Explore the churches of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Planning your trip is simple. Each church listing below provides all the essential information you need to make the most of your visit.
📌 Location – Where the church is situated
🧭 Directions – How to get there
⏰ Opening Times – When you can visit
🚗 Parking – Nearby parking options
🚌 Public Transport – Bus and travel links
♿ Facilities – Accessibility and amenities available
📞 Contact Details – Who to get in touch with
🌐 Website – Find out more online
Start exploring and discover the rich heritage, history, and beauty of these remarkable coastal churches.
🏡 Ewenny Village
Ewenny is a charming historic village in the Vale of Glamorgan, near Bridgend, set along the banks of the River Ewenny. Surrounded by countryside, it is best known for its remarkable medieval heritage, including the impressive Ewenny Priory and the long-established Ewenny Pottery.
Today, the village retains a peaceful rural character, offering visitors a strong sense of history and traditional Welsh charm.
⛪ Ewenny Priory
Ewenny Priory is widely regarded as the most complete and impressive Norman church in South Wales and one of the finest examples of a fortified church in Europe.
Built by William de Londres of Ogmore Castle, it was completed by 1126, and in 1141 became a priory of the Benedictine Abbey of St Peter, Gloucester. Its substantial defensive walls and towers reflect both its religious and military significance during the Norman period.
⏰ Opening Times
Open daily: 9:30am – 4:30pm
📍 Location
Address: Abbey Road, Ewenny, Vale of Glamorgan
Postcode (Sat Nav only): CF35 5BW
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SS 91250 77797
what3words: sling.mount.feeds
🧭 Directions
From the B4265 (Llantwit Major to Bridgend road)
Take the B4524 turning at Ewenny Garden Centre
Almost immediately take the left turn
Continue for approximately 1,000 metres to the Priory Church
🚗 Parking
Car park available in front of the church
🚌 Public Transport
Bus stop at Ewenny Bridge (B4265)
First Cymru 303 (hourly service from Llantwit Major or Bridgend)
Short walk from the stop to the church
⚠️ Good to Know
No general facilities on site
Accessible toilet available during services, concerts, and events
Guidebook available for visitors
Step-free access into the church; ramped access to the monastic end
🙏 Service Times
Every Sunday at 9:30am
📞 Contact
Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area Office
📱 01446 792439
📧 office@ghcp.church
🌐 Website
www.ghc.church
https://www.facebook.com/ewennypriorychurch
https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/ewenny-priory
Southerndown is a small coastal village in the Vale of Glamorgan, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and sweeping views across the Bristol Channel. It lies beside Dunraven Bay, a popular beach celebrated for its striking rock formations, rich fossil finds, and part of the Jurassic coastline.
Today, Southerndown is a peaceful yet well-loved destination for walkers and visitors, offering stunning scenery and easy access to some of the Vale’s most impressive coastal landscapes.
The present All Saints’ Church is the second building on this site. The original structure began life as a reading room, built when Southerndown was a fashionable holiday resort for the gentry, before later becoming a Mission Church.
Following a road-widening scheme in 1967, the original building was demolished and replaced with the current church. Built from wood, it has a simple square design, with the altar positioned in a corner—allowing for a flexible seating layout complemented by oak furnishings.
Access via key code (contact details below)
Address (Sat Nav only): Southerndown, Vale of Glamorgan, CF32 0RW
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SS 88189 73940
what3words: deck.breached.thrones
Follow the B4524 coastal road to Southerndown from St Brides Major
At the junction by the Three Golden Cups and Beach Road, keep right
The church is on the right-hand side, set back behind a wide grassed area and wooden latch gates within the wall
Off-street parking available nearby
Bus stop at the Three Golden Cups
Served by the hourly Timetables | First Bus service (from Llantwit Major or Bridgend)
♿ Ramped access to the church
🚻 Accessible toilet and kitchen facilities available
📶 Wi-Fi available inside the church
🍽️ Refreshments nearby at The Three Golden Cups or Frolics Restaurant
Wednesdays at 3:00pm
Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area Office
📱 01446 792439
📧 office@ghcp.church
🔑 For access code: norfolk.1@hotmail.com
Southerndown All Saints | National Churches Trust
🏡 Wick Village
Wick is a small rural village in the Vale of Glamorgan, set inland from the Heritage Coast and surrounded by farmland and rolling countryside. It lies within easy reach of nearby villages such as St Brides Major and Llantwit Major.
