Shrine of St Augustine
Shrine of St Augustine
Shrine of St Augustine
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Augustus Pugin - best known for designing most of the Houses of Parliament - radically reformed cityscapes around the world. Pugin built this church as his model of construction, and called it "my own child". Out of all the buildings he built, this was his favourite. St Augustine of Canterbury landed very close by in 597, bringing Christianity back to England. Although is original shrine was destroyed in 1538, St Augustine's is his modern shrine, and contains one of his last remaining relics. There are many things of beauty here, and of great significance too. Despite its stark exterior, the inside is peaceful, tranquil, and beautiful, with major stories to tell.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
106 reviews
Excellent
74
Very good
24
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
2
gsbtheart
London, UK2 contributions
Nov 2021
Absolutely beautiful Church with a fascinating History. The architecture is Pugin at his very best (and possibly one of his most personal projects too). So whether you are a regular church goer - interested n beautiful architecture - or simply looking for a moment of peace and reflection - this place is truly one of Ramsgate's great treasures.
Written January 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jackie M
Purley, UK86 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
We found this little gem by chance , it is a wonderful church but made so much more interesting by the lovely Hunter who told us the history. He made it come alive and made it a lovely visit. We went into Ramsgate and on our return wanted to pop in and thank Hunter we bought him a cake as a thank you but unfortunately it was closed so had to eat it ourselves. Maybe next time .
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard P
Shrewsbury, UK52 contributions
Mar 2020
We were fortunate to be able to see the shrine before everywhere had to close down for the coronavirus pandemic. It was a fascinating visit and the volunteers working there could not have been more friendly and helpful. The only downside, from our viewpoint, was that we were there on a day when Pugin's neighbouring house was not open. We would have loved to have been able to visit this too.
Written March 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda W
Oxford, England1,151 contributions
Sept 2021
Quite disappointing. Much smaller than I imagined it would be and not very ornate which I had expected from a Pugin building. The relics were not illuminated so very hard to see and I had left my phone in the car so didn't have a torch. There is a step at the entrance and a few steps inside so not ideal for wheelchair users unless they can manage a few steps. entrance was free, donations welcome. Limited opening hours, only on some afternoons for a couple of hours. No parking on site you have to park on Royal Esplanade and walk
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PG14142
Romford, UK98 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
A must do if visiting Ramsgate. Close to the loop bus route. Open 12-3.30 and free entry. Donations encouraged but optional. Fantastic history and information well presented without overkill.
Written October 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
basilhoward
Withernsea, UK262 contributions
Nov 2021
Brilliant & brand-new Visitor Centre... alongside Church with active Worship in one of England's finest furnished [ & most spiritual ] Chapels. Excellent Visitor Information Boards.. PLUS the finest Stations of the Cross you'll ever come across! Pugin Literature available to buy, in abundance.
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter C
Portsmouth, UK47 contributions
Sept 2018
This is a real gem. Includes a particularly detailed and lavish church built by Pugin - so if highly decorated and formalised church is your thing - then this is a wonderful church. Also had an interesting exhibition on St Augustine's mission to Britain. The staff were also helpful in identifying some of my family graves in the graveyard.
Written January 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monica W
Leatherhead, UK57 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
We visited St Augustine's today for the second time. It was worth it. You can always find out more of interest. The architecture is wonderful. The newly refurbished part makes access easier and the explanation boards help. Everyone who visits ~Ramsgate should put this on their must-see list.
Written September 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LTStone
London, UK121 contributions
Aug 2019
So much of interest to see here - the gothic architecture, the stained glass windows, the carved stations of the cross etc. etc. etc. Don't skip the very informative video playing on a loop in the entrance/visitor centre, and don't forget to visit the beautifully tranquil cemetery between the church and the sea.
Pugin was obviously an exceptionally talented and energetic person and this church and the information in the video and the panels about his life do him proud.
Can I also mention the volunteer manning the 'desk'? Welcoming, friendly, ready to answer questions - a real asset, contributing very positively to my visit.
Pugin was obviously an exceptionally talented and energetic person and this church and the information in the video and the panels about his life do him proud.
Can I also mention the volunteer manning the 'desk'? Welcoming, friendly, ready to answer questions - a real asset, contributing very positively to my visit.
Written August 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hatfield_visitor
Borehamwood, UK370 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
Visited for an evening concert. Beautiful church which I have visited previously. Concert held in main church which has excellent acoustics. Concert was excellent. Refreshments served during interval. Several concerts, including use of organ, planned for 2019. Well worth visiting.
Written December 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How busy is the cafe? How is the food
What time does the pub open?
Written April 26, 2017
Augustine P
Ramsgate, United Kingdom
Hi Joseph3355,
The Visitor Centre serves light refreshments to visiting groups who have booked their visit, though we don't operate as a café or pub.
There are cafés and pubs nearby, though, and our Volunteers would be happy to point you in the right direction.
Written April 27, 2017
Augustine P
Ramsgate, United Kingdom
Hi Regulus2016, There is a café just around the corner called "The Lookout". There is also the Churchill Tavern (a pub which serves food), the Royal Harbour Hotel, La Magnolia, and Bon Appetit all within easy walking distance.
We have cakes and preserves for sale in the west cloister here, too. Once the new Visitor Centre is open, there will be some opportunities to purchase light refreshments on site.
Written June 20, 2016
Augustine P
Ramsgate, United Kingdom
Hi Regulus2016, There is a café just around the corner called "The Lookout". There is also the Churchill Tavern (a pub which serves food), the