Top Things to do in Berkshire
Things to do in Berkshire, England: The Best Churches & Cathedrals
Discover the best top things to do in Berkshire, United Kingdom including St Mary's Church, Holy Trinity Garrison Church, The Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel, Holy Trinity Cookham, Sandham Memorial Chapel, St. Margaret's Church, Greyfriars Church, Douai Abbey, Windsor Parish Church St. John the Baptist, St Mary the Virgin Church.
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1. St Mary's Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
St Mary's dates from 1069, when the Earl of Hereford ordered it built. Since then, it has been a home of worship and a significant part of life in Shinfield. The building is Grade 1 listed, and is known for some remarkable architecture (especially the fine, uncommonly timbered roof). From the moment people walk into St Mary's it is our aim to provide a welcoming, friendly experience and trust for them to leave with happy memories and hopefully, spiritual food for thought. With a newly refurbished organ, four part choir, bell ringers and a music group, music is central to worship at St Mary's. A mix of tradition and modern music is often employed, and works well. The tower contains 6 bells, and the tenor weighs 13cwt (660kg). In amongst all this activity, St Mary's is also a place for quiet, spiritual reflection and this is a key part of all our services - time to reflect on one's relationship with God and life. Services at St Mary's offer a range of worship styles, from the traditional Book of Common Prayer's Said Communion and Evensong, the Common Worship Eucharist, to more informal Family Services which are often used for baptisms. The Family Services have significant input from lay members and children in the form of short plays, reading and interactive stories. We are working towards opening the church more frequently by making the vestry secure with metal decorative screens, allowing the community at large a chance not only to see the church but also to act as a place for quiet meditation.
2. Holy Trinity Garrison Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By 968nicholash - London, United Kingdom
Sadly the Windsor Garrison no longer uses this church, but it remains a shrine to the British Army with standards everywhere and the balcony fascia completely covered with memorials to various military campaigns. I was fortunate to visit on the day before Remembrance Sunday, so it was full of volunteers cleaning the interior and setting up for the following day’s service. I was able to have a fascinating talk with the vicar about the history of the church, which was initially funded by a donation by Queen Victoria. Prince Albert had a significant influence over its design and there’s a life sized statue of him in the entrance lobby. The magnificent interior is very definitely Victorian, but distinctly lighter and brighter than in many other churches of that era.
3. The Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel
4. Holy Trinity Cookham
5. Sandham Memorial Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By brizy83 - Newbury, United Kingdom
The Sandham Memorial Chapel was built in 1926 and houses the WW1 war art of Stanley Spencer. There is also a gift shop and, when we went, a pop-up retro tea shop. Though this is not usually there. Spencer's artworks are well worth seeing as they contain examples of soldiers undertaking the mundane, everyday tasks of life at the front.
6. St. Margaret's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
7. Greyfriars Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Malkimalk1952 - Reading, United Kingdom
Greyfriars offers several services on a Sunday to meet different worship tastes. Weekdays the bookshop is open and there are lots of activities for all ages.
8. Douai Abbey
9. Windsor Parish Church St. John the Baptist
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By futtock21 - London, United Kingdom
Although the present building dates from 1820-22, albeit on the site of earlier churches dating back to medieval times, its most striking ornament dates from the early seventeenth century and is a painting of the Last Supper by James I’s painter Francis de Cleyn. It was originally placed in St. George’s Chapel but together with the main altar was removed by Puritans in the Civil War, rolled up and buried before its restoration in the next century culminating in its presentation as a gift to the Parish Church by George III in 1788. It is situated on the first floor wall directly above the main entrance such that I only noticed it on the way out. Perhaps the second most impressive ornament is the organ occupying a vast space to the left of the main altar which is currently subject to a restoration appeal.
10. St Mary the Virgin Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
