Churches and cathedrals in Dorset

Historic Churches and Chapels

This collection highlights the diverse religious architecture of Dorset and the Somerset border, spanning over a millennium of history. From the Saxon-founded Wimborne Minster with its rare chained library to the isolated 14th-century St Catherine’s Chapel overlooking Abbotsbury, these sites showcase Norman masonry, Gothic windows, and Grade I listed craftsmanship. The list includes historic parish churches like St Mary’s in Mudford and unique post-Reformation sites such as the chapel at Lulworth Castle, providing insight into the region's spiritual and community heritage.

Historic Churches and Chapels — Map

Herbythyme / GFDL

A

St Catherine's Chapel

A 14th-century hilltop chapel built by the monks of Abbotsbury Abbey. It features a unique barrel-vaulted stone roof designed to withstand coastal winds and historically served as a beacon for local sailors.

B

St Eustace

14th-century parish church in Ibberton, notable for its steep hillside location. The building underwent significant restoration in 1889 but retains its medieval font and historic character.

LordHarris / Public domain

C

Minster of St. Cuthburga

Wimborne Minster is the parish church of Wimborne, Dorset, England. The minster has existed for over 1300 years and is recognised for its…

D

Vicarage Street Methodist Church

A 19th-century Methodist place of worship in Yeovil, featuring traditional stone construction and serving as a central hub for the local Methodist heritage.

E

All Saints

15th-century parish church in Hilton, known for its impressive fan vaulting and a series of historic paintings on wood that were originally moved here from Milton Abbey.

F

St Mary & Cuthberga & All Saints

A 15th-century Perpendicular Gothic church in Witchampton. The building was significantly restored in the 1890s and is recognized for its distinctive flint and stone chequerwork masonry.

Huligan0 / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

St. Aldhelm's Chapel

St Aldhelm's Chapel is a Norman chapel on St Aldhelm's Head in the parish of Worth Matravers, Swanage, Dorset.

Ajsmith141 / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Church of Our Lady and Saint Andrew

Church of Our Lady and St Andrew is a former Roman Catholic church in The Grove, on the Isle of Portland, Dorset.

Jan Jakeš / CC-BY-SA

I

St Andrew's Church

19th-century parish church in West Lulworth, constructed from local Purbeck stone. It replaced an earlier medieval building and features a simple, elegant interior located near the Jurassic Coast.

Jan Jakeš / CC-BY-SA

J

St. Mary's Chapel

Located in the grounds of Lulworth Castle, this 1786 building was the first free-standing Roman Catholic chapel permitted in England after the Reformation, designed to resemble a classical garden temple.

Jan Jakeš / CC-BY-SA

K

St Mary's Church

13th-century church in the evacuated village of Tyneham. While still used for occasional services, it primarily functions as a museum detailing the lives of villagers before the 1943 military takeover.

L

Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Church is a Church of England parish church at Bothenhampton, near Bridport in Dorset, England.

M

Church of St Mary

The Church of St Mary in Rimpton, Somerset, England was built in the early 13th century and has been designated as a Grade I listed…

N

St Andrew

The Avalanche Memorial Church, also known as the Church of St Andrew, is a Church of England church in Southwell, on the Isle of Portland,…

O

Church of St Mary

The Church of St Mary in Marston Magna, Somerset, England can date its origins to before the Norman Conquest, however the present building…

P

St Michael the Archangel

12th-century church in Lyme Regis, expanded in the 15th century. It contains a rare 17th-century carved pulpit and a 16th-century tapestry, with views overlooking the coastal cliffs.

Q

St Mary

Church of Mary is a Grade I listed church in Almer, Dorset, England. It became a listed building on 18 March 1955.

R

Church of St Mary

The Church of St Mary in Mudford, Somerset, England dates from the 14th century and has been designated as a Grade I listed building.The…

S

All Saints

All Saints Church in Nether Cerne, Dorset, England was built in the late 13th century.

T

Saint Mary's Church

St Mary's Church is an English parish church in the town of Ferndown.

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