Today, Wick is a quiet residential community with a village shop and post office providing everyday essentials, as well as nearby country pubs just a short drive away. It is known for its peaceful setting while remaining close to popular coastal walks and attractions along the Glamorgan coastline.
⛪ St James’ Church
St James’ Church dates from the early 12th century and was originally a chapel of Ewenny Priory. Surviving Norman features include the chancel arch, south doorway, and a chancel window, along with a distinctive round font with rope moulding.
The nave was rebuilt in 1871, with the porch and vestry added later. The western tower has a saddleback roof and contains a single bell. Inside, a medieval altar slab with a consecration cross can be found, alongside niches that would have held statues of the Virgin Mary and St James, the church’s patron saint.
⏰ Opening Times
Open daily: 9:30am – 5:00pm
📍 Location
Address (Sat Nav only): Church Street, Wick, Vale of Glamorgan, CF71 7QE
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SS 92328 72177
what3words: eggs.including.latest
🧭 Directions
From the B4265 (Bridgend to Llantwit Major road):
Turn into Church Street by the Lamb and Flag pub
The church is on the right, opposite Wick and Marcross Primary School
🚗 Parking
On-street parking available nearby
🚌 Public Transport
Bus stop in Church Street
First Cymru 303 (hourly service from Llantwit Major or Bridgend)
⚠️ Good to Know
Steps at the porch entrance; ramp available inside
Tea and coffee-making facilities at the rear of the church
No toilets on site
Refreshments available at Wick Village Shop and The Star Inn
🙏 Service Times
Sundays at 11:00am
📞 Contact
Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area Office
📱 01446 792439
📧 office@ghcp.church
🌐 Website
www.wickchurch.wales
https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/wick-st-james
🏡 St Brides Major Village
St Brides Major is a small village in the Vale of Glamorgan, set between rolling countryside and the nearby coastline at Ogmore-by-Sea and Southerndown. It is a quiet rural community with strong historic roots and easy access to some of the area’s most popular coastal walks.
At its heart lies St Bridget’s Church, a well-presed medieval building reflecting the village’s long history. Nearby, Ogmore Castle, located along the River Ogmore, adds to the area’s rich sense of heritage.
⛪ St Bridget’s Church
Local tradition holds that St Bridget of Kildare visited this valley around 500 AD during a pilgrimage through south Wales to Glastonbury. She is believed to have founded an early Christian community and built the first church here.
The present church has Norman origins, visible in its round-headed chancel and porch arches. It was rebuilt in the 14th century and later extensively restored in 1851.
⏰ Opening Times
Open daily: 10:00am – 4:00pm
📍 Location
Address (Sat Nav only): Heol yr Ysgol, St Brides Major, Vale of Glamorgan, CF32 0TB
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SS 89413 75010
what3words: souk.crises.asset
🧭 Directions
St Brides Major lies on the B4256 (Llantwit Major to Bridgend road)
Take the turning opposite The Fox pub
The church is clearly visible from the road
🚗 Parking
Car park located below the church
🚌 Public Transport
Bus stop on Southerndown Road (approx. 500 metres from the church)
First Cymru 303 (hourly service from Llantwit Major or Bridgend)
⚠️ Good to Know
Information guidebook available inside the church
Steps through the porch; wheelchair access via the west door by arrangement
Refreshments available nearby at The Fox pub
🙏 Service Times
Every Sunday at 11:00am
📞 Contact
Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area Office
📱 01446 792439
📧 office@ghcp.church
🌐 Website
www.ghc.church
https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-brides-major-st-bridget
🏡 Monknash Village
Monknash is a small, peaceful village in the Vale of Glamorgan, tucked just inland from the Heritage Coast between Llantwit Major and Nash Point. Surrounded by rolling farmland, it offers a quiet, rural atmosphere with a strong connection to the natural landscape.
Nearby, popular walking routes through Monknash Woods lead down to Monknash Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs, small waterfalls, and fossil-rich shoreline. Today, Monknash is a hidden gem for walkers and nature lovers exploring the Vale’s countryside and coast.
The village is also home to The Plough & Harrow, a historic country pub and a popular stop for visitors exploring the area.
⛪ St Mary’s Church
St Mary’s Church is a largely complete 12th-century Norman church, originally serving a Cistercian monastic grange of Neath Abbey. Although restored over time, it retains the character and simplicity of a traditional rural church.
