I'm not a particularly religious person, but some churches completely overwhelm me. St. Issell's is…read moreone of them. Perhaps it was because the happy couple getting married there had decked the place out in candles at twilight and the place looked sparkly and beautiful. This helped, but it's a lovely church to begin with. The church itself is older than the village of Saundersfoot. It's one of the earliest Welsh Christian churches, and part of what makes it special is the fact that there's a gorgeous little hill path leading all the way up to it. Being so close to the sea gives it a very calm and tranquil atmosphere, and it will always have a special place in my heart as two people so special to me got married here. It's well worth finding that special place for it, because it's a church that bears repeating come rain or shine.

Pretty without being chocolate-boxy, Penmark is a small village just outside Barry with a good…read morelocal pub and an interesting mediaeval church. Its peace is only disturbed by the aircraft taking off from nearby Cardiff-Wales airport, but it's a million miles away in character. History The village was the site of a 12th century Norman castle, overlooking a natural ravine carved by the Waycock River. Originally built in wood by Gilbert de Umfraville, it was rebuilt in stone in the 13th century. A good review of the castle (now in ruins) can be found at http://www.castlewales.com . The church was probably built around the same time, and its generous proportions may reflect the patronage of the local lord. The oldest part is the chancel arch, dating from around 1200. The tower arch dates from 1400 and most of the Perpendicular Gothic windows date from the 15th century. Charles Wesley preached here on 26th July 1777, after breakfasting in nearby Fonmon Castle. In 1811 the church is recorded as still being dedicated to St Mark, and repairs were undertaken and new seating was installed in 1893-5. In the churchyard is a preaching cross, restored in 1888, on the original mediaeval base. The church The church has a south porch, nave, chancel and tower. The most notable interior feature is the peculiar chancel arch, a simple and crude pointed arch with similarly crude zig-zag carving, dated to around 1200. More impressive is a tall and beautifully proportioned Perpendicular tower arch dating from around 1400. The nave has a well preserved staircase for a long-vanished Rood Screen. Most of the windows are perpendicular in style, dating from the later 15th century, some restored. The church has some interesting fittings and furnishings: pride of place goes to the Jacobean pulpit, from which Charles Wesley preached in 1777. The nave side altar opposite dates from 1709, and above are memorials to Jones family of Fonmon Castle. In the chancel are late 17th century alabaster memorials to the Lewis Family of Penmark Place, with coats of arms and skulls. The nave has a plain turned Norman tub font, presumably dating from the founding of the church. The church is an integral part of village life details of special services can be found in the newsletter at http://www.penmark.org . Regular services are part of the joint benefice of Benefice of Penmark with Llancarfan with Llantrithyd telephone for service times and location.

You will always find a very warm welcome at our church. We are very much an all age worshipping…read morecongregation, with gifted musicians and participation by different people in our services. Our church building has been completely refurbished, (please see our 'History' section), which helps to create a worshipping atmosphere. Our spiritual growth continues constantly with new people serving the Lord in a variety of capacities both within and outside of the church. After morning worship many gather for tea/coffee, which enables us to chat and share. Since we have cleared the cost of our refurbishment, we continue to hold a variety of different events and through it give generously to local charities. Please come and share with us.

Always friendly and welcoming, The Methodist church also houses the Jack and Jill Pre School. This…read morePre School is small and so very friendly. Because of its size it makes it a bit easier to leave your children. They really look after them there.

This church was originally erected as a chapel of ease around the late 12th century. It was later…read moreenlarged and the West Tower was added in the 16th century at a cost of two thousand pounds. There have been many restorations over the years, especially during the 19th century. St Mary's became a parish church in 1923.More recent work has included the east window by the local artist, John Petts (1989), and a statue of Our Lady of Walsingham by Michael Tandy (1997). This is, without doubt, one of the most prominent buildings in the town, especially the 90 ft tower which dominates the landscape. I have walked past St Mary's many times without knowing anything about it, and taken photos of it too. It's very interesting to finally do a bit of research to find out more about this old church!

Lost and gasping for a caffeine hit on a sunny Sunday in Brecon? Just look to the heavens for the…read moreturreted steeple of St Mary's Church. Tower Cafe offers a fine coffee and cake, all served with a welcoming and genteel joviality and friendliness - right in the middle of the town. Americano with hot milk served perfectly. Sit outside under the shade of the mighty steeple and mix it with international visitors - offer to take a family snap with their cameras (remembering not to chop any feet or heads off treasured holiday snaps, however tempting). According to the sales assistant in WH Smiths, there are no good coffee places open in Brecon on a Sunday (this might not be totally accurate but definitely no Costa or Nero - a gap in the market?) - but the setting and ambiance of St Mary's Church Tower Cafe is a far superior alternative - and for a good cause too - very satisfying all round. Recommended. Hope this is useful.

I am reviewing the acual church building rather that the vicar and his staff because that is a…read morewhole different review!! The church stands in a beautiful position overlooking the harbour. Iy is a friendly building whcih when you walk into it, it feels like you are 'coming home' in an odd kind of a way. It is cavernous and beautifully decorated, the stained glass is outstanding, especially the one above the altar. the place smells of incense and bibles, it really has a wonderfully old air about it. The upkeep has been excellent or so it seems to my untrained eye, and as long as the doors are open then I am sure that you are welcome to look around it. It has a lovely werene feeling, so sit awhile...........