St. Mary’s Basilica church,Shivaji Nagara Built in 1882, St....
bengaluru__sanchari
38.5K likes • 602.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Find the Gates

The entrance gates can be a bit tricky to find, adding to the sense of discovery. Keep an eye out!

📖 Grab a Guide Sheet

Excellent visitor guides are available, packed with history and significance. Highly recommended!

🕰️ Check Opening Times

Opening hours can vary, so it's wise to check in advance to plan your visit effectively.

🚶‍♀️ Well-Maintained Paths

The walking areas are well-maintained, making it accessible and safe for visitors of all ages.

✨ Spiritual Fulfillment

Many visitors find a profound sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment here, even more than at the cathedral.

What Travellers Say

4.7
(459 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise St. Martin's Church for its profound historical significance and peaceful atmosphere, often calling it a deeply moving experience. While its remote location and sometimes tricky-to-find entrance are noted, the church's ancient stones and serene churchyard are highlighted as major draws.

"Such a beautiful beautiful old church to visit. It's hidden in Canterbury 's less frequented area, so maybe one or two person walked by, when I visited it. It's so peaceful, the walking area is well maintained so even elderly people can walk there safely. Gates a bit tricky to find but it makes the visit even more interesting."

Hypnorina

"History speaks from its walls! Excellent guide available on arrival, which allows you to walk around the church and gain knowledge on its significance. Volunteer was welcoming and passionate to share on its history. Church yard is peaceful to walk around, with lovely views of the cathedral in the distance. Check opening times in advance to plan your visit."

Simon Brett

"A very interesting church, being the oldest Christian place of worship in continuous use in the country. The guide sheet for visitors is excellently presents, explaining it's history, architecture and artefacts, and their place in the Christian faith and worship."

Nina Coulthard

What People Like

Deep historical significance
Peaceful and quiet atmosphere
Ancient stones and carvings

What People Dislike

Tricky to find gates
Less frequented area

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Martin's Church is located in a less frequented area of Canterbury, a short walk from the city center. While it's not as central as Canterbury Cathedral, it's accessible on foot. Some visitors mention the gates can be a bit tricky to find, adding to the charm of discovering this historic site. Consider it a peaceful stroll away from the main tourist paths. Reddit

While the church itself is a significant landmark, some visitors note that the specific entrance gates can be a bit tricky to locate. This adds to the sense of discovery when you finally find it. Planning your route beforehand can be helpful. Reddit

Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Canterbury Cathedral to St. Martin's Church. It's a good way to see more of the historic city and enjoy the surroundings. The walk offers a chance to experience a quieter side of Canterbury. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy walking to St. Martin's Church, appreciating the journey through Canterbury's historic streets. It's a good opportunity to explore beyond the main attractions and find this hidden gem. Reddit

Information on specific parking near St. Martin's Church is limited, but given its location slightly off the main tourist routes, street parking might be available. However, walking from central Canterbury or using public transport is often recommended for ease. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

St. Martin's Church is generally free to enter, though donations are appreciated. It's the oldest church in continuous use in the English-speaking world, and its accessibility allows many to experience its history. Reddit

Opening times for St. Martin's Church can vary, and it's highly recommended to check them in advance before your visit. This ensures you can plan your trip accordingly and make the most of your time there. Reddit

There is typically no admission fee to enter St. Martin's Church. Visitors are encouraged to make a donation to help with the upkeep of this historic site. Reddit

While St. Martin's Church is a place of worship, it's often open to visitors outside of service times. However, it's always best to confirm the specific opening hours for Sundays, as these can differ from weekdays. Reddit

Excellent guide sheets are available on arrival, providing detailed information about the church's history, architecture, and significance. Volunteers may also be present to share their knowledge. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

St. Martin's Church is renowned as the oldest church in the English-speaking world still in continuous use, dating back to the late 6th century. Its ancient stones, historical significance, and peaceful atmosphere make it a truly unique and awe-inspiring place to visit. TikTokReddit

Inside, you'll find yourself stepping back over 1400 years. The church has evolved over time, and you can see ancient carvings and signatures etched into the stone, some dating back centuries. It's a tangible connection to the past. Reddit

Absolutely! The churchyard is a peaceful and well-maintained area offering lovely views of Canterbury Cathedral in the distance. It's a perfect spot for quiet reflection and to appreciate the serene surroundings. Reddit