⏰ Opening Times
Open during daylight hours
📍 Location
Address (Sat Nav only): Heol Las, Monknash, Vale of Glamorgan, CF71 7QQ
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SS 92109 70456
what3words: adjuster.sigh.textiles
🧭 Directions
Located on the coastal road between Llantwit Major and Wick
The church is easily visible from the roadside
🚗 Parking
Limited on-street parking available opposite the church
🚌 Public Transport
Bus stop at The Plough & Harrow
First Cymru 303 (hourly service from Llantwit Major or Bridgend)
⚠️ Good to Know
Level access through the churchyard and porch
No facilities inside the church
Food and refreshments available nearby at The Plough & Harrow
🙏 Service Times
3rd Friday of each month at 9.30am
📞 Contact
Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area Office
📱 01446 792439
📧 office@ghcp.church
🌐 Website
www.ghc.church
https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/monknash-st-mary-magdalene
🏡 Marcross Village
Marcross is a tiny, historic village on the Vale of Glamorgan Heritage Coast, set between St Donats and Monknash. It is a very small settlement, made up mainly of scattered houses, farmland, and the medieval Holy Trinity Church, giving it a peaceful and traditional rural feel.
The village’s focal point is The Dog House Marcross, a recently reopened pub that offers a warm welcome to walkers and visitors exploring the nearby coastline.
Just along the road is Nash Point, making Marcross an excellent base for coastal walks along one of the most scenic stretches of the Glamorgan coast.
⛪ Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church, with its distinctive saddleback tower, stands just off the road to Nash Point and contains several notable Norman features.
The earliest documentary reference dates from 1254, though the church itself was likely built earlier, in the second half of the 12th century. Despite restoration in the late 19th century, it retains much of its historic character.
⏰ Opening Times
Open during daylight hours
📍 Location
Address (Sat Nav only): Marcross, Vale of Glamorgan, CF61 1ZG
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SS 92090 69101
what3words: tiny.hobby.suggested
🧭 Directions
Located on the coast road from Llantwit Major to Wick
At The Dog House Marcross, take the road south
The church is approximately 500 metres on the right
🚗 Parking
Limited on-street parking available
🚌 Public Transport
Bus stop at The Dog House Marcross
First Cymru 303 (hourly service from Llantwit Major or Bridgend)
⚠️ Good to Know
Steps to enter both the churchyard and the church
A wheelchair ramp is available behind the main door (assistance may be required)
No facilities on site
Food available at The Dog House Marcross
Seasonal café at Nash Point (approx. 900 metres away)
🙏 Service Times
1st Sunday of each month at 6:00pm
📞 Contact
Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area Office
📱 01446 792439
📧 office@ghcp.church
🌐 Website
www.ghc.church
https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/marcross-holy-trinity
🏡 St Donats Village
St Donats is a picturesque coastal village in the Vale of Glamorgan, set above the cliffs of the Heritage Coast between Llantwit Major and Marcross. It is renowned for its strong medieval heritage and dramatic seaside setting.
At its centre stands the impressive St Donat’s Castle, a fortified manor house dating from the 12th century, now restored and used as a centre for education and cultural activity. The village itself is small and peaceful, with traditional stone buildings and sweeping views across the Bristol Channel.
Today, St Donats offers a striking combination of rich history and spectacular coastal scenery, making it one of the most distinctive locations in the Vale.
⛪ St Donat’s Church
Nestling in wooded grounds at the foot of the castle walls, St Donat’s Church is an atmospheric and historic place of worship with medieval origins.
Originally built in the 12th century by the de Hawey family, who also constructed the castle, the church has evolved over time with additions and rebuilding in later centuries.
The church remains an important historic building with close ties to St Donat’s Castle and its long heritage.
⏰ Opening Times
Open during daylight hours
📍 Location
Address (Sat Nav only): St Donat’s, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan, CF61 1YZ
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SS 93368 68064
what3words: bolsters.scrolled.soft
🧭 Directions
Located on the coastal road from Llantwit Major to Wick
Access is via the Atlantic College entrance
Visitors must sign in at reception before driving down to the church
🚗 Parking
Available at the Atlantic College main visitor car park
Additional parking near the church
🚌 Public Transport
Bus stop outside the college entrance
First Cymru 303 (hourly service from Llantwit Major or Bridgend)
⚠️ Good to Know
Guidebook available inside the church
Steps from the car park to the church entrance
Located within the grounds of Atlantic College, so entry procedures apply
🙏 Service Times
Every Sunday at 11:15am
📞 Contact
Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area Office
📱 01446 792439
📧 office@ghcp.church
🌐 Website
www.ghc.church
https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-donats-st-donat
🏡 Llantwit Major Town
Llantwit Major (Welsh: Llanilltud Fawr) is one of the largest towns on the Vale of Glamorgan coast, situated just inland from the Heritage Coast between St Donats and St Brides Major. It has a long and significant history as one of the earliest centres of learning in Wales.
