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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Holy Trinity

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

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…

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,…

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…

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.