Harescombe Church
Church Lane, Harescombe, Gloucester GL4 0XD | 01452 245526 | beaconbeneficeoffice@gmail.
St John the Baptist, Harescombe
The beautiful little church of St John The Baptist in Harescombe is situated at the far end of Church Lane in the village of Harescombe. The church was consecrated in 1315 and restored in 1871, although it is believed that there has been a church on the site from the 9th century. The church is greatly loved by villagers and visitors alike, rumoured to include Beatrix Potter, who stayed with her cousin at the nearby Harescombe Grange.
As you can imagine, our rural farming community loves to come together to celebrate key church and agricultural festivals here. In fact, following our ‘Plough Service’ in January, we next mark the arrival of Spring with a ‘Daffodil Service’, and in autumn our Harvest Festival (traditionally held on a Friday evening) is always followed by a shared, home-cooked harvest supper in the nearby Parish Hall.
The church has an unusual double bellcote, one side of which holds the oldest bell. in Gloucestershire. The church contains a Jacobean font, two beautiful stained glass windows at the east and west aspects of the church, two 18th century memorials and a finely stitched altar frontal, commissioned in 2015 to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the consecration of the church.
The ‘open’ churchyard has several listed table-top tombs as well as the remains of a preaching cross and other ancient gravestones. In the spring the whole area is covered in snowdrops and then wild daffodils, and there are many different species of grasses here, too.
What’s new at St John the Baptist, Harescombe…
Our church has recently installed a wonderful heating system, and everyone is warmly welcomed at our Festival services, for regular worship times (which are usually followed by drinks and nibbles, too!), at ‘Harescombe Quiet Days’ and for baptisms, weddings and funerals. Alternatively come and simply soak up the unspoilt tranquillity of this ancient house of prayer. It is truly special, we think you’ll agree.
Good to know
Accessibility
There is level accessibility into the church from the driveway.
Opening Hours
The church is open 24 hours a day for those who wish to visit for quiet reflection.
Choirs/bell ringing
Supported charities
We support RABI ( Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute) and donate our harvest festival collection to them.
New here?
Being new to a community can feel daunting, but it is also an opportunity for welcome, support, and belonging. A church can provide a place of spiritual grounding, friendship, and encouragement, where newcomers are not just visitors but are embraced as family in Christ. Beyond worship, the Beacon Benefice offers a network of care—helping people connect with others, serve together, and find comfort in times of need. By opening its doors and hearts, the church helps transform a new place into a true home.
Worship & Service Pattern
We hold a variety of services around the Benefice at different times of day. All our welcome at these services.
If you are new to church, please feel free to come along and join us.
Church News & Events
Daffodil Weekend
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