St Petrock's Church, Parracombe
Devon
1 of 4
About this Church
Legendary hilltop church with a perfect interior
Set in glorious countryside on the edge of Exmoor this hilltop church seems to be a modest medieval building, but it is the lovely light Georgian interior with painted texts and wonderful furnishings that have hardly changed for 200 years that make it very special.
The undulating slate floors and leaning arcade only add to the unforgettable charm of this church. There are rails round three sides of the altar, the Ten Commandments painted on a board above a pretty fifteenth-century screen, a three-tier pulpit with reading desk, box pews, and musician seats raised on steps at the west end.
St Petrock's is believed to be the last church in Devon to have had musicians accompany the hymns - there is a hole in one of the pews to allow room for the bow of a bass viol.
In 1879 there was a proposal to pull the church down because of fears for its stability, and to build a new one on the same site. The poet John Ruskin led the protests and sent a £10 cheque to support the preservation of the church. The objections were successful and the church was saved.
Tours of St Petrock's for groups of 10+ are possible by arrangement. If this is of interest, contact the Local Community Officer Marie Leverett on mleverett@thecct.org.uk.
Make a donation to Parracombe Church text 'PAR' to 70191 to donate £10. Thank you
What Visitors Say
Comments from our Visitors Book at Parracombe Church:
"Wonderful to see such an old church with so little Victorian alteration. I can just imagine the musicians playing in the pews behind the congregation. Spine tingles"
"Amazing! Never seen such a beautiful building!"
"Worth the walk up. Very peaceful - ideal for contemplation"
Access information
Up a grassy slope, through the churchyard gate on the west side of the church, and up a gentle grass path to the south porch. There is a level entrance to the south lobby with a slate floor. Fairly steep sloping access up across grass in the churchyard to a level, wide entrance through the south porch. Uneven floors but passable in a wheelchair with care.
There is also an entrance to the south of the church. From October 2025-spring 2026 this entrance has scaffolding on the adjacent cottage so please take care when using this entrance.
There is space for one or two cars to park on the raised grassy area to the west of the church. Please take care in wet weather as the ground here can become boggy.
Facilities & Hire
Parracombe St Petrock's church is available to hire for events and is a unique and beautiful venue.
Due to its historic nature the church has no heating, electricity, running water or toilet facilities so thought needs to be given for events longer than a couple of hours (e.g. portaloo hire).
St Petrock's can seat up to 150 people.
History & Further Information
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church and the CCT before you visit?
You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.
Cornwall Devon Dorset County Guide
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches CCT cares for in Cornwall, Devon & Dorset. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
Church of St Petrock Parracombe Guide
'Exmoor Loop' Guided Walk from Parracombe
Tours of St Petrock's for groups of 10+ are possible by arrangement. If this is of interest, contact the Local Community Officer Marie Leverett on mleverett@thecct.org.uk.
Directions
11 miles north east of Barnstaple, off A39 and 4 miles south west of Lynton
Transport
Nearest railway station: Barnstaple (10.6 miles)
Volunteering Opportunities
We are currently looking for volunteers at St Petrock's to help with research, interpretation and talks, fundraising and events organising.
If you are interested in helping please email the Local Community Officer on mleverett@thecct.org.uk
Church Plan
Our church plans set out a shared vision for the future of the churches in our care. These working documents are regularly updated following meetings with our local communities.
Community Information
If you have any feedback or if you want to contact us about the church plan Contact us please drop us a line. When you write, please do give the name of the church, thank you!
St Petrock's Church, Parracombe is in our West region.
Useful local links:
