St Matthew's Church
Wishing You a Warm Welcome
If you are planning to visit Coldridge, we do hope you will enjoy spending a little time at St Matthew’s Church in the heart of the parish, and a place of prayer and quiet contemplation through the centuries.
More recently our beautiful Church has become the subject of much public interest following research into its various artefacts, by those connected with the Missing Princes Project, and you are welcome to come and explore its history.
--
Special Events at St. Matthew's
SAVE THE DATE: “Carved in Time - The Hidden History of St Matthew’s”.
Saturday, 21st March 2026
A brief overview of an interesting history-filled event planned in St. Matthew's for later in March.
Times (all approximate and subject to confirmation):
- Doors open for refreshments at 10.00am
- First talk 11.00am
- Lunch 12.30-2.15pm
- Afternoon talk 2.15pm
- Finish approx: 4.00pm
There will be Q&A sessions after each talk.
For further information please email events@stmatthewscoldridge.church
--
Our Regular Services
These take place each month: for Morning Prayer on the 2nd Sunday at 10.30am, and Holy Communion on the 3rd Sunday at 10.30am; and for celebrations at Easter, Harvest and Christmas-time amongst others. All visitors are very welcome to join us during these times of worship together.
A summary of events and services planned for February 2026 is as follows:-
- Monday, 2nd: CHURCH CAFÉ at 2:30pm. Everyone is welcome to join us for a happy hour or two of friendly chat and fellowship. It’s a free Café. It’s in the church and it’s open to everyone and to any topic.
- Sunday, 8th: Sexagesima/2nd Before Lent: 10.30am: Lay Led service of Morning Prayer (Common Worship), All to be followed by refreshments and fellowship.
- Sunday, 15th: Quinquagesima/Next Before Lent: HOLY COMMUNION (Common Worship) at 10.30am: Led by Rev. Preb. Peter Rapsey.. Followed by refreshments.
Updated 31st January 2026
Everyday Opening Times
The Church is normally open from 10.00am until 4.00pm each day for visitors and pilgrims.
Please note that during everyday openings the Chantry, which is the site of the tomb of John Evans and the Edward V window, is not accessible though it is possible to see the tomb and the window through the rood screen. Please see information below about our special open days.
Facilities and Safety Advice
We cannot offer public toilets in the village every day, so you may wish to take advantage of local pubs nearby for food and facilities.
Visitors are advised that the path to the Church is cobbled and uneven and can present difficulties for those with mobility issues, and it can be very slippery when wet. Please take care and use the handrail provided. There is a wheelchair ramp in the porch giving access into the building, where caution is needed throughout owing to uneven floors, steps, tiled areas and tombs set in the surface.
Church Café
Our ever-popular ‘Church Café’ is open from 2.30pm until 4.00pm on the first Monday of each month.
For February 2026...
Our Churchwardens will be there to welcome you for refreshments and a friendly get-together in the wonderful surroundings of our ancient and lovely Parish Church. Make the first Monday of the month a firm date in your diary and we shall be happy to see you for a cuppa and a chat. Everyone is welcome.
--
NEW** Open Days in 2026 for Visitors Interested in The Missing Princes
Between February and November 2026 (with the exception of June 2026), the St Matthew's History Team will be offering a guided tour at 11am, held on the fourth Thursday of the month (see current schedule below). Reservations for tours are required to assist with planning.
On these days there will be a slide presentation before your guided tour. To complete your visit, delicious home-made refreshments will be available in the Coldridge Café to be found in our nearby Village Hall between 10 am and 3 pm, serving coffee and cakes, tea, more cake and lunches (12 - 2pm only). Regretfully we are unable to take bookings for the café.
To reserve your place on a tour or to request a group booking please indicate your preferred date and the number in your party by contacting us at this address only tours@stmatthewscoldridge.church . You may also make general enquiries via this address.
Please note: Bookings close at 6pm on the Tuesday prior to a Thursday tour day.
2026 Tour Schedule - starting at 11am
26th February
26th March
23rd April
28th May
June - no tour
23rd July
27th August
24th September
22nd October
26th November
December - no tour
--
Making a donation to St. Matthew's Coldridge
If you would like to donate towards the Upkeep of St Matthew's Church please use our givealittle.co QR code below.
Otherwise when visiting, you will find our offertory box and card donating facilities, as well as free Edward V history leaflets and our Church History guide books priced £2. We are so grateful for all gifts to help with the upkeep of this ancient building.
Further information
Should you need to know more about any matter to do with the Church, please contact St Matthew’s Parochial Church Council at coldridgeparishchurch81@gmail.com.
Original post 6th February 2023; Last Update 9th February 2026
----------