At its heart is St Illtud’s Church, a major early Christian site linked to a 5th–6th century monastic school founded by St Illtud, which helped establish the town’s reputation for education and scholarship.
Nearby, Llantwit Major Beach offers a popular stretch of the Glamorgan coastline, known for its cliffs, fossils, and scenic walking routes. Today, the town is lively yet characterful, with a range of shops, pubs, and local amenities.
⛪ St Illtud’s Church
Described by John Wesley in 1777 as “abundantly the most beautiful as well as the most spacious church in Wales,” St Illtud’s Church is one of the most important historic religious sites in Wales.
Founded in the late 5th century, the monastic school here became a major centre of learning, sending missionaries across Wales, Ireland, Cornwall, and Brittany.
The present church is divided into three distinct parts:
⏰ Opening Times
Open daily: 9:30am – 5:00pm
📍 Location
Address (Sat Nav only): Church Street, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan, CF61 1SG
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SS 96610 68715
what3words: infects.sloping.ghost
🧭 Directions
Located at the west end of the town
Near the Town Hall and cenotaph
🚗 Parking
Town car parks available
Limited on-street parking near the church
🚌 Public Transport
Train: Hourly services from Cardiff to Bridgend (Traveline Journey Planner) (approx. 650m walk from station)
Bus:
Timetables | First Bus (Barry/Cardiff to Llantwit Interchange)
First Cymru 303 (Bridgend to Church Street)
⚠️ Good to Know
Step-free access with ramp
Accessible toilet on site
Church shop available
Cafés and pubs within the town
Guidebooks, leaflets, and guided tours available by arrangement
🙏 Service Times
Sundays: 8:00am and 9:30am
Wednesdays: 10:00am
Fridays: 12:15pm
📞 Contact
Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area Office
📱 01446 792439
📧 office@ghcp.church
🌐 Website
www.llanilltud.org.uk
https://www.facebook.com/stilltudschurch
https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-illtud-llantwit-major
🏡 Gileston Village
Gileston is a small, peaceful village in the Vale of Glamorgan, located near St Athan and just inland from the Bristol Channel coastline. With its quiet lanes and historic buildings, it retains a strong sense of rural charm.
At the heart of the village lies its parish church, set beside Gileston Manor House, reflecting centuries of local history and connection to prominent families.
⛪ St Giles’ Church
This small church, nestling alongside Gileston Manor House, dates from the 15th century, although it stands on the site of an earlier church dedicated to the 6th-century saint Mabon.
The village and church take their name from the Giles family, who held the manor in 1350. Several memorials inside the church commemorate this family and their influence in the area.
⏰ Opening Times
Open during daylight hours
📍 Location
Address: Gileston, Vale of Glamorgan
Postcode (Sat Nav only): CF62 4HX
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: ST 01783 67081
what3words: page.squeezed.brotherly
🧭 Directions
From the B4265 (Barry to Llantwit Major road)
Turn south at the St Athan junction
The church is approximately 450 metres on the left
🚗 Parking
On-street parking available below the church
🚌 Public Transport
Bus stop at St Athan War Memorial
First Bus 304 (hourly service from Llantwit Major, Barry, or Cardiff)
⚠️ Good to Know
Step-free access into the church
No facilities on site
🙏 Service Times
First Sunday of each month at 9:30am
📞 Contact
Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area Office
📱 01446 792439
📧 office@ghcp.church
🌐 Website
www.ghc.church
🏡 St Athan Village
St Athan is a well-established village in the Vale of Glamorgan, located between Barry and Llantwit Major and close to the Heritage Coast. It has a rich history and serves as a hub for the surrounding rural area, with a blend of historic charm and modern community life.
At its centre stands the parish church, alongside local amenities including The Horseshoes pub, making it a focal point for both residents and visitors.
⛪ St Tathan’s Church
This impressive church, located in the heart of the village, is dedicated to St Tathan, a 6th-century saint, indicating much earlier origins than the present building. Medieval records refer to it as “Ecclesia de Sancta Tathana”, suggesting a dedication to a female saint, believed to have lived as a nun near the banks of the River Thaw.
