25 May to 2 June 2024
Church Explorers Week is an opportunity for us to celebrate and showcase our churches and outdoor spaces, putting them on the visitor map, encouraging an appreciation of our unique places of worship through fun exploration and discovery.
- Open days
- Family trails
- Guided tours
- Outdoor activities
Our growing listing of participating churches are below:
Open Days
St Nicholas Church, High Bradfield
Info: Set in the stunning Peak District, this medieval church is well worth a visit. View the Saxon cross, which is believed to date from the 10th century, integrated into the north wall of the church in 1886.
Dates: 25 May – 2 June
Time: 10am – 4pm
Facilities: Toilet close to church & pub in village
St Mary Magdalene Church, Campsall
Info: Visitors are invited to visit and explore this splendid Grade 1 listed church of Norman origin. St Mary Magdalene has an abundance of stunning architecture and history to see including a particularly fine 14th century rood screen and an alter by Pugin. Meet the Diocese Church Buildings Officer who can elaborate on the church’s connection with Robin Hood.
Date: Saturday 1 June 2024
Time: 11am – 3pm
Facilities: Visitor toilets available
St Mary’s Church, Sprotbrough
Info: With several fine effigy memorials, striking stained glass, and fascinating woodwork, take this opportunity to explore this magnificent grade 1 listed church.
Date: Saturday 1 June 2024
Time: 10am – 3pm
Facilities: Visitor toilets available, accessible entrance, refreshments available
History & Heritage
Rotherham Chapel on the Bridge
Info: Join the Friends of the Chapel on the Bridge for an opportunity to see this little gem in the heart of Rotherham. Tours of the Crypt (challenging access required) will be available and volunteers will be on hand to explain and guide on this unique building.
Date: Saturday 1 June
Time: 10.30am – 1.30pm
Facilities: Nearest available toilets are at the bus and rail station (1 minute), refreshments: (Tea, coffee & cakes) available
Holy Trinity Church, Ulley
Info: Visit to find out more about this church which was built by Viscount Halifax in memory of his brother. A Church history and Eco Church display will be available for visitors alongside the offer of refreshments.
Date: Saturday 1 June
Time: 10am – 4pm
Facilities: Visitor toilets available, accessible entrance, refreshments available
St Mary’s, Whitgift
Info: St Mary’s is a 13th century church that replaced the previous church destroyed by the vicar of Adlingfleet. In the 14th century, it was the site of the annual Maudlin Fayre and Sunday markets which had to be stopped because of riotous behaviour! It is well-known for its clock which became famous during World War II, helping to guide German pilots who were following the River Ouse to bomb the Port of Goole. Visitors are encouraged to come and visit and spot why. Also included will be Tea and cakes, a local history exhibition, and access to local publications such as the Marshlands Trail.
Date: Sunday 2 June
Time: 1pm – 5pm
Facilities: Visitor toilets available, refreshments available (tea and cakes)
St Mary’s, Handsworth & Handsworth Museum
Info: Visitors are invited to explore this historic church which dates back to 1170. Why not pick up one of the excellent guidebooks to help inform your visit, celebrating 850 years. A visit to the museum is also a must to learn about local life in this Sheffield suburb. Highlights include an opportunity to see the historic dovecote interior.
Dates and times
- Friday 31 May, 1pm – 3pm
- Saturday 1 June, 1pm -3pm
- Sunday 2 June, 2pm -4pm
Facilities: Accessible visitor toilets available. Accessible entrance to the church, stepped access only to the museum.
Holy Trinity ‘New’ & ‘Old’ Churches, Wentworth
Info: In partnership with The Churches Conservation Trust, this is a new opportunity to explore both churches within the historic village of Wentworth, as part of one collaborative tour. Start with a guided visit around the atmospheric partly ruined ‘old church’ and then on to ‘New church’, built as its replacement in 1877. Tours are free, donations are welcome to both the New Church and The Churches Conservation Trust.
Date: Friday 31 May
Time: 1pm & 2pm (Old Church) 1.30pm & 2.30pm (New Church)
Facilities: Visitor toilets and accessible entrance both available in New church on south side
Outdoors & Nature
St Mary’s, Bolsterstone
Info: Join Chris, the Diocese Church Buildings Officer, for a morning of bird watching and bug-hunting in the beautiful church yard and see what you can find! Have an explore of the church and enjoy the refreshments available.
Date: Wednesday 29 May
Time: 10am – 1pm
Facilities: Visitor toilets available, refreshments: (Tea, coffee & cakes) available, accessible entrance
Family Fun
Holy Trinity Church, Wentworth
Info: Visit Wentworth ‘New Church’ and take advantage of the ‘explorer backpack’ to aid your visit. Use the binoculars to see the stunning stained glass, have a go at our animal spotter sheet, or sit and do a sketch of the brilliant interior. Free, donations welcome.
Date: Open daily (backpack available at entrance)
Time: 10.00- 17.00
Accessible Entrance: Yes (on south side)
Facilities: Visitor toilets available, refreshments available, accessible entrance on south side