This stunning church in the heart of England boasts a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Its striking architecture features a mix of Gothic and Perpendicular styles, with a prominent tower and a beautiful nave adorned with intricate stone carvings. The church's interior is equally impressive, with stunning stained-glass windows, ornate tombs, and a majestic organ.
Atmospheric but very overgrown, it's a shame as you cannot reach most parts of the graveyard to read the stones. Was nice to see the inclusion of a visitor book in the ruined south porch, an unusual addition to an unused church.
Haunted or Not Haunted: St Mary's Church, nestled on the outskirts of North Pickenham, is all that remains of the vanished village of Houghton, which was demolished in 1994. This lonely church, abandoned since 1937, has an eerie reputation with sightings of ghostly robed monks and shadowy figures. Visitors often report hearing footsteps, breathing, and even feeling invisible touches. The church owes its survival to Bob Davey MBE, who dedicated decades to restoring it before his passing in 2021. His love and effort breathed new life into this historic site. I recently visited and took some photos, but I didn't experience anything paranormal. Instead, I found a serene, hauntingly beautiful ruin amidst nature. A quick tip for fellow visitors: although the postcode NR15 2BT is supposed to take you to the site, the actual ruin is located on Gissing Road, which you cannot miss. Check out the attached images to see the haunting beauty of St Mary's Church for yourself: 1. Ruined Structure: The remaining structure of the church, overgrown with greenery, creating a mysterious and serene atmosphere. 2. Interior View: A look inside the church, where nature has started to reclaim the space. 3. Another Exterior View: Another perspective of the church, showing the stunning blend of architecture and nature. 4. Pathway: The overgrown pathway leading to the church, adding to the tranquil yet eerie feel of the place.
Great for a quick visit to see the ruins idillic settings
Awesome ruined church! I'm training my cat for adventure so he can come with me everywhere and this is the perfect place. He had a lovely time exploring the ruins and clambering about. Definitely going to come back here. So peaceful and lovely!
A lovely church in the village of Tivetshall at Mary (the place I was bought up in). I spent hours here sitting and spending time in silence and sometimes going at night to see if I could find a ghost or two. This a beautiful ruin of a square towered church which fell victim to the tail wing of a World War 2 bomber and as a result collapsed but its skeleton of East window and alter and nave and pile of tower building material still stand proudly protruding from the wooded area surrounding it. This is well worth a visit, it is a piece of history perpetually stuck in time, it cannot move forward but stays where it is tucked a way in a sleepy corner of Norfolk.
I discovered this little treasure after taking a wrong turn one day. A very good place for peace and quiet. When you need to reflect and recharge.
Hello! I'm your AI guide for St. Mary's Church. I can help you with information about this attraction, including its history, best times to visit, and tips for your visit. What would you like to know?
Discover hotels in Tivetshall St Mary, Norwich NR15 2BT
Searching for hotels...
Atmospheric but very overgrown, it's a shame as you cannot reach most parts of the graveyard to read the stones. Was nice to see the inclusion of a visitor book in the ruined south porch, an unusual addition to an unused church.
Haunted or Not Haunted: St Mary's Church, nestled on the outskirts of North Pickenham, is all that remains of the vanished village of Houghton, which was demolished in 1994. This lonely church, abandoned since 1937, has an eerie reputation with sightings of ghostly robed monks and shadowy figures. Visitors often report hearing footsteps, breathing, and even feeling invisible touches. The church owes its survival to Bob Davey MBE, who dedicated decades to restoring it before his passing in 2021. His love and effort breathed new life into this historic site. I recently visited and took some photos, but I didn't experience anything paranormal. Instead, I found a serene, hauntingly beautiful ruin amidst nature. A quick tip for fellow visitors: although the postcode NR15 2BT is supposed to take you to the site, the actual ruin is located on Gissing Road, which you cannot miss. Check out the attached images to see the haunting beauty of St Mary's Church for yourself: 1. Ruined Structure: The remaining structure of the church, overgrown with greenery, creating a mysterious and serene atmosphere. 2. Interior View: A look inside the church, where nature has started to reclaim the space. 3. Another Exterior View: Another perspective of the church, showing the stunning blend of architecture and nature. 4. Pathway: The overgrown pathway leading to the church, adding to the tranquil yet eerie feel of the place.
Great for a quick visit to see the ruins idillic settings
Awesome ruined church! I'm training my cat for adventure so he can come with me everywhere and this is the perfect place. He had a lovely time exploring the ruins and clambering about. Definitely going to come back here. So peaceful and lovely!
A lovely church in the village of Tivetshall at Mary (the place I was bought up in). I spent hours here sitting and spending time in silence and sometimes going at night to see if I could find a ghost or two. This a beautiful ruin of a square towered church which fell victim to the tail wing of a World War 2 bomber and as a result collapsed but its skeleton of East window and alter and nave and pile of tower building material still stand proudly protruding from the wooded area surrounding it. This is well worth a visit, it is a piece of history perpetually stuck in time, it cannot move forward but stays where it is tucked a way in a sleepy corner of Norfolk.
I discovered this little treasure after taking a wrong turn one day. A very good place for peace and quiet. When you need to reflect and recharge.