Sanctuary

St Mary's Church, Swainswick

Innox Lane Upper Swainswick BA1 8DB

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Beautiful 12th Century Church offering basic facilities to the British Pilgrimage Trust's Giving Pilgrims

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Swainswick church is beautifully positioned in the Lam Valley just outside Bath and on the edge of the Cotswolds. Built in the 12th century and still used every Sunday, it’s one of those ‘thin’ places steeped in history and holiness. Hospitality and inclusivity are our watchwords and we love to welcome walkers, visitors and pilgrims. The church is a short detour off-route for the St Aldhelm Way or Aqua Sulis Way, but at only 3 miles from Bath Abbey is within easy reach by taxi from the city centre. Other routes pass nearby, including local routes set up by the church.

The toilet is outdoor with cold water; a kitchen area in the church offers hot water, sink, kettle, tea/coffee, basic crockery & cutlery but no cooking facilities. The shops and pub are about a mile away. Most of the pews have been removed so there is plenty of floor space. The floor area is mostly stone but there are three wooden box pews and a small carpeted area (space for 2) in the north chapel. Also a number of thin yoga-type mats.

Please be aware that there are a number of activities that take place in the church which may affect access, please see restrictions below.

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Amenities

Toilet

Hand basin

Electric power point

Kitchen facilities

Lighting

Food available nearby

Key facts

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Recommended donation:

£10 per pilgrim

Capacity:

15 pilgrims maximum

Season:

All year round

Notice, arrival and departure times

Minimum 3 days notice required. Pilgrims can arrive and depart at any time (subject to availability) although departure still has to be by 8.30am on Fridays in term time.

Restrictions:

There are a number of regular activities in the church which may affect access. Sunday services: usually at 10am, sometimes afternoon. Check website for details. Thursdays 7.30-8.30: Bellringing practice Fridays 9am – 11am: School Collective worship. (term time only) • First Friday of the month: Pub Swainswick 6.30-9.30pm. Pilgrims are very welcome to join in with most of these other than the School Collective Worship for which the building needs to be vacated. If pilgrims want to stay longer than one night, backpacks etc. can be locked in the vestry. The maximum stay is 2 nights.There may be occasional days when the church is not available.