Isle of Wight Churches - A Guide For Visitors

23/5/2023

I've not been to every church on the Isle of Wight. However, I can offer a little bit of insight for someone looking for somewhere to worship whilst on holiday.

If you want to recommend anywhere in the comments section, please do. This list isn't intended to be exhaustive.

Details change from time to time, so please check things like service times before making a journey.

The Isle of Wight has historic churches such as St Agnes in Freshwater Bay...

...as well as more modern and Pentecostal churches. This photo isn't actually on the Isle of Wight, but you get the idea.

Castlehold Baptist Church, Newport

We've been to Castlehold Baptist Church quite a few times over the years. Back in the day, I went to Boys Brigade at Castlehold and made a very poor effort of cleaning my uniform each week.

It is in the middle of the Isle of Wight, so you are unlikely to be further than 20 minutes away whilst on holiday.

There is some good kids' work going on and plenty of children attending (last time we visited). We were once invited to write prayers on a paper aeroplane and send Prayer-o-planes flying around the church.

The music is modern songs rather than hymns, but not wacky Jesus-Is-My-Boyfriend songs. There was a 90s and noughties vibe to the songs, with an occasional vintage barnstormer for good measure ("We are marrrrching in the light of God, we are marrrrrrrrching in the light of God etc). Don't expect lots of liturgy.

They've got a balcony at Castlehold where you can hide away or you can sit downstairs if you are more inclined towards a long chat afterwards. We've always found people at Castlehold to be friendly.

There's a big pay and display car park nearby on Drill Hall Road or check out our guide to free parking on the Isle of Wight for more ideas.

Castlehold usually meet at 10.30am on Sundays. It is sometimes known as Newport Baptist Church.

St James' Church, Ryde

My brother often visits St James' in Ryde when he is on the Isle of Wight. I went a few times many years ago, but haven't for a long time.

I would say it is towards the Conservative Evangelical end of things (please correct me if I'm barking up the wrong clerical tree). It describes itself as 'Evangelical Anglican' and is 'part of the Anglican Mission in England'.

There is kids' work at St James' which is split into three age groups.

Sunday services are currently at 10.30am and 6.30pm.

Carisbrooke Priory, near Newport

I have a family connection to Carisbrooke Priory, so wanted to give it a mention.

It is a non-denominational 'house of prayer and Christian healing' which was home to nuns until the 1990s.

They don't have a Sunday service, but they sometimes hold a Thursday service at midday (check the website).

Carisbrooke Priory is also a tea rooms so you can combine your faith with your love of home made quiche. There are gardens to explore as well as a chapel, cloisters and other curiosities.

Carisbrooke Priory is run by Christians but is non-denominational

True Vine Church, Newport

I've not been to True Vine Church in Newport, but it is pretty active with Youtube streams, social media posts and other modern stuff going on.

It has the added novelty of being held in Newport's former cinema building. I have fond memories of watching Goldeneye there in 1995.

I would put True Vine in the Pentecostal/Happy Clappy category of Isle of Wight churches based on the music and the presence of flag waving. The website says that 'the majority of our church stand to sing if able, but you can dance, clap, wave flags, raise your hands or whatever feels natural to you'.

As I said though, I've not actually been to True Vine and may have caused great offence.

A lot of people from True Vine were also involved in launching a new Christian festival on the Isle of Wight called Lionheart Festival.

It meets on Sunday mornings at 10.30am and has groups for children.

Catholic Churches on the Isle of Wight

I've not been to any Catholic Churches on the Isle of Wight, but I wanted to mention a few as a gesture of ecumenical love.

St Mary's Catholic Church in Ryde, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shanklin and Saint Thomas of Canterbury in Newport all have lots of reviews on Google reviews which is a good sign that they are active.

The reviews can be split into two categories. Some are commenting on the services ('you can feel the presence of our dear Lord') whilst others are commenting on the state of the building ('lots of damp').

Historic Churches

If your interest is in church architecture and history, then there's an excellent selection on the Isle of Wight. You will find some of these don't hold weekly services as vicars are shared out between churches. You may find a sign saying something like 'we meet on the third Sunday of the month, unless it's a month ending in R or during Lent'.

Interesting old churches on the Isle of Wight include:

St Boniface's 'Old Church' in Bonchurch has a north wall from the 7th century, according to Visit Isle of Wight. It was visited by King Charles and is well placed for exploring the coastal path to Ventnor.
St. Agnes Church in Freshwater Bay is a favourite of mine. It isn't ancient but it's got a thatched roof and links to Tennyson. Take a walk up to the Tennyson monument whilst you are there or visit Freshwater Bay.
St. Lawrence Old Church on Seven Sisters Road is a very small and cute little church in the South Wight.
Quarr Abbey is a nice day out as well as being an active monastery. The Benedictine monks will sometimes give you a tour or you can visit the coffee shop or book shop. There is also a woodland walk and some resident pigs.
All Saint's in Godshill is perhaps the Isle of Wight's most photographed church. It is surrounded by thatched cottages and features on calendars sold in garden centres.
The Church of St Nicholas in Castro is part of Carisbrooke Castle. You can get in free if you have English Heritage membership)
St Mildred's in Whippingham is of particular historical interest as Queen Victoria was a regular visitor. There are several things with royal connections to see. Combine it with a visit to Osborne House, obviously.
St Olave's Church in Gatcombe is more than 700 years old.

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