Herefordshire Wye Valley Churches Tour

A rare chance to visit three outstanding historic Herefordshire churches in the company of one of the country`s leading ecclesiastical historians. The churches have been specifically chosen to give you a wide range of styles and periods. Each stands in a stunning location where church and landscape can be read as one.

Join one of the country`s leading ecclesiastical historians, Tim Bridges, to visit Kilpeck, Hoarwithy and Brockhampton churches. Tim will introduce each church as we travel through the picturesque Herefordshire countryside, giving you plenty of background knowledge of these unique churches ready to enjoy a tour and then explore when we arrive.

The tour will take place on Tuesday 30 September, starting at 10.30am.

Tickets cost £53 per person (plus online booking fees), including guided coach travel from Hereford Train Station (pickup location), entry and guided tours of the churches, and a sandwich lunch.

This event will raise funds for the work of the National Churches Trust, supporting churches, chapels and meeting houses across the UK.

St Mary & St David, Kilpeck. Image: Philip Pankhurst

St Mary & St David, Kilpeck

Kilpeck is a modest village hidden away in west Herefordshire, but its church is world famous for its 12th century sculpture and carving, made by a group of mason/sculptors known as the Herefordshire School. It is alive with figures and foliage patterns. There are warriors, birds, snakes or dragons, monsters, and an angel. The work is fluid, sophisticated and beautifully carved. Some are clearly identifiable, others are more enigmatic.

https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-mary-st-david-kilpeck

St Catherine, Hoarwithy. Image: Philip Pankhurst

St Catherine, Hoarwithy

Not what you expect to find on the lanes of Herefordshire: a church seemingly plucked from southern Italy and plopped down beside the Wye. A campanile, colonnades and apse, and interior to match, with four enormous marble columns leading the eye to the east end with its golden mosaic of Christ in Glory.

https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-catherine-hoarwithy

All Saints, Brockhampton. Image: Jules & Jenny

All Saints, Brockhampton

This is a church like no other, a genuinely unique building that was the last major work of its architect, William Lethaby who was a disciple of William Morris. It’s idiosyncratic and enchanting, from the almost tent shaped lime washed concrete roof to the stonework of the windows, and full of brilliant detail.

https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/all-saints-brockhampton-ross