St Mark, Ampfield

Public transport links

Green Pond Lane, Ampfield is the nearest bus stop. The road runs from Winchester to Romsey and a number of buses stop including 35, and 66.

Venue access information

External access involves a level gravel track from a packed earth carpark to church. Manual wheelchairs are liable to dig their casters in. There are three steps to enter the nave. This is apparently ‘symbolic of the trinity’ but is also very awkward. Channel ramps are available and permit entry for manual wheelchairs (assistance required) and power chairs. The working churchyard burial ground is wooded, lumpy, grassed, and in wet conditions soft and muddy

Seating is for a maximum of 200, or comfortably 100 people in Victorian wooden pews, elevated from the nave floor by around 10cm. Wheelchair users who are unable to transfer are welcome to remain in the aisle, rest at the west wall or join the worship team in the choir. A hearing loop is in place and works throughout the nave. Team members will be as helpful as possible to visually impaired visitors.

One step to the communion rail, and then two further steps to the altar – again for symbolic reasons. The celebrant and team will always bring communion into the nave to help with access issues. Toilets are available in the church room including a medium sized disabled unit.

Building details

• Opened between 1838-1841
• Currently of blue fired brick and stone construction in the ‘early English’ fashion making this Victorian church look much older than it is. The gable has an elaborate stone bell turret with diagonally placed octagonal spire, which was extensively internally strengthened in 2018
• Grade II listed – 1339161