St Just-in-Roseland parish church

Described by poet John Betjeman as ‘to many people the most beautiful churchyard on earth’. This is your opportunity to see if you agree(!), and to capture some great images in what is an indisputably beautiful spot.

We will start with a late light lunch in the cafe opposite the church car park, or just a cup of tea for those who have already eaten, or have brought their own lunch.

You should bring 'stout shoes', though walking boots are unlikely to be necessary. The walk will take you from the church car park down a lane above the church to the yacht moorings at the mouth of the tidal St Just creek. From here we will turn back inland and walk on a path alongside the creek, through a working boatyard, and approach the church grounds from the West. In total this walk is about a mile. You will then be free to explore the church itself, the luxuriantly planted churchyard and wider grounds. You might like to walk further up the creek to capture a shot of the church reflected in its waters, as there will be a high tide (at around 3.30pm) during our visit.

The present church was dedicated to St Just on 14th August 1261, by Walter, Bishop of Exeter, and the Chancel, with its double piscina, is of this date. The parish registers date from 1538. The church is on the site of a 6th century Celtic chapel. It is one of Cornwall’s most visited churches (largely due to John Betjeman, I suspect!).