Published on: 05/05/2026
Church Explorers Week is back for the third year in a row as churches across South Yorkshire and the East Riding get ready to showcase their buildings this month.
Taking place from 23-31 May, the week is a chance for churches and outdoor spaces across a broad range of traditions to be celebrated. Churches can participate via an open day, the offer of a guided tour, a heritage display, a family trail, an outdoor activity or simply an open door and some refreshments.
Last year, 24 churches and a museum signed up for the week-long series of events and activities. Split into five categories (Open Days, History and Heritage, Family Fun, Outdoors and Nature, and Music), the initiative helped to put our parish churches on the visitor map.
Join us this half term as we open our doors and welcome visitors to explore and enjoy our special buildings and outdoor spaces. Through open days, activities and fun exploration across selected churches in the Diocese, we aim to provide the warmest of welcomes to those wishing to discover our history and heritage – and enjoy a day out!
You can see here our list of participating churches and our what’s on guide.
Chris Ellis, Church Buildings Officer, said:
‘Our churches and their churchyards have lots to offer, each one is unique and invariably has a story to tell. Whether it be ancient architecture, stunning stained glass, works of art, historic monuments, or nature-filled outdoor spaces, we believe our cherished places of worship have something for everyone to enjoy.
‘We have so much to appreciate within our diocese, including rich history and heritage, stunning architecture and diverse and beautiful churchyards. Church Explorers Week is the perfect time to visit and uncover all this and more. I’m sure you will find the warmest of welcomes, too.’