The current church dates from the 14th century and is built in a cruciform plan in the decorated Gothic style, with a striking central tower.
⏰ Opening Times
April – October: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Winter months: by arrangement
📍 Location
Address: The Square, St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan
Postcode (Sat Nav only): CF62 4PD
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: ST 01705 67991
what3words: appendix.upstarts.proclaims
🧭 Directions
From the B4265 (Barry to Llantwit Major road)
Turn north at the St Athan War Memorial
The church is approximately 600 metres on the right, in the centre of the village
🚗 Parking
On-street parking available
🚌 Public Transport
Bus stop at St Athan Square
First Bus 304 (hourly service from Llantwit Major, Barry, or Cardiff)
⚠️ Good to Know
Ramped access to the church
Toilet available (no disabled access)
Leaflet available inside the church
Food available at The Horseshoes pub, next to the church
🙏 Service Times
2nd Sunday of the month: 11:00am
Every Wednesday: 11:00am
📞 Contact
Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area Office
📱 01446 792439
📧 office@ghcp.church
🌐 Website
www.ghc.church
🏡 Llanmaes Village
Llanmaes is a small, historic village just outside Llantwit Major, nestled within the Vale of Glamorgan countryside. It retains a peaceful rural character and is closely connected to the surrounding agricultural landscape.
The village is best known for its parish church and its link to popular culture, having featured as the wedding location in the BBC series Gavin and Stacey.
⛪ St Cattwg’s Church
The dedication of the church to St Cattwg (Cadoc) suggests the presence of an earlier Celtic church, possibly founded by a monk from Llancarfan, home to St Cadoc’s monastery.
The present church largely dates from the 13th century, though some earlier Norman elements remain.
The church is also widely recognised as the setting for Nessa’s wedding in Gavin and Stacey, attracting visitors and fans of the series.
⏰ Opening Times
Open during daylight hours
📍 Location
Address: Llanmaes, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan
Postcode (Sat Nav only): CF61 2XR
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SS 98070 69474
what3words: cashiers.family.seatbelt
🧭 Directions
Located in the south of the village
Llanmaes is signposted from the B4265 (Llantwit Major bypass)
🚗 Parking
Limited roadside parking available
🚌 Public Transport
Nearest bus stop at Eagleswell Road, Llantwit Major
First Bus 304 (hourly service from Llantwit Major, Barry, or Cardiff)
Approx. 800 metre walk from the bus stop to the church
⚠️ Good to Know
Ramped access to the church
No facilities on site
Food and refreshments available nearby at the Blacksmiths Arms
🙏 Service Times
Every Sunday at 11:00am
📞 Contact
Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area Office
📱 01446 792439
📧 office@ghcp.church
🌐 Website
www.ghc.church
🏡 Llanmihangel
Llanmihangel is a small and peaceful hamlet reached by narrow rural lanes through the village of Sigingstone, near Cowbridge. Set within rolling countryside, it has a secluded and timeless character.
At its heart lies St Michael and All Angels Church, nestled below the historic 16th-century Plas Llanmihangel, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting.
⛪ St Michael & All Angels Church
This distinctive church, with its characteristic saddleback tower, dates largely from the 15th century and was built with defensive features such as arrow slits.
However, records show that a church existed on this site as early as 1254, and its Early English architectural style suggests origins in the first half of the 13th century.
⏰ Opening Times
Open during daylight hours
📍 Location
Address: Llanmihangel, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan
Postcode (Sat Nav only): CF71 7LQ
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SS 98136 71878
what3words: trackers.such.opened
🧭 Directions
From the B4270 (Cowbridge to Llantwit Major road)
Take the turning east towards Sigingstone (brown sign for The Victoria Inn)
Follow the narrow lanes signposted Llanmihangel
🚗 Parking
Limited roadside parking available below the church
🚌 Public Transport
No direct public transport access
⚠️ Good to Know
The church has no electricity (no internal lighting)
One small step at the entrance
No facilities on site
🙏 Service Times
9:30am on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month
📞 Contact
Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area Office
📱 01446 792439
📧 office@ghcp.church
🌐 Website
www.ghc.church
These historic churches are all just a short distance from the coastal town of Llantwit Major and the historic market town of Cowbridge, making them easy to discover as you explore the Vale of Glamorgan.
