The most beautiful churches in Cornwall

There’s something about churches. I don’t know if it’s the quiet atmosphere, the architecture, or the associated history, but I love exploring them. Below is a list of the most beautiful churches in Cornwall, which I recommend visiting whether you are religious or not.

NOTE: Please remember these are places of worship. Always be respectful, keep the noise down and refrain from using flash photography inside.

ST JUST IN ROSELAND

Described as the ‘most beautiful churchyard in the world’ and as soon as you lay eyes on it you can see why. Set in a lush garden on the banks of a creek, it is about as close to paradise as can be. Also make sure you spend time walking around the entire grounds. Head to the opposite side of the creek for a wonderful view of the church.

ST ENODOC

Just a short walk from the lovely town of Rock, St Enodoc’s church is half sunken into the sand dunes. Dating back 1000 years, it is also the resting place of a former poet laureate, John Betjeman. Just keep your wits about you when walking here. The church sits at the edge of a golf course and you don’t want to be hit by a stray ball!

TRURO CATHEDRAL

This Victorian gothic revival building is not as old as most of the other places on this list. However its stunning architecture, three spires and awe inspiring vaulted ceiling makes it worth visiting. They often host unique events; such as vintage clothes fairs and even silent discos! Keep an eye on their upcoming events here.

ST PIRANS ORATORY AND ST PIRANS CHURCH

Fancy a treasure hunt? This church (or more accurately, 2 churches) is a bit tricky to find, and all the more fun for it. Hidden in the dunes at Perran Sands lie the remains of St Piran’s Oratory. It is one of the oldest sacred sites in Britain. The oratory was established in the 6th century by St Piran (the patron saint of Cornwall). However it was engulfed by sand in the 10th century, so another church was built nearby. Eventually this was also covered by the sand, until both sites were excavated (the newer church in 1917 and the older one in 2005). Now you can see the remains of both, if you can find your way through the dunes….

ST SYMPHORIAN

Based in Veryan, one of my favourite villages on the Roseland Peninsula. St Symphorian church is home to a lovely and peaceful churchyard, with one unique grave. Claiming to be the longest grave in Britain at 98ft, it is the resting place of 15 sailors from the Hera. The Hera was a German merchant ship which sunk off the coast in 1914, taking 19 of its 24-man crew with it.

ST SENARAS CHURCH

Nestled into the rugged surrounding landscape, St Senara’s Church in Zennor is famous because of what it contains. A medieval carving of a mermaid on one of the pews is said to be associated with the Mermaid of Zennor. Legend tells of a beautiful and ageless woman who used to attend this church and who fell in love with a young man. One day, both she and the young man disappeared. and she was later discovered to be a mermaid. The villagers concluded that she had lured the man to come and live with her under the sea, to his doom.