Treasured buildings with ancient stories
In Norfolk and Waveney, there are church communities across 550 parishes.
With over 650 church buildings, the Diocese of Norwich has one of the highest numbers of heritage buildings in the UK. Over 90% of which are Grade listed buildings, many are hundreds of years old with ancient stories to tell.
Most of our church buildings are regularly used for prayer and worship. Others may be used for significant events or as festival churches, which means they open occasionally through the year. We also look after church ruins, and some of our church communities may gather in halls or even barns.
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My nearest Anglican church to worship in or visit. Go to A Church Near You and tap in your postcode, village, town or city.
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A church to visit as a tourist or pilgrim. Visit our sister website Exploring Norfolk Churches to see walking and cycling trails or ideas for visiting groups of churches.
Churches of note
We have several incredible church buildings and you are welcome to explore as many as you can! In and around them, you will find hundreds of years of English history through the ages. Some churches of note in our diocese include:
Wymondham Abbey
Wymondham Abbey is a magnificent Norman church, established in 1107, as part of a monastic foundation. The people of Wymondham have been coming here for more than 900 years, for public worship and private prayer.
It is an active parish with a wide variety of groups, The building itself is strikingly beautiful and historically important, so it is a popular visitor destination. You can read more about its history and active ministry on the website.
St Benet's Abbey
The Abbey of St Benet at Holme lies deep in the Broads, close to the meeting place of the rivers Bure and Ant. This was the only Norfolk monastery founded in the Anglo-Saxon period which continued in use throughout the Middle Ages, and is the only monastery in England which was not closed down by Henry VIII – the Bishop of Norwich is still the Abbot.
Today the Norfolk Archaeological Trust owns St Benet’s Abbey.
The Julian Shrine
Walsingham Shrine
Founded by the Lady Richeldis in 1061, destroyed by Henry VIII in 1538, restored in 1922 by Father Hope Patten, the Anglican Vicar of Walsingham – the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham has had an eventful history across nearly a thousand years. This medieval place of pilgrimage, which rivalled Canterbury as a destination, was visited by thousands of pilgrims from all across Britain and Europe. It became known as ‘England’s Nazareth’ because of the nature of the vision which the Lady Richeldis experienced.
King's Lynn Minster
King’s Lynn Minster is situated in the historic surroundings of the Saturday Market Place in the heart of King’s Lynn. Founded by the first Bishop of Norwich, Herbert de Losinga, in 1101, the Minster has offered a welcome to pilgrims and visitors for over 900 years.
In December 2011 the Bishop of Norwich dedicated The Priory and Parish Church of St Margaret as King’s Lynn Minster.
The Minster is open all day, every day. Visitors are welcome to attend any service or just walk around and enjoy the atmosphere of this Historic and Holy Church.
Great Yarmouth Minster
St Nicholas’ Church and Priory was founded by Herbert de Losinga (Bishop of Norwich) in 1101. It is the largest parish church in the country and arguably the oldest building in Great Yarmouth.
In 1942 the church was completely gutted during a German air raid leaving only the Norman tower and the walls standing. The church was rebuilt (architect – Stephen Dykes Bower) and the Church was reconsecrated in 1961 by the Bishop of Norwich.
On 9 December 2011 the Bishop of Norwich designated St Nicholas Church, Great Yarmouth a Minster Church. From then on, its official title is The Minster Church of St Nicholas.
Norwich Cathedral
For more than 900 years, Norwich Cathedral’s spire has risen high above the city’s skyline and its ancient architecture echoes with stories.
From its beginnings as a Benedictine monastery to its role as a modern-day cathedral, there is so much to explore. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or regularly pop into the Cathedral, there’s always something new to discover.
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A particular parish or deanery in the diocese of Norwich. Visit the deanery map here: (to add)
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The church building pages on the website as I am on the PCC or a fabric officer. (Visit the church buildings page here)