Yes, the walking areas around St. Martin's Church are well-maintained, making it accessible and safe for elderly visitors to walk around and enjoy the grounds. Reddit

It's the oldest Christian place of worship in continuous use in the country, playing a pivotal role in the early spread of Christianity in England. Its history is deeply intertwined with the nation's heritage. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography inside St. Martin's Church is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of the sacred nature of the site. Avoid flash photography, especially during services. TikTok

The exterior of the ancient church, the peaceful churchyard with views of the cathedral, and the intricate details of the ancient stones inside offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Capture the sense of history and tranquility. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in historic and religious sites to preserve their sanctity and for safety reasons. It's best to assume drone photography is not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. TikTok

Natural light filters into the church, creating a serene and atmospheric ambiance. The exterior lighting is also pleasant, especially during golden hour, offering beautiful shots of the ancient architecture. TikTok

While general photography is allowed, be mindful of any specific signage or requests from church staff. Sharing your photos on social media is a great way to inspire others to visit! TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St. Martin's Church offers a unique opportunity for families to connect with history in a tangible way. While it's a place of worship, its ancient stones and the stories behind them can captivate young minds. The well-maintained walking areas in the churchyard make it safe and accessible for children to explore. Encourage them to look for old carvings and imagine who might have made them centuries ago. Reddit

Consider bringing along the guide sheets to make the visit more interactive. You can turn it into a treasure hunt for historical facts! The peaceful atmosphere also means it's a good place for children to practice quiet contemplation. It's a less overwhelming experience than larger cathedrals, making it more manageable for families.

🏛️ History Buffs & Pilgrims

For history enthusiasts and those on a spiritual pilgrimage, St. Martin's Church is an absolute must-visit. As the oldest church in continuous use in the English-speaking world, its historical weight is immense. You'll be walking on ground that has been sacred for over 1400 years. TikTokReddit

Take your time to study the ancient carvings and signatures etched into the stone, and delve into the detailed information provided by the guide sheets. Many visitors find a profound sense of connection and spiritual fulfillment here, often describing it as a highlight of their trip to Canterbury. It offers a unique perspective on the early development of Christianity in Britain.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Seekers of Peace

Solo travelers will find St. Martin's Church to be an ideal sanctuary for reflection and quiet exploration. Its peaceful and less-crowded atmosphere allows for an unhurried experience, perfect for introspection. You can wander through the ancient church and its serene churchyard at your own pace, absorbing the centuries of history. Reddit

Many solo visitors have noted feeling a deep sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment here, often finding it more impactful than larger, more tourist-heavy sites. It’s a place to connect with yourself and the profound history that surrounds you.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through Time: The History of St. Martin's Church

St. Martin's Church holds the distinction of being the oldest church in the English-speaking world still in continuous use. Its origins trace back to the late 6th century, making it a cornerstone of early Christianity in Britain. Originally built by Queen Bertha of Kent, a Frankish princess, as her private chapel, it predates the arrival of St. Augustine and the establishment of Canterbury Cathedral. This makes it a truly foundational site in English history. TikTokReddit

The church has undergone numerous transformations and additions over the centuries, reflecting different architectural styles and periods. Visitors can still see evidence of its ancient past, including carvings and signatures etched into the stone that date back hundreds of years. Walking through its interior is like stepping back in time, offering a tangible connection to over 1400 years of history and worship. Reddit

Its significance extends beyond its age; St. Martin's played a crucial role in the early Christianization of England. The guide sheets available on-site provide an excellent overview of its architectural evolution, its religious importance, and the artifacts housed within. It's a place that truly allows you to feel history.

Experiencing the Serenity: Visiting St. Martin's Church

Many visitors describe St. Martin's Church as a profoundly peaceful and quiet environment. Unlike the bustling Canterbury Cathedral, this church offers a more intimate and contemplative experience. The well-maintained churchyard provides a serene space to walk, reflect, and enjoy lovely views of the cathedral in the distance. Reddit

The church's location, slightly off the beaten path, contributes to its tranquil atmosphere. It's a place where you can truly soak in the ancient ambiance without feeling rushed. The volunteer guides and available information sheets enhance the visit, allowing you to gain a deeper appreciation for the church's historical and spiritual significance. Reddit

For those seeking a moment of quiet reflection or a deeper connection with history, St. Martin's Church is an essential stop. Many visitors report feeling a greater sense of achievement and spiritual fulfillment here compared to larger, more prominent landmarks. Reddit

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