A Tourist's Guide to the Churches of the Heddon and Lyn Valleys

Located in beautiful North Devon, where Exmoor meets the sea, the Churches of the Heddon and Lyn Valleys form a substantial part of the North Devon Coast Team Ministry which is part of the Diocese of Exeter.

Welcome to this brief guide which we hope will whet your appetite so you will want to visit one or more of our beautiful churches. These buildings are not merely of architectural interest, but tell the story of Christian faith through the last Millennium and show how God is at work in the world of to-day.

Spread across six different parishes we begin our journey at:

St. Peter�s TRENTISHOE
(OS Grid ref: 646487)

One of the smallest churches in these two valleys. Although not particularly old compared with others, it was enlarged in 1878 when the east window was added. Set among some of the most idyllic countryside, services are held here once a month. The singing is usually accompanied on the American pipe less organ which was presented to the Church in 1966 after it had finished its working life aboard the Cunard line�s SS Mauritania.

Services: Second Sunday in the month at 3 p.m.

Local facilities: Pub: Hunter�s Inn (1/2 mile); car park, public toilets and National

Trust Shop also at Hunter�s Inn.

Christchurch, PARRACOMBE
(OS Grid ref: 669449)

Built in the late 1800�s when the original church St. Petrock�s (now under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust) became too dilapidated for further use. Built on glebe land near the centre of village, the church is constructed in the early decorated style, much of the rubble stone being quarried locally. Although very ordinary in many respects there are some interesting features, including beautiful stained glass. which make this Church worth a visit.

Services: Every Sunday at l0 a.m., for full details see local notices

Local facilities: Post Office, public toilets, car parking, and pub (The Fox and Goose) all adjacent in the centre of the village.

St. Petrock�s is located at OS Grid ref: 675449.

St. Martin�s MARTINHOE (OS Grid ref:668486)

The oldest church, by far, in this part of Devon which dates from 11th C. Although not outstanding architecturally, it is one of the most visited churches in the area, because of the Lorna Doone connection. In the churchyard there are graves, where Blackmore took some of his names for his book. Of greater note is the connection with James Hannington, one time curate of Martinhoe, who later became the first Bishop of East Equatorial Africa. He was killed at Lake Victoria in 1885. The village hail opposite the church is dedicated to his memory.

Services: Second and Fourth Sundays of the month at 11.3O a.m.  Local facilities: Woody Bay Hotel approx 1 mile.

St. Mary�s LYNTON
(OS Grid ref: 721495)

Considered by many to be the jewel in the crown of the churches in North Devon. this building was largely extended by the Victorians and contains many fine examples of internal decoration by the Arts & Crafts movement. However, the tower dates back to Saxon times. A full guide book is available in the church which is open to visitors every day throughout the year.

Services: Every Sunday at 10 a.m., every Wednesday 9.30 a.m. See Church notice board for full and further details.

Local facilities: All amenities, toilets, car parking and many local cafes etc in the immediate vicinity.

St. John the Baptist. LYNMOUTH
(OS Grid Ref: 725494)

Known locally as the Ark, not because it survived the Flood of 1952 virtually unscathed, but because of its apse at the eastern end. Strictly speaking this is not a Parish Church, that being up the hill at Counstibury. There are some interesting monuments including a tablet to the last coxswain of the Lynmouth Lifeboat, and most notably the memorial vestry given by the American servicemen, in memory of those local people who perished on the night of 15th August 1952. The Lynmouth Flood is commemorated each year with a special service in the Church during its Flower Festival week, which always includes 15th August.

Services: l0 a.m. Holy Communion on first and third Sundays of the month.

Local facilities: All amenities, toilets, coach and car parking and many local cafes, tea rooms etc, in immediate vicinity.

St. John the Evangelist, COUNTISBURY (OS Grid Ref: 747498)

The highest Church for miles around, geographically, rather than theologically! This little gem of a church has become a haven for walkers, resting or sheltering from the (sometimes!) wild Exmoor weather. There are some interesting features, and it is worth spending time exploring some of the older monuments in the churchyard.

Services: Candlelit Ecumenical Epilogues at 8.3O p.m. every Sunday evening from May until September, come as you are, go as you please. Half an hour of informal worship and praise suitable for all ages.

Local facilities: Adjacent car park; Exmoor Sandpiper Inn opposite the Church on the A39 road to Minehead.

St. Brendan�s Church, BRENDON
(OS Grid Ref: 750477)

This is either the last or the first church in Devon depending upon which direction you are travelling, and it is not sited where it was first built. The present site of St. Brendan�s Church, geographically near the centre of the Parish provides an opportunity for everyone to have travel to Church! The original site of St. Brendan�s being at Cheriton (OS (hid Ref: 737468), some two miles away. There are some interesting Exmoor carvings including the altar screen.

Services: Every Sunday at 11.3O a.m. Holy Communion (except 2nd Sunday Morning Prayer)

Local facilities: Public toilets and Car Park at Village Hall in Brendon (approx. 1.5 miles); public houses serving meals at the Rockford Inn or Staghunters Hotel.

ADVICE FOR VISITORS

Visiting all the churches in the Heddon and Lyn Valleys is probably more than a good day�s work! There are plenty of opportunities along the way for overnight accommodation, and the surrounding countryside is simply too beautiful to race through.

If you enjoy visiting Churches this �trail� is certainly for you. If you are seeking peace and tranquillity, you will find plenty in one of these churches, even during the height of the season. Why not linger awhile and enjoy the opportunity of worshipping the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

�May the road rise up to meet you�
 (From an Irish blessing)