SussexARLINGTONStPancras(marathonCC-BY-SA2.0)1 Marathon

St Pancras

This beautiful flint church in the Sussex countryside has served its community for 1000 years.

Arlington, Sussex

Opening times

Open daily dawn to dusk.

Address

Arlington
Sussex
BN26 6SE

Situated at the foot of the South Downs, this ancient church of Anglo-Saxon origin sits quietly watching over the fields where once there stood a thriving medieval village on the banks of the River Cuckmere. 

A place of weekly worship and prayer, it offers a place of reflection, meditation and comfort to all who seek it and is valued by secular and non-secular alike. It places people’s lives within the context of history and is a place of spirituality with a focus on the Christian faith and tradition. The church is available to all, whether within or outside the parish. 

The proud holder of an Eco Church Bronze Award, St Pancras has a team of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to create an attractive churchyard that is acceptable to relatives and parishioners and to increase the diversity of wildlife, initially focussing mainly on botanical diversity. The aim is to create an area that more nearly resembles a nature reserve and can provide food and shelter for pollinating insects.

St Pancras has a rich history and shows its heritage with Roman tiles and pottery incorporated in the small Saxon window by the porch, in the east wall of the chapel and elsewhere in the church walls. Fragments of 14th century wall paintings are evident on most of the church walls, with large red roses and crosses over the chancel arch. 

St Pancras is also part of the Cuckmere Pilgrim Trail and is regularly visited by walkers following the trail. Alternatively, St Pancras is a short distance from the newly created cycleway from Lewes to Polegate. The visitor book bears witness to the reflections and appreciation of those who pass through its doors. 
 

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • National heritage here

  • Social heritage stories

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Wildlife haven

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Parking within 250m

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

Good Shepherd

Lullington, Sussex

Originally part of a much larger building, which was destroyed by fire (probably in the time of Cromwell), the tiny church of The Good Shepherd was rebuilt from the original chancel.

St Mary & St Peter

Wilmington, Sussex

Wilmington is a Downland village of Saxon origin, the present church was first built around 1200 as a chapel to the adjacent Priory and a feature of the churchyard is the ancient Yew tree, estimated to be 1600 years old, the trunk having a girth of 23ft.

St Andrew

Alfriston, Sussex

Standing on high ground beside the thatched 14th century parsonage, the church dates to around 1370, a strangely late date for this part of Sussex.