A warm welcome awaits at St Mark's, an East Belfast landmark, and the childhood church of C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia.
Perched above the lough in East Belfast, St. Mark's Church, Parish of Dundela is just a short drive from the vibrant Titanic Quarter with its elevated position standing as a beacon of witness for miles around. Built in the Gothic Revival style in 1878 by the esteemed Victorian architect William Butterfield, this Grade A listed building and its towering 150-foot bell tower stand proudly on Bunker Hill.
Explore and connect with the rich history of St. Mark's, intimately intertwined with Belfast's linen and shipping industries. Marvel at the architectural prowess of Butterfield, hailed by Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman as being "at his best" in crafting this spiritual haven. The familiar chime of ten bells regularly ring out and can be heard across the city of Belfast. Immerse yourself in the stories of the prominent families who shaped Belfast's industrial landscape, and uncover the connections between St. Mark's and C.S. Lewis, the famed author of The Chronicles of Narnia, who was baptised in this sacred space. Admire the exquisite stained glass, including the Lewis Memorial window crafted by Michael Healy. Follow the intricate floor tiles leading to the sanctuary mosaics, where the search for carved 'Hidden Angels' adds an element of intrigue and fun. As the sound of the Compton organ fills the air, take a moment for quiet reflection or step outside to explore the grounds beautifully kept with the support of volunteers and the community. |
Highlights include:
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Types of Tours Available
Stories from St Mark’s – The Lion on the Hill
Insights and stories that intertwine with the rich history of Belfast in this enchanting Gothic Revival church while uncovering its
connection to the magical world of Narnia.
Min/Max Number of People: 1-20 (public tour), 6-50 (private tour)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price per person: £10pp (children under 16 FREE)
connection to the magical world of Narnia.
Min/Max Number of People: 1-20 (public tour), 6-50 (private tour)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price per person: £10pp (children under 16 FREE)
CS Lewis in Words – a literary tour
Immerse yourself in the words of CS Lewis which reveal the strong influence of church and community on his early life, and inspired his creative writing to Narnia and beyond.
Min/Max Number of People: 1-20 (public tour), 6-50 (private tour)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price per person: £10pp (children under 16 FREE)
Min/Max Number of People: 1-20 (public tour), 6-50 (private tour)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price per person: £10pp (children under 16 FREE)
Inclusions:
- Guided tour by a parishioner of St. Marks
- Information leaflet available in French, German, and Spanish
- Tea/coffee and locally made shortbread served in the church following the tour
- Option to purchase memorabilia from the gift display
Optional Add ons:
- Access to the Bell tower and an opportunity to ring the bells with the bell master @ £20 pp
- A musical introduction to the Compton organ, with our in house organist @ £25 pp
- Afternoon Tea served in the wood panelled parlour of the church hall includes sandwiches, scones and tray bakes with tea/coffee @ £10 pp (private tours only).
Important Information
Booking Information
- E: [email protected]
- T: +44 28 9013 7436
- Tours are available all year round
- Private experiences are subject to minimum numbers or the equivalent in charges
Opening and Closing Dates
- The parish office is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9.00 to 12.00 noon.
- Scheduled tours run on set dates
- Private group bookings are available on request outside of normal opening hours
- We can cater for bespoke tours with a minimum of 3 weeks’ notice.
Location and Parking
- St. Marks, 2 Sydenham Avenue, Belfast BT4 2DR, Northern Ireland
- Google Co-ordinates- https://maps.app.goo.gl/s8ugvnWZkkmH5bQRA
- There is parking available for up to 20 cars in the church grounds, entrance off Holywood Road, and additional parking for 6/8 cars at the Parish Hall, 2 Sydenham Avenue.
- There is coach parking available for to 2 x 35 seater coaches.
- Nearest E-Vehicle charging point is at 90 Sydenham Road BT3 9DJ or IKEA Belfast BT3 9EJ
Accessibility
- There is level access into the church, with a disabled toilet facility and baby changing facilities.
- Access to the chancel, side chapel and sanctuary is via 3 stone steps, with handrails to assist.
- There is a hearing loop system in place.
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs can be accommodated by prior arrangement.
- Child Friendly activities are available, with a small carpeted play area.
- Please note that organ music will be played, and volume can be lowered to accommodate those with sound sensitivities.
- If you have any concerns regarding the accessibility of our church or experiences, please contact us to discuss in more detail.
Languages
- All tours are delivered in English.
- Our Rector, Rev'd Canon Dr Helene Steed can deliver the experience in Swedish (private pre-booked tours only and subject to availability).
- Literature is currently available in French, German, and Spanish.
- Some of our team have a basic knowledge of the above languages.
Important Notes
- Please be aware that St. Marks is an open church serving our local community. Please be mindful that this is a place of worship and show respect to other visitors.
- Due to church business such as weddings or funerals, rescheduling may be required - please understand that the needs of our parishioners are our priority.
Our Sustainable Ethos
- St Mark’s is a place of social sustainability.
- Your visit will support the long term preservation of our historic building and heritage, as well as outreach into our community and schools.
- Our grounds are open to the local community throughout the year as an oasis of calm with a variety of eco-friendly features to discover.
- Our volunteers are integral to the daily running of the church and ongoing maintenance projects.