Welcoming visitors and tourists
We have an amazing story to tell of the Christian faith through the centuries. Our Christian heritage is something to be cherished, celebrated and shared. Our buildings encapsulate stories of lives touched by God, of local and personal history and of exceptional creativity that expresses and uplifts our faith. We encourage you to consider how best your church heritage can be part of mission.
Special events and Arts projects
See the special events and arts projects section for ideas and guidance.
Researching heritage
Finding out about the history and significance of your church. This link offers guidance on writing a Statement of Significance and researching significance. It's also useful to gain feedback from visitors and groups on which stories are of most interest for children and adults.
Sharing your church building
Sharing Your Building and Finding Partners. A variety of resources by the Church of England
Further resources
Open Welcome- A Toolkit for Rural Churches By Germinate/Arthur Rank Centrre
Open Churches Toolkit, by the Diocese of London
Children's trails. These can be designed by the National Association for Decorative and Fine Art Societies
Good Practice Guidance by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, including oral history, digital, wellbeing and understanding your heritage.
Graveyards - a haven for wildlife and keen gardeners. A great resource for projects – nature/wildlife projects, green gym (keep fit outdoors gardening),
Visit Britain. Awards for Excellence
Security for open churches
Ecclesiastical Insurance encourages churches to be open and offers practical guidance:
Insurance 'Made Simple' Guides include:
Promoting your church
Get Your Church Noticed. Website and accompanying book that has plenty of practical tips
Register your church on ExploreChurches. by the National Churches Trust for church buildings open for visitors outside service times
Filming location
Creative England's Filming in England are encouraging parishes to register their church buildings and grounds for use as potential filming locations. This can be an exciting opportunity, one church in Chester diocese featured in the BBC production of War of the Worlds, and another has been spotted in Coronation Street. Should you receive a request to film at your church, your PCC should be satisfied that the proposed production is appropriate, in line with canon law, will not bring disrepute to the church and will not result in any permanent impact on the church building or churchyard.