Need to walk off the turkey and mince pies? Why not take the family with you and visit a historic church in Kent while you're at it?

Kent’s historic churches this Christmas

This Christmas the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) is inviting people across the country to attend festive events in its churches that the whole family can enjoy. These buildings are the perfect place to soak up a bit of history, enjoy festive events or alternatively to find a moment of calm in peaceful surroundings.

Volunteers and Friends groups of the Trust work tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds to support the work of the Trust, but they put on a particularly special effort at Christmas time decorating the Trust’s spectacular buildings for the festive period or organising special services such as a traditional Christmas service at St James’ Church, Cooling and opening churches so that everyone can enjoy visiting them at this special time of year.

Chana James, Development Officer for The Churches Conservation Trust says:

“Our churches are full of atmosphere and tell so many stories. I particularly love spending time in them at this time of year when they are the host to many Christmas festivities and indeed visiting those that are just quiet peaceful places to be.”

Some of the festive highlights taking place in Kent include:

�— A Concert of Christmas music with Thanet Male Voice Choir at St Mary’s Church, Sandwich on 17 December at 7.30pm.

�— Annual Christmas Concert at All Saints Church West Stourmouth on 21 December at 7.30pm.

The charity protects historic churches at risk and has saved over 340 buildings; there are 17 churches in Kent. All CCT churches are Grade II* or above and hold the key to much of our history; they are open and ready for visitors all year round.

To check opening times and find out more about all of our churches and what they’re doing over the festive period, visit: www.visitchurches.org.uk/christmas. You will also find information here about our Christmas cards and present ideas.