Dedicated to the patron saint of spinsters, St. Catherine's Chapel has long attracted single women praying for husbands. Yet it's not just the lovelorn who make their way here anymore. Set in the rolling hills of Dorset, the chapel is a picturesque and peaceful place for a stroll. Walk here through pleasant countryside and spend time in its serene hall.
The chapel was built in the 14th century as a place of retreat for monks. Appreciate the tranquil isolation of the setting to understand why it was a perfect spot for spiritual uses. Some historians suspect that the church sits on an even older Augustinian chapel building which, in turn, was set on the foundations of a pagan temple.
Stand outside and examine the sturdy rectangular buttresses of the chapel, one of the only remaining examples of this style in the United Kingdom. Note the unusual stone roof, designed to weather the elements. Get out your camera for impressive shots of the beautifully preserved building against blue skies and green hills, with the famous pebble promontory Chesil Beach in the background.
Head inside for a moment of reflection in the main barrel-vaulted hall. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims through the ages and make a wish at the south doorway by posting your request to the saint through the holes in the wall. The ceiling above features ornate stone carvings of foliage and animals.
Stop at nearby Abbotsbury, where you can wander through the ruins of the abbey, marvel at exotic flowers in the Subtropical Gardens or admire the elegance of hundreds of swans in the Swannery.
All access to St. Catherine's Chapel is by foot. The church is just 0.5 mile (1 kilometre) south of Abbotsbury village. The chapel is free to enter and open daily. On certain days worshippers still meet for devotions, including Good Friday, St. Catherine's Day (November 22) and New Year's Eve with an atmospheric service. If you do encounter worshippers, remember to be respectful and quiet.
