St Donats
“A beautiful place and a pleasure to visit.”- visitor
“It is a nice place to come together each Sunday; to reflect and connect together”- student from UWC Atlantic ”It does not matter where you come from, you are always welcomed here.”- student UWC Atlantic
When?
Our Sunday service takes place every week at 11:15 a.m. However, the church is always open, and you are welcome to come in and enjoy a quiet space for reflection or prayer.
Where?
The Church is located in the grounds of Atlantic College. To visit by car, it is necessary to stop and register at the Main Reception. You can then drive to the Church. There is parking for a few cars.
Walkers can reach the Church via the West Gate of the College which is a public footpath (no parking there), and which is included in Vale Coastal Walks from Marcross or Nash Point. See here
Walkers and Pilgrims very welcome!
What to expect
We have a variety of services, following a monthly rotation:
○ 1st Sunday: Prayer & Praise
○ 2nd Sunday: Eucharist Service
○ 3rd Sunday: Meet, Greet & Eat
○ 4th Sunday: Prayer & Praise
Overall, our congregation brings together people from all around the world, which is reflected in our services as locals as well as students from UWC Atlantic are joining them. Through music, prayers, traditions and conversations, our little church is a place where the world comes together.
History
St. Donat’s Church has been a place of worship for over 900 years. Built in 1090 by the Normans, the church developed over several centuries in close connection with St. Donat’s castle. The name St Donat’s is suggested to originate from the Normans as they disliked the Celtic associations of the name St. Werydd and thus called it St. Donat, after the patron saint of shipwrecked sailors or those who rescued them. Over the centuries, elements have been added or rebuilt to the church. You can still see the Norman chancel arch from the 12th century, the tower from the early 14th century, and the later rebuilding of the chancel and nave from the 15th and 16th centuries. One of its most important features is the Stradling Chapel, built in 1540 by Sir Thomas Stradling as the burial place of the Stradling family. Painted panels dating back to 1590 were stolen in 1991 but later recovered, and are now displayed in the National Museum of Wales. The chapel is currently locked, but it is hoped to be permanently open to the public later in 2026. Today, St. Donat’s Church is listed as a Grade I building in recognition of its importance as an early mediaeval church, its fine Stradling Chapel and for its historic associations with St. Donat's Castle. For more information, please refer to our leaflets in the church.
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Saturday 21st March - Today
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