Upwey Churches, Heritage & Sunday Service Times | Upwey, Dorset
The Four Churches Near Upwey - West Ridgeway Churches
Set along the Ridgeway just north of Weymouth, the villages around Upwey are home to four historic churches, each with its own character, setting, and story. Often referred to collectively as the Ridgeway Churches of Upwey, these include two churches within Upwey itself, along with nearby churches in Bincombe and Buckland Ripers. Together, they form an important part of the area's heritage, landscape, and community life. Whether you are visiting, attending a service, or simply exploring the local countryside, these churches offer a unique glimpse into Dorset’s history.
St Lawrence Church, Upwey
St Nicholas Church, Upwey
Holy Trinity Church, Bincombe,
St Lawrence Church is one of the oldest heritage buildings in the area. Set slightly away from the main village center, it sits close to the historic source of the River Wey.
The church has a deep, long-standing connection to the local community and is located on Church Street, just a short walk past the famous Upwey Wishing Well and the Old School Hall—making it a perfect, picturesque stop for visitors exploring the village.
Situated at the prominent junction of Mill Street and Dorchester Road, St Nicholas Church serves as a central landmark for Upwey residents.
As the main parish church for the area, it is a bustling focal point for weekly local worship and vibrant community events. Its accessible, central village location makes it easy to find and well-frequented by both locals and visitors alike.
Holy Trinity Church in Bincombe is a small, atmospheric medieval church dating mainly from the 12th and 15th centuries. Nestled just off the A354 near the Ridgeway, it is highly renowned for its peaceful, historic setting and ancient stonework.
The church famously features in Thomas Hardy’s short story “The Melancholy Hussar.” It remains one of Dorset’s most beautifully preserved rural parish churches, located just a short distance from neighboring Upwey.
St Nicholas Church in Buckland Ripers is a tiny, picturesque rural church with roots dating back to Norman times. Tucked away in a tranquil countryside setting just outside Upwey, the building is beautifully surrounded by mature trees and local rolling farmland.
The church is widely known for its simple, elegant stone architecture, peaceful devotional atmosphere, and idyllic Dorset landscape setting.
