Facilities and features
Accessibility
Parking is available on the local roads surrounding St. John’s Church, with on-street spaces available within the village and along nearby residential streets. Additional parking may also be available near the river, a short walk from the church.
A ramp is available at the porch entrance of the church to provide accessible entry for wheelchair users and those with mobility difficulties.
A ramp is available at the porch entrance of the church to provide accessible entry for wheelchair users and those with mobility difficulties.
St. John's Church Halling (ME2 1BB) benefits from excellent local transport links, making it accessible for visitors from across the Medway Towns and wider Kent area.
By train, Halling railway station is less than a 5-10 minute walk away, with regular Southeastern services connecting to Strood, Maidstone, Tonbridge and the wider Kent rail network.
For those travelling by bus, several local routes, including the 149 and 151 services, stop outside St. John's Church and Halling railway station, providing convenient links to Chatham, Kings Hill and surrounding Medway Valley communities.
Quiet spaces are available around the church for anyone who would like a peaceful place for prayer, reflection, or quiet time.
Available on request.
A new changing table for babies has been fitted in our easily accessible toilets, providing a safe, convenient, and comfortable facility for families and visitors.
Available on request.
Assistance dogs are warmly welcomed in our church and are welcome to accompany their owners throughout the building.
An accessible toilet is available at the back of our church, providing convenient and accessible facilities for all visitors.
Large-print hymn books and Order of Service books are available on request for anyone who needs them.
New baby-changing facilities are available in the easily accessible toilet at the back of the church.
Our Building
Halling parish church is a Grade: I listed building, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. Although the Normans built it in the 12th century, there are indicators of the Saxons building an earlier church.
Halling Post Office is next to Halling Church opposite the Five Bells Pub.
Many of our pews have new, comfortable cushions, and hot drinks and blankets are always available if needed. Our heating is on when needed. We aim to provide a warm, welcoming space where everyone can feel comfortable.
There is a second hand book/ CD/ DVD/ Card stall. Free to borrow books. (Donations for Church Funds)
The four stained glass windows are all the work of C. E. Kempe one of the best designers and colourists of the late Victorian period. His work can be identified by the device of a wheat sheaf.
The lancet window in the north wall of the chancel (11) is dedicated to St Barnabas in memory of Rev. J. Nalson Vicar for 33 years (1852-85). The East Window, with three lights, (12) Nativity, Shepherds and Kings, was erected in 1892 in memory of Rev. Francis John Lambert who died aged 25 only three weeks after his ordination. In the south wall of the chancel the lancet window (14) is dedicated to St John the Baptist in memory of James M. Formby. The West Window, with three lights, (20) was provided by a bequest in the will of Rev. C. P. Howes, Vicar from 1888-1889. He oversaw much of the Victorian restoration work, was very involved in village life and was particularly interested in work with the children of the parish. The lychgate (24) was built at his personal expense.
Accessible toilet facilities are available at the back of the church, including baby-changing facilities for families who need them.
Our new kitchen was installed last Christmas, and we have free tea, coffee and other refreshments available for everyone. Donations are always welcome.
There is a second hand book/ CD/ DVD/ Card stall. (Donations for Church Funds)
Music and Worship
Practice night 7.00-9pm on last Wednesday in every month at St. John's, Halling.
Bellringing Practice the other Wednesday evenings is at 7.00 -9pm at St. Michael's Cuxton.
Every Monday from 7–8pm, we offer a beginners’ bell-ringing session with dedicated bell-ringing ART teachers providing free one-to-one tuition and offer the structured “Learning the Ropes” programme for those who would like to develop their skills further.
Marshall Singers & Halling Community Choir Perform.
Halling Sinfonia - The Wind Dectet with Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets, French Horns and Bassoons.
The Peninsula Big Band performs music from the 30's to 90's in the Big Band Style!
Tideway Folk Group & Afternoon Tea Events
Our Community Choir meets every Tuesday evening from 6–8pm at the church. It is a fun, friendly and sociable group, singing a variety of popular music. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in!
Groups, Courses and Activities
Chess Club is open to children and young people aged 6–16, from complete beginners through to advanced players. Everyone is welcome to come along, learn, play and enjoy chess in a friendly and supportive environment. Free admission. Donations welcome!
Remembrance Day Service on Sunday 8th November 10.45am then all welcome to join the parade through the high street to the War Memorial to pay respects and lay wreaths.
Community Choir meet every Tuesday evening 6.30-7.30pm in Halling Church. All welcome.
Cuxton and Halling MU Branch meet 3rd week of every month on Wednesday mornings 10.30 in Cuxton Church Hall. Close MU links to Trinidad & Tobago families. Hosting families and trips abroad. The MU also are involved with a range of voluntary work alongside PACT, Women's Refuge and other Charities.
Halling Church welcomes many pilgrims who come to see our well-preserved 13th-century medieval “Passion Cycle” painting. The church features in Leigh Hatts’ Pilgrims’ Way book, and Leigh has also visited the church recently. A Pilgrims’ Stamp is available in the church, at Jo’s Café opposite, and at the Five Bells Pub. We warmly welcome all pilgrims and visitors.
PACT voluntary support
Help for Visitors
Guided tours are available on request - [email protected]
School and group visits are welcome.
01634 241599
A variety of historical booklets are available to help visitors explore Halling Church, the Bishop’s Palace, the newly refurbished 13th-century wall paintings, and a historical trail around Halling highlighting various historic blue plaques.
Church is open most Saturday mornings and Monday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings.
Medway Heritage OPEN DAY Saturday 12th September 2026
Guided History Tours
Ride and Stride OPEN DAY Saturday 12th September 2026
All welcome.
Church is OPEN ALL WEEK for Tree festival from Mon 21st - Thurs 24th December 2026
Well behaved dogs are welcome on a lead.
Church is open every Sunday morning, most Saturday mornings and Monday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings.
Other Features
Halling Church welcomes many pilgrims who come to see our well-preserved 13th-century medieval “Passion Cycle” painting. The church features in Leigh Hatts’ Pilgrims’ Way book, and Leigh has also visited the church recently. A Pilgrims’ Stamp is available in the church, at Jo’s Café opposite, and at the Five Bells Pub. We warmly welcome all pilgrims and visitors.
A Foodbank is available at the back of the church by the font, with regular donations gratefully received. A guest speaker from Medway Foodbank charity will be joining the Mothers’ Union meeting on Wednesday 16th September, from 10.30am–12pm, at Cuxton Church Hall. They are also hopefully attending a Sunday Service during September, Harvest time.
A Sound system is used for each service, concerts and meetings.
Cuxton Church Hall is available for hire. Contact: [email protected]
Cuxton and Halling Parish have held a variety of Eco Church events and are applying for a Bronze or Silver Eco Church Award this summer. Will Godwin from A Rocha shared his experiences of environmental work in Portugal, while Sue Brooks has also spoken about the importance of sustainability and green initiatives.
Our miniature Easter gardening event was a great success, with many families taking part. We continue to promote care for creation through our teaching, the way we manage our buildings, and the Love Church Burial Ground, where hundreds of species of flora and fauna have been identified.