Venue Hire.

At the heart of our vision is a desire to open our doors and welcome people in. St Swithin’s Church is a beautiful and versatile space, ideal for community groups, weddings, events, and workshops. The building offers exceptional acoustics, striking architecture, and excellent facilities.

Over the years, St Swithin’s has hosted an inspiring variety of gatherings—from choir rehearsals and concerts to book signings, wellness sessions, and mother and baby workshops. Both the main church and the crypt are available to hire for one-off events or regular bookings.​ 

Main Church

Seating Capacity - Ground Floor

The main church space includes 145 chairs and 14 pews with unrestricted views, seating up to 4 people each. This gives a total seating capacity of approximately 200 in the church

Seating Capacity - Balcony

The balcony has seating for 45 people in the front row. Please note that the rear rows have a restricted view.
The total combined seating capacity of the church and balcony is approximately 245.

Kitchen & Premises License

​We hold a premises licence and have an upstairs kitchenette equipped with a dishwasher. Glasses can also be hired for events. While the downstairs kitchen in the crypt is not currently available for hire, refreshments may be provided through the on-site Honey Café.

The Crypt

​The crypt is divided into two main areas: the refectory and the main hall. The refectory is occupied by the Honey Café, while the main hall is available to hire at £30 per hour.
Please note that access to the crypt’s toilet facilities is through the main hall, so this area must remain accessible at all times.
The main hall measures 13.4m x 8.9m (40ft x 25ft) and can accommodate 50 people in a conference-style layout or 45 seated around tables. The standing capacity is 80.

Venue Hire Rates

Our pricing structure varies depending on the type of event. For full details or to request a tailored quote, please contact the church office: [email protected]

Health and Safety Note: ​For the past 25 years—including during our two-phase restoration—we have had no major accidents or incidents. To maintain this strong safety record, we follow a formal health and safety policy that reflects the unique nature of our building and activities. We regularly review our risk assessments and are committed to continually improving our approach. We welcome all feedback; please email the office with any comments.