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St Uny Church Lelant

4.7
·106 reviews·, United Kingdom

An ancient church in Lelant, Cornwall, offering breathtaking views over St Ives Bay and a glimpse into local history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn weekdays

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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St Uny Church Lelant

Best Time

Spring & Autumn weekdays

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient church in Lelant, Cornwall, offering breathtaking views over St Ives Bay and a glimpse into local history.

4.7
(106 reviews)

"A little gem well worth a peek when walking the South west coast path."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Views

The views over St Ives Bay are breathtaking. Don't forget your camera!

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Coast Path

St Uny is a gem along the South West Coast Path. Perfect for a scenic walk.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stunning St Ives Bay Views

Stunning St Ives Bay Views

Church grounds

Panoramic vistas across St Ives Bay, perfect for a brisk walk or a leisurely stroll.

Picturesque Wedding Venue

Picturesque Wedding Venue

Church exterior

An ancient and attractive church, frequently chosen for summer weddings.

Historic Graveyard Exploration

Historic Graveyard Exploration

Church graveyards

Discover centuries-old gravestones, including those of local artists and fishermen.

Swallow Nest Observation

Swallow Nest Observation

Church interior/exterior

Witness the hopeful sight of swallow chicks in their nest, a symbol of nature's resilience.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

While St Uny Church Lelant is a popular wedding venue in summer, visiting outside peak wedding season or during weekdays can offer a more peaceful experience. Consider the church's proximity to the coast path and beach access, which can draw crowds, especially during warmer months.

Respecting a Sacred and Historic Site

St Uny Church is an active place of worship and a historic site with extensive graveyards. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the grounds, the graves, and the peaceful atmosphere. Information boards inside the church offer insights into its rich history.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Summer mornings
Why
Enjoy views before peak heat
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hayle Estuary from St Uny's Church . #vwt5camping #cornishcoast #stunyschurch #hayleestuary #hayle #hayleriver #lelant #carbisbay #stivesbay
moors_to_shores_photography
1 likes • 23 views

📸 Capture the Views

The views over St Ives Bay are breathtaking. Don't forget your camera! Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Coast Path

St Uny is a gem along the South West Coast Path. Perfect for a scenic walk. Reddit

Dan & Imogen’s wedding is now featured in my blog. Another cracker of a day with a ceremony at St Uny church in Lelant, a stopover at Godrevy and a fun filled reception at Kehelland Trust. This 2024 wedding season has been amazing so far! Roll on June, my busiest month of the season…
alexapoppephoto
0 likes • 970 views
3 swallow chicks in a nest at St Uny Church, Lelant, Cornwall …. Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all. #emilydickinson #swallowchicks #stuny #church #cornwall #lelant #feathers #hope #soul #swallow
abizombiemum
2 likes • 147 views

☕ Visit the Heritage Centre

Enjoy tea and cakes while exploring local history exhibits. Reddit

🕊️ Respect the Peace

Remember this is a place of worship and remembrance. Be mindful of the quiet atmosphere. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Views

The views over St Ives Bay are breathtaking. Don't forget your camera! Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Coast Path

St Uny is a gem along the South West Coast Path. Perfect for a scenic walk. Reddit

☕ Visit the Heritage Centre

Enjoy tea and cakes while exploring local history exhibits. Reddit

🕊️ Respect the Peace

Remember this is a place of worship and remembrance. Be mindful of the quiet atmosphere. Reddit

💍 Summer Wedding Spot

Popular for weddings; check for events if you prefer quiet visits. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(106 reviews)

Reviews Summary

St Uny Church is widely praised for its stunning location and panoramic views over St Ives Bay, making it a highlight for walkers and visitors alike. Its picturesque, ancient architecture and role as a popular wedding venue are frequently mentioned positives. However, some visitors note that certain graveyard areas can appear unkempt during summer months.

"A little gem well worth a peek when walking the South west coast path"

Jeroen Stein

"Easy to see why St Uny church is popular for weddings in the summer – a very picturesque ancient church. The path to the beach runs right by the church and in the summer the roads are full of parked cars. Quite extensive graveyards around the church, and from the church grounds excellent views across the estuary and out towards the coast. Useful information boards inside the church."

Roy Sirl

"Idyllic location often rushed past on way to beach (path from car park goes past church on the right and Heritage Centre on the left). The church is old and attractive with some impressive stained glass windows, but it is the views that enthral me day after day. A peaceful retreat. The graveyards feel like areas of tranquility as many graves around church and on way into Heritage Centre area are very old. Lots of interesting history (by the church see the gravestone of a man from 1800’s that illustrates the high infant death rate, more recent fisherman graves, large local business family with factory visible from graveyard etc). There are 4 graveyards - 2 by church, 1 closed. 2 by Heritage Centre, 1 closed.

In summer the graveyard areas either side of path can look a mess as cost savings and supposed wild flower and bee issues reduce cutting. There seems to be a lack of respect for the graves with trees growing in graves and area of graves completely overrun. A shame, but it should not put you off exploring the Heritage Centre area. The signage is another illustration of religion gone wrong, one of the most famous graves, a local artist is omitted as in the grave is in the open graveyard which is Methodist. The pamphlet in the church is more open on the topic.

From April to end October the Heritage building is open with lovely teas and cakes served. There are things to buy but it also stores a lot of local history in pamphlets and exhibitions, well worth the visit to sit, read and relax.

BTW, was used for filming early in year for a Rosamunde Pilcher German broadcasting programme. They even brought s gravestone."

John Thornton

What People Like

Spectacular bay views
Picturesque ancient church
Historic graveyards

What People Dislike

Summer graveyard upkeep

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St Uny Church is located in Lelant, Cornwall. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby, especially for those heading to the beach. It's also a picturesque stop for those walking the South West Coast Path. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, particularly for visitors heading to the adjacent beach. During peak summer months, roads can become busy with parked cars. Reddit

The nearest train station is Lelant, which is a short walk from the church. Buses also serve the Lelant area, connecting it to surrounding towns. Check local bus timetables for specific routes and times.

