Facilities and features
Accessibility
Accessible toilet available inside the church. There is one step down into the church at the door, and one shallow step up into the Community Cafe. See photographs.
Free on street parking available nearby on Leigh Street.
Baby changing facility available in our accessible toilet. See photographs.
Our Building
Grade I Listed Building (only 2.5% of Listed Buildings are designated as Grade I)
Historic England entry number: 1058345
Date first listed: 11th March 1968
Parish church c.1350 - rebuilt 1500. The Tower rises 93 feet and 8 inches and was built in 1464 - a fine example of a 'Somerset Tower'. An almost complete set of medieval pews, considered to be of national importance (example in photographs).
Medieval stained glass is incorporated into the west windows.
Accessible toilet available. See photographs.
A National Lottery Heritage Fund grant supported the addition of various amenities in the church, including a heritage display area, well-appointed self-serve Café facilities and an accessible toilet. The Cafe is now a flexible and well-equipped space for community activities. If you are passing on a walk or a cycle ride, do please pop in for refreshments and a comfort stop. The church and Cafe are open every day until dusk.
Heating the Cafe is expensive, so heating is not left on. If you are planning a group gathering or want to read or work in the Cafe, please contact the Cafe Manager or Friends of Leigh Church Trustee to let us know your needs ([email protected])
Toys and books are available - please return them to where you found them before leaving.
Our aim is to cover the cost of consumables and contribute to the running costs of the cafe. Friends of Leigh Church manage the Cafe and our aim is to raise money to support repair, maintenance and improvement to the church fabric. We are a charity, so please consider paying more than the price shown on the list and your donation will help us to fund future repairs to this glorious Grade I Listed Building.
Music and Worship
Sunday ringing is on the first Sunday of the month, 10:15am for the 11:00am All Age service.
The practices are on Tuesday’s from 7:30 to 9:00pm.
We are always looking for new “ringers” to join our team, from beginners to pealers and singles to bobs.
Tower Captain & Secretary – Julian Back
Steeple Keeper – John Davis
Treasurer – Jackie Davis
Contact Julian Back, Tel: 01373 813636, if you are a visiting band, interested in learning or would like to find out more.
Please see the Leigh on Mendip website Events page, or this Events page, for upcoming events.
There is one parish services a month at St Giles at 11.00am on the first Sunday of the month, and is a Family Communion, (with a shorter, more informal ‘Ministry of the Word’). There are occasional Benefice Services, usually on the 5th Sunday when appropriate.
Advice for Visitors
Evensong from the Book of Common Prayer is held at All Saints, Downhead at 6.00pm on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
Currently there is no church choir.
Groups, Courses and Activities
Coffee mornings or afternoon teas are held in the Community Cafe at St Giles by the Friends of Leigh Church, currently scheduled for the third Thursday of the month, all are very welcome. Also, please see Events here and the Leigh on Mendip website for the latest information.
Help for Visitors
Free Wi-Fi is available in the Community Cafe inside St Giles church. The password for the Cafe Truespeed WiFi is 89XSMTDWUZ3U.
The church is open every day for visitors until dusk.
The church is open every day until dusk.