Our new Saints and Sinners trail launches in Wiltshire

The Churches Conservation Trust today announces a new Saints and Sinners trail in partnership with VisitWiltshire, featuring four of our historic Wiltshire churches with four of the county's best pubs and hotels, in a new project designed to get more people visiting churches.

Our 21 churches in Wiltshire are open as free heritage attractions, many of which represent almost 1,000 years of English history and together attract over 38,000 visitors a year.

As part of a drive to boost visitors to these fascinating historic buildings, we have matched four of our most idyllic countryside churches with four outstanding pubs and restaurants to make a special day out or short break for locals and tourists alike. 

 Katrina Hurford, National Marketing Manager at The Churches Conservation Trust, explains:

 “Our churches have a lot to offer in the way of nourishment for the eyes, ears and soul, but nothing in the way of more practical nourishment! With these new partnerships each pairing provides opportunities to explore the Wiltshire countryside by foot, bike or car, to discover hidden gems offering irreplaceable examples of architecture, archaeology and art, and to enjoy some of the finest produce Wiltshire has to offer, expertly presented. We hope it will be a winning combination.”

 David Andrews, CEO at VisitWiltshire, says:

 “We’re delighted to be launching this new Saints and Sinners Trail, combining outstanding church architecture and craftsmanship with some devilishly good food and places to stay. Not only can visitors follow in the footsteps of those who have stood before in these amazing Wiltshire churches, but they can take full advantage of the local fresh produce and excellent accommodation in nearby pubs and hotels,” added David.

The four churches featured are All Saints’ in Alton Priors, St Leonard’s in Sutton Veny, St Mary’s in Old Dilton and St John the Baptist in Inglesham. They are partnered with The Red Lion Freehouse in Pewsey, The Beckford Arms in Fonthill Gifford, The Three Daggers in Edington and Stanton House Hotel in Stanton Fitzwarren.

You can download the trail below, or leaflets are available in tourist information centres throughout the county.

Saints and Sinners Trail