Historic Churches in Upwey, Dorset | Sunday Service Times
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 Laurence Church, Upwey
St Nicholas Church, Broadway
Holy Trinity Church, Bincombe,
St Laurence Church is one of Upwey's most important historic buildings and has stood at the heart of village life for centuries.
A church is believed to have existed near this site since before the Norman Conquest, with the earliest known written reference to St Laurence dating from 1201.
Much of the beautiful church we see today dates from the late 15th century, although parts of the building may be even older. Over the centuries, St Laurence has been enlarged, restored and cared for by generations of Upwey residents.
The church underwent major restoration during the Victorian period, reopening in 1891, while the present chancel, vestry and organ chamber were completed in 1907.
Built largely from local Upwey and Portland stone, the church contains many fascinating historic features, including a medieval font, a 17th-century pulpit, historic stained glass and a peal of six bells.
St Laurence also survived the devastating Upwey flood of 1955, when floodwater swept through the village and damaged the church. Evidence of the flooding can still be seen today.
Now a Grade II* listed building, St Laurence remains an important place of worship and a much-loved part of Upwey's history and community life.
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.
St Nicholas Church, Buckland Ripers
