Anglican churches across Teignbridge will open their doors to visitors on Saturday, September 12, as part of Devon Historic Churches Day.
The annual event celebrates Devon's historic churches and their continuing role at the heart of local communities, while raising awareness of the work and expense involved in maintaining the county's treasured places of worship.
In Newton Abbot, the historic parish churches of St Mary's Wolborough and All Saints' Highweek will both be open from 10am to 1pm, with light refreshments available. St Paul's Church in Devon Square will also welcome visitors during the morning, with items from the church's history on display.
In the afternoon, Abbotsbury Church in Waverley Road will open from 2pm to 4pm. The church is particularly noted for its magnificent carvings by the Pinwill Sisters, the celebrated Devon woodcarvers.
A number of other churches across the wider Teignbridge area will also be taking part, giving visitors the opportunity to explore historic buildings, enjoy refreshments and discover more about their local heritage. Among them are churches in Abbotskerswell, Coffinswell, Combeinteignhead, Denbury, Haccombe, Ipplepen, Kingskerswell, Kingsteignton, Milber, Ogwell, Stokeinteignhead, Teigngrace, Torbryan, Bovey Tracey, Chudleigh, Chudleigh Knighton, Hennock, Holne, Ilsington, Trusham and Widecombe.
Events range from coffee mornings and cream teas to church tours and fundraising activities. At Kingsteignton, visitors can enjoy lunches and cream teas, while a teddy bears' abseil down the church tower is among the more unusual attractions. At Ilsington, visitors can climb St Michael's tower on guided tours, subject to safety and height restrictions, to enjoy views across the surrounding moors and villages.
For more information, visit Devon Historic Churches Trust's website – devonhistoricchurches.co.uk
Discover Teignbridge’s Historic Churches on Open Day