The church grounds and surrounding paths are generally accessible, though some older gravestones and uneven terrain might present challenges. The Heritage Centre is typically more accessible.

Many visitors combine a visit to St Uny Church with a walk along the South West Coast Path, a trip to the beach, or exploring the nearby Heritage Centre. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to St Uny Church and its grounds is generally free. Donations are welcome to help with the upkeep of this historic site.

The church is typically open during daylight hours for visitors to explore. However, it is an active place of worship, so access may be limited during services or events.

The graveyards surrounding St Uny Church are open to the public and do not have an entrance fee. Visitors are asked to be respectful of the resting places.

While St Uny Church is a popular wedding venue, visitors can usually still access the church grounds. However, it's advisable to check for any specific restrictions on wedding days. InstagramReddit

Yes, the adjacent Heritage Centre often has information boards and pamphlets about the church's history and local area. They also serve teas and cakes. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find impressive stained glass windows and historical information boards detailing the church's past. Reddit

The graveyards feature very old gravestones, including those of local artists, fishermen, and prominent local families, offering a glimpse into the area's history. Reddit

Yes, there are gravestones illustrating historical infant mortality rates and those of notable local figures. Reddit

Visitors have spotted swallow chicks nesting at the church, a heartwarming sight. Instagram

Nearby activities include walking the South West Coast Path, visiting the beach, and exploring the Heritage Centre for local history and refreshments. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Heritage Centre adjacent to the church offers lovely teas and cakes, providing a pleasant spot to relax. Reddit

Yes, the grounds around the church and the nearby coastal areas are suitable for picnics, offering beautiful views. Reddit

The Heritage Centre typically serves light refreshments, including teas, coffees, and cakes, making it a charming spot for a break. Reddit

Lelant village has a few local pubs and cafes that offer dining options, providing a taste of local Cornish cuisine.

Yes, the Heritage Centre is a convenient option for refreshments. Alternatively, you can find eateries in the nearby village of Lelant or in the larger town of St Ives.

📸 📸 Photography

The church's picturesque setting, the stunning views over St Ives Bay, and the historic gravestones offer numerous photographic opportunities. InstagramReddit

Absolutely, its ancient architecture and scenic surroundings make it a highly sought-after location for wedding photography. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the beauty of the church and the bay, minimizing harsh shadows. Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is permitted. However, for commercial photography or filming, it's advisable to seek permission. Reddit

Yes, if you are lucky enough to spot the swallows, capturing their nests and chicks can make for unique and heartwarming photos. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St Uny Church offers a blend of history and natural beauty that can engage families. The expansive views over St Ives Bay provide a great backdrop for a family outing, and the nearby beaches offer opportunities for play. Reddit While exploring the church and its graveyards, you can point out interesting old gravestones, turning it into a mini history lesson. Keep an eye out for wildlife, like the swallows nesting at the church, which can be a fascinating sight for children. Instagram The adjacent Heritage Centre also offers a chance for kids to learn about local history in an engaging way, often with the added bonus of tea and cakes. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Hikers

💍 Couples and Wedding Seekers

St Uny Church is renowned as a picturesque and idyllic location for weddings. Its ancient charm, combined with the breathtaking views of St Ives Bay, creates a truly romantic setting for ceremonies. InstagramReddit Couples planning their special day will find the church's historic architecture and serene atmosphere incredibly appealing. Even if you're not getting married, visiting during the week or outside of peak wedding season can offer a peaceful experience to appreciate its beauty together.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Rich History of St Uny Church

St Uny Church in Lelant boasts a long and fascinating history, with parts of the structure dating back centuries. It's a testament to the enduring presence of faith in the region. The church is not just a building but a repository of local stories, evident in its extensive graveyards. These grounds contain gravestones that tell tales of past lives, from infant mortality to the livelihoods of local fishermen and the prosperity of prominent families. Reddit

Visitors can find information boards inside the church that shed light on its historical significance and architectural evolution. The church has also been recognized for its role in local culture, even being used as a filming location for television programs. Reddit This deep connection to the past makes St Uny Church a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the heritage of Cornwall.

Exploring the St Uny Church Graveyards

The graveyards surrounding St Uny Church are more than just burial sites; they are historical archives. You'll find a variety of gravestones, some illustrating the high infant death rates of past centuries, while others commemorate local fishermen and influential families. Reddit The sheer age and variety of inscriptions offer a poignant connection to the community's past. It's worth noting that the church has multiple graveyards, some of which are now closed. Reddit

While the historical significance is undeniable, some reviews mention that in summer, certain areas of the graveyard can appear unkempt due to cost-saving measures and a focus on wildflower growth. Reddit Despite this, exploring these grounds provides a unique perspective on local history and the passage of time. Remember to tread respectfully, as these are areas of remembrance.

St Uny Church: A Photographer's Delight

For photographers, St Uny Church offers a wealth of visual opportunities. The most striking feature is undoubtedly the spectacular views it affords over St Ives Bay. Whether you're capturing the expansive coastline or the charming church architecture, the scenery is consistently impressive. InstagramReddit

The church itself is an ancient and attractive building, making it a picturesque subject, especially for those interested in historical architecture. It's also a popular spot for wedding photography, highlighting its romantic and scenic appeal. Instagram Beyond the church and bay, the historic graveyards provide unique photographic subjects, with weathered stones and inscriptions telling silent stories. Reddit If you're lucky, you might even capture the charming sight of swallow chicks in their nest, adding a touch of nature's beauty to your shots. Instagram

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