St Bartholomews
St Bartholomews
4.5
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles147 reviews
Excellent
90
Very good
47
Average
9
Poor
0
Terrible
1

gluppuk2015
Brighton, UK20 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The architecture is awesome (the high altar is absolutely stunning and the internal height of the building impressive) and the acoustic is indeed wonderful. I understand the core purpose is to glorify God and give witness to the gospel ('the good news'). There is a not wholly unrelated other purpose, namely providing individuals with a space where they can step out of a busy world for a few minutes and pull their thoughts together in a silence that is suffused with the comtemplations of others over the decades. Sometimes the silence is a balm that allows the visitor to begin to come to terms with a piece of bad news or a life-changing event.

I recently witnessed an occurrence that stepped away from that silence, and I don't mind saying that it was deeply moving. With permission a visitor sung 'To Know You Is To Love You', while looking intently towards the high altar. It was all over in about two minutes. Before departing the individual explained tearfully that a parent had just died. At that moment I appreciated the true significance of St Bart's and why it is there. Yes, there is grand architecture and a rich liturgy, and the ever-present whiff of incense. But even more impressive than these is the presence of a haven for comtempation, for coming to terms with the stresses and misfortunes of life. Long may this building stay open to all as at present. There are already hundreds of visitors every week. There would perhaps be even more visitors if the role as a haven were better understood and advertised across Brighton (and beyond), though that would presumably require finding more volunteer churchwatchers. Brighton has a gem in its midst. Visit it. Enjoy it. Use it. Be uplifted by it.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

John T
Southampton, UK4,207 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Solo
Entering the church you will be amazed at the height and space of the building. The impression of height is increased by the double triforium and the moulded brick shafts. The huge cross, the magnificent Byzantine Baldaccino, the bronze Crucifix above the Altar, the Pulpit, the Silver Altar of our Lady, the mosaics in the Sanctuary, the stained glass windows and the organ above the main entrance. Worth to visit if you are in the city.
Written August 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mrs_DeVere-Winterton
Greater London, UK19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2016 • Solo
Firstly, externally this is a truly impressive building, it's extreme height is very impressive, but nothing prepares you for the glories therein. The furnishings are quite extraordinary, Byzantine, Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau combined, glorious mosaics, repousse silver altar and gorgeous marble panelling and pulpit. A real treasure house.
But I think it's greatest treasure is the liturgy and music this church offers every Sunday of the year. Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Saint Saens, Guilmant, the finest church music performed by its choir of both professional and talented amateur singers and on major festivals with an orchestral accompaniment. I was lucky enough to visit twice recently. On All Souls' Day they sang the complete Mozart Requiem, a delight to hear the music in its proper liturgical context, the liturgy was beautiful. The choir sang splendidly and there was such an amazing atmosphere in the dark, candle-lit church. I returned the following week on Remembrance Sunday to hear the Saint Saens Requiem, a piece I didn't know. Once again the choir and the talented organist gave a splendid reading, but it was very much a part of the Sunday mass. There was a moving 'minutes silence' and a trumpeter played the last post it was so haunting in the huge space. There were a group of young people there from Spain, who had not come for the service, just to listen to the music. They sat quietly and respectfully at the back and were welcomed at the coffee after the service. The music is performed from the back gallery, so the heavenly music just 'floats from above', it was magical !
If you are visiting Brighton, why not come to St Bartholomew's at 11am for the high mass? It's Brightons best kept secret and free concert, but so much more than just that.
Written December 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

terrybypass
Lurgan, UK13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2017
Having seen this church from the London road. Brighton we called in to have look inside. If you are in the area you have got to call in to see what I believe is probably one of the most unusual Churches I have ever seen. Check out their site to get some idea of what it is like. The gentleman who was there was more then helpful, answering our questions and pointing things out to us. If you are visiting Brighton take an hour and go and see it. You will not be disappointed.
Written February 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

undiscerning
Cardiff, UK50 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2018 • Couples
I don’t know whether to give this place 5 stars or 1. The fact is, I had a very disconcerting experience here some years back. Very memorable and you’ll search in vain for anything else cranky from me. In this church I felt so oppressed by the open size of it that I nearly had to lie on the ground. It was like dizziness and I had to get out ASAP. So . . . If the aim of a place is to evoke awe, then five stars. On the other hand, I found it quite spooky: a unique feeling for me.
Written January 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Wendy B
Bromley, UK274 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Family
I loved this place my Grandma had just died and my family went here to light a candle each for her. Beautiful architecture and a lovely feel to the place. With really high ceilings that caught beautiful colors through the window pains. I will return soon.
Written August 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lotverlinden
Amsterdam, The Netherlands9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2017 • Solo
Wow! I just walked in and felt in love with this church. It's an extraordinary, beautiful place. It's huge! Never seen a place like this. Loved seeing the sunshine on the brick walls. The historian present told me a lot about the church. I highly recommend visiting this church!
Written August 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Roy R
Brighton, England, United Kingdom12 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2017
as you approach from London road you dont get the full beauty of this wonderful building .but if you view it from the other side i/e the west side its makes you wonder how did they manage to get all the material up that high in those days .the gable ends are the tallest in the county and the brickwork is amazing .also it has the longest mansard slate roof in this part of Sussex .the more you look at it the more thing you see .the gargoyles and windows are truly a joy to see .and wonder in the master craftsmen who built
Written April 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KnittyHaze
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2019 • Solo
Quiet & calm place to go & meditate & feel the years of prayers going up to God. Very historical building with beautiful stained glass windows & amazing crucifix on the alter! I would recommend a visit of this historical church.
Written April 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

adrian moore
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2019 • Couples
A beautiful and inspiring interior that really makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Worth the walk just off London Road.
Written February 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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St Bartholomews, Brighton

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