Temple Church Bodmin Moor
A 12th-century Knights Templar church on Bodmin Moor, offering a remote, atmospheric escape steeped in history and tranquility.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Atmospheric and peaceful
Temple Church Bodmin Moor
Best Time
Atmospheric and peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 12th-century Knights Templar church on Bodmin Moor, offering a remote, atmospheric escape steeped in history and tranquility.
"A hidden gem for sure, plenty of information on the building and how it relates to the Knights Templar organisation."
🚗 Park & Walk
Limited parking at the church; park at the top of the road and enjoy a short, scenic walk down. :athletic_shoe:
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
This is a place for reflection. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and lack of electricity. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Knights Templar Origins
Temple, Bodmin Moor
Discover the history of this 12th-century church, originally a refuge for pilgrims and linked to the mysterious Knights Templar.
Atmospheric Bodmin Moor Setting
Bodmin Moor
Experience the profound peace and quiet of this remote church, surrounded by the wild beauty of Bodmin Moor.
Historical 'Gretna Green' of the Southwest
Temple, Bodmin Moor
Learn about its past as a place for marriages without banns or license, a unique historical footnote.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Remote Location & Limited Parking
Historical Significance & Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park & Walk
Limited parking at the church; park at the top of the road and enjoy a short, scenic walk down. :athletic_shoe:
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
This is a place for reflection. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and lack of electricity. :pray:
📸 Capture the Mood
The remote moorland setting and historic church create stunning photo opportunities.
📜 Sign the Guest Book
Leave your thoughts or prayers in the guest book for a personal touch. :memo:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park & Walk
Limited parking at the church; park at the top of the road and enjoy a short, scenic walk down. :athletic_shoe:
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
This is a place for reflection. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and lack of electricity. :pray:
📸 Capture the Mood
The remote moorland setting and historic church create stunning photo opportunities.
📜 Sign the Guest Book
Leave your thoughts or prayers in the guest book for a personal touch. :memo:
📍 Follow the Signs
Look for the turning off the A30 and follow the single-track road with passing places. :round_pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Temple Church's stunning, remote location on Bodmin Moor and its deep historical significance, particularly its Knights Templar origins. Many appreciate the peaceful, atmospheric ambiance and its unique past as a marriage venue. While parking is limited and the journey requires some effort, the overall experience is described as a hidden gem worth visiting for quiet contemplation and historical interest.
"Stunning little church. Not much remains of the original templar church. Beautiful location quite remote on bodmin Moor but not far from the A30. Only room for two cars right by the church so best to park at the top of the road and walk down. Renovated back into a church during the victorian age. Great little place for some quiet contemplation."
David Goosey
"A hidden gem for sure, plenty of information on the building and how it relates to the Knights templar organisation.
This church was built in the 1800's using a lot of the original stone work from the original Knights templar pilgrim refuge. The footprint of the building is thought to be the same as the original.
Worth a visit, very quiet, good place to reflect and enjoy."
Un Known
"A quite charming church not far from the A30. Parking right outside is very limited, but it's well worth the effort to visit this Celtic Quiet Places church. There is no electricity and services require candle light. It dates to the 12th century and was founded by the Knights Templars, offering refuge for pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land making their way to a port such as Fowey. It seems it also was famous as a church where marriages were performed without banns or licence (similar to Gretna Green) and a place where those who had committed suicide could be buried in consecrated ground. Restored in 1883."
Roy Sirl
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Temple Church is located in the hamlet of Temple on Bodmin Moor. Access is via a turning off the A30, followed by a single-track road with passing places. Be aware there isn't a distinct slip road for the turn-off.
Parking directly at the church is very limited, usually only space for two cars. It's recommended to park at the top of the road and walk down to the church.
Public transport options to this remote location are scarce. Driving is the most practical way to reach Temple Church.
Take the turning off the A30 towards Temple. The road becomes single-track with passing places as you drive through the moorland.
Temple Church is a remote site with no electricity. Facilities are minimal, so plan accordingly before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Temple Church is generally free to visit. Donations are welcome to help with its upkeep.
As a place of worship, Temple Church is usually accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check for any specific service times that might affect visitor access.
There is no entrance fee for Temple Church. Visitors are encouraged to make a donation if they wish.
Yes, services are held at Temple Church, often by candlelight due to the lack of electricity. These can be atmospheric events.
Temple Church is a historic building dating back to the 12th century, founded by the Knights Templar. It's a significant historical site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the historic 12th-century church, learn about its Knights Templar connections, and enjoy the peaceful moorland setting. You can also sign the guest book and leave prayers.
Absolutely. Its remote location, lack of electricity, and historical significance make it an ideal spot for quiet reflection and contemplation. +1
Founded by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, it served as a refuge for pilgrims. It's also known for performing marriages without banns or license.
Photography is generally permitted, but always be respectful of the sacred nature of the site. The atmospheric lighting can create beautiful shots.
Temple Church was historically a place where marriages could be performed without banns or license, similar to Gretna Green in Scotland.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for capturing the church and its moorland surroundings. The atmospheric clouds can also add drama.
Focus on the historic architecture, the rugged beauty of Bodmin Moor, and the serene atmosphere. Shots of the church against dramatic skies are particularly striking.
While generally allowed, always be mindful and respectful of the church as a place of worship. Avoid flash photography during services.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the church and its landscape. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions, especially if attending an evening service.
Yes, you can photograph the interior, but be discreet and respectful. The candlelit services offer a unique photographic opportunity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for historical details and perhaps leave a drawing or prayer in the guest book. The vastness of Bodmin Moor surrounding the church also provides opportunities for a bit of exploration (with supervision, of course!). It's a chance to step back in time and experience a different kind of historical site than a typical museum.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors
Take your time to soak in the history, sign the guest book, and simply enjoy the profound silence. The journey to the church, including the walk from the parking area, can also be a meditative experience. It's a perfect destination to disconnect and recharge.
📸 Photographers
+1Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for the best light, and be prepared for atmospheric skies. The interior, especially during candlelit services, provides unique opportunities for capturing mood and history. Remember to be respectful of the site while you capture its beauty.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Knights Templar Legacy
Visitors often remark on the historical information available within the church, detailing its origins and its role in medieval travel. The atmosphere of the church, amplified by its remote moorland setting, allows for a unique connection to this storied past. It's a place where history feels palpable, offering a glimpse into the lives of pilgrims and the enigmatic Knights Templar.
Atmosphere and Tranquility on Bodmin Moor
This serene environment makes Temple Church an ideal spot for quiet contemplation and reflection. Whether you're reflecting on history, personal matters, or simply enjoying the solitude, the moorland setting provides a perfect backdrop. The sounds of nature and the vast open skies contribute to an experience that many find deeply restorative.
A Unique Historical Venue
Furthermore, the church also served as a place where individuals who had committed suicide could be buried in consecrated ground, a compassionate practice for the time. These historical footnotes, combined with its restoration in 1883 using original stone, make Temple Church a site of diverse historical interest.
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