St. Tanwg, Llandanwg

Description

Known as "the church in the sands", St Tanwg's church is found nestled in the sand dunes, where the mountains meet the sea, at Llandanwg in North Wales. It is thought that it is one of the oldest places of continuous Christian worship in the UK and the site is believed to date to around 435AD. The existing building dates from the early middle ages, although it is known it sits on an older foundation. Until 1840 it was the Parish church for Harlech, It has been frequently dug out of the sand, as it constantly encroaches and buries it. From inside the simple stone walls you can hear the waves on the beach even on the stillest day. Soaked in the prayers of 2000 years, it is a place widely acknowledged to be ‘thin’, rooted in the earth but within easy reach of heaven. It is a refuge of solace, simplicity and peace. A major conservation project was undertaken in 2019 which stabilised the building for future generations.

Standard opening times: The church is usually open daily. If however (usually due to bad weather) you do find the church locked the Maes Café has a key.
Informal Summer Services every Sunday 6.30 pm from the end of June – end August. Songs of Praise on the Maes 3 pm August Bank Holiday Sunday is an annual event. Contemplative services are held on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 6.30 pm September - June. Quiet days and weekday services for groups by arrangement.

Location

Llandanwg, Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2SD, United Kingdom

Directions

Grid reference: SH570285

By car: On the A496 between Barmouth and Harlech take the road signposted to Llandanwg beach by the village of Llanfair, the church is a few metres walk from the car park by the beach.

By public transport (rail): Llandanwg is a request stop (approx. 1/2mile from church) between Barmouth and Harlech on the Cambrian Coast Railway Line.

On foot: The church is on the Wales Coast Path.

Facilities

There is a flat cobbled path to church suitable for wheelchairs. There are public toilets in the car park, and the Maes Café is by the car park. A wide variety of accommodation available in the local area.

Hospitaller/Contact Person

Bro Ardudwy

Web Link

http://www.facebook.com/llandanwg

Web Link

https://www.broardudwy.church/contact-us/

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