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.

So much good ..God bless!read more

So much good long as you're not gay.read more

Although not as well known as Salisbury or Canterbury, Exeter has one of the loveliest cathedrals…read morein England, and is one of the best examples of the 14th century "Decorated Gothic" style. Dedicated to St Peter, the cathedral is built on an ancient Christian site: St Boniface, the Patron Saint of Germany, was educated at a monastery close to the present location in 690. The history of the Cathedral itself dates from 1050, when the bishopric was moved here from nearby Crediton. The Normans rebuilt the church in 1114, although only the towers and some foundations remain from this period. Most of the present building dates from the rebuilding in the decorated gothic style, begun by Bishop Bronescombe in 1270, and completed over a century later. The result is a glorious harmony of late mediaeval gothic architecture, set in a tranquil green oasis just minutes from the bustle of Exeter city centre. Notable highlights of the interior include the minstrels' gallery (1350), with statues of musicans playing different mediaeval instruments, and the ceiling bosses, one of which depicts the murder of Thomas à Becket. It also has some superbly well preserved chantry chapels (intended for daily masses for the soul of the donor for whom it was built) and tombs. Because there is no central tower, Exeter Cathedral has the longest uninterrupted gothic vault in the world. Another feature is its astronomical clock (1480). There are also tombs of bishops and knights, and a startling Bishop's Throne dating from 1312, the canopy of which soars almost 18 metres high. Guided tours are available (daily - times vary). The Cathedral also has a shop and a cosy refectory, which serves light meals and snacks. Also well worth a visit is the adjacent Cathedral Library, which houses a number of manuscripts dating back to Saxon times. Its treasure is the 'Codex Exoniensis': written between 950 and 1000, this priceless work contains the most extensive single source of Old English poetry from the Anglo-Saxon period in existence. The Cathedral has a daily cycle of services, including glorious sung services, with both the Cathedral's own choir and those of visiting college choirs.

Often visit these places, but I won`t here. After all it appears to be very touristy now…read more As one kid put it " Our church has a collection after the service not before"

One day I walked around the corner and saw a vision of glimmering white and thought I was in India…read morelooking at the palace of a king. It seemed as though this impressive building had appeared overnight! What is so great about this ornate temple, topped with several large 'shikhars' or domes, is that it's smack bang in the middle of a residential area and shopping street. The community that worship here helped to build and finance it and it is full of beautiful detail including solid hand carved wooden doors. The temple is now very much a part of the Grangetown community. According to the Shree Swaminarayan temple website, local school children visit it as part of their religious education. Tip: before you visit the temple check out their website to learn more about the history of the building, it's beautifully written as well.

This is quite an amazing church and is one worth visiting in the area. Midnight mass on christmas…read moreeve has to be one of, if not the best in the region - the church is jam packed and you need to get early to get a seat or you may end up being sat on the overflow seats on the side behind the vicar.

Amazing church, on Royal Parade in Plymouth. Beautiful windows and huge inside. Very popular for…read moreweddings as close to the Hoe.