Old Church of St Nicholas, Uphill

The Old Church of St Nicholas sits on a limestone cliff in Uphill and features a central three-stage tower, a chancel, and an open-air nave without a roof. The structure displays typical Norman stone church design with a solid, straightforward architecture.

This Norman stone church began construction around 1001 and served the community for many centuries. Regular worship ended in 1846 when the congregation moved to a newly built church.

The church is named after Saint Nicholas, patron of seafarers, reflecting its coastal location and maritime connections. Visitors can still see the three stone sundials carved into the walls, with one displaying Norman features.

The church is open on Sunday afternoons and bank holidays between Easter and September. Wear sturdy shoes since the clifftop location means uneven terrain and steep pathways.

The church sits within the Uphill Cliff Site of Special Scientific Interest, a protected area with rare grass species. The exposed clifftop location offers views across Weston Bay and the River Axe estuary.

Location: Weston-Super-Mare

Inception: 11 century

GPS coordinates: 51.32030,-2.98222

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01