St Cuthbert's Church, Crayke, North Yorkshire

Details

Accessibility

Parking is on both sides of the steep road outside the steep bank leading up to the church. At one corner of the site where the road veers to the left, is a wooden notice for a public footpath with just under two dozen steps with an iron handrail leading to the church. Alternatively, St Cuthbert's Church is accessed from the road up ten steps to a landing, up a further four steps, the first fairly high, through a gate set in a stone archway, then another landing, and a further four steps to the incline of the gravel path leading to the church entrance. There are no white markings or handrails on any of these sets of steps or on the gravel path and there is also an overhang on the stone steps to be aware of. There is a wooden bench at the top of the grassy bank above the road, next to the wall surrounding the churchyard. One step leads from the path into the vestibule where seating is available but the step leading to the church may be formed of uneven flagstones. The nave has a central flagstone aisle and ample walking space on the left of the wooden pews. Passing through the rood screen, there is a flat area before two steps lead up to the altar. The church is fairly well lit from the windows on three sides. 

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/18883/facilities/

Brief description

The view from the churchyard over the surrounding countryside is stunning and a carpet of daffodils planted by locals covers the grassy bank outside the church in spring. There is a Saxon burial ground behind the churchyard. St Cuthbert's is a Grade II listed building, battlemented with pinnacles and gargoyles. It dates from about 1490 on what was probably a Saxon site and was restored in the 19th century. The font is from the 15th century, the pulpit from the 16th century, and the pews from the 17th century. Inside the church are stone effigies. There is a rood screen leading to the chancel. 

Address

Church Hill

Crayke, York

YO61 4TA

Email

2022: f.warriner@hotmail.co.uk

craykerectory@gmail.com

Phone

01347 823131

Website

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/18883/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Cuthbert%27s_Church,_Crayke

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1314955

https://www.easingwolddeanery.org.uk/our-churches/crayke-st-cuthbert-/

https://www.bylandchurches.net

Directions

From York, you can reach Crayke via the B1363 north to Stillington, east to the next turnoff north called Crayke Lane which leads to Crayke village, a journey of 23km. Turn east at Crayke Lane into West Way then north east into Church Hill.  The gravel road to the church entrance with steps up is the second on the right, before the castle.

Opening Times

The church is usually open for worship but always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change.

Transport

The Reliance Bus Company buses from York Station Avenue and Station Square run intermittently and take about one hour to Easingwold and Crayke. It is advisable to check the No. 40 bus timetable as times may vary. 

Amenities

The Durham Ox pub is situated on West Way.