Perched dramatically on a windswept hilltop overlooking the Jurassic Coast, St Catherine’s Chapel is a remarkably preserved 14th-century stone chapel offering breathtaking 360-degree views. Built around 1400 as both pilgrimage site and navigational landmark for seafarers, this sturdy building has withstood 600 years of coastal storms. The simple barrel-vaulted interior creates powerful medieval atmosphere, while massive buttresses demonstrate robust construction. The steep climb rewards visitors with spectacular panoramas encompassing Chesil Beach, the Fleet Lagoon, Portland, and Abbotsbury village. Managed by English Heritage with free access, the chapel epitomizes timeless coastal spirituality and enduring architectural strength.
Photo by susie peek from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Abbotsbury St Catherine’s Chapel
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Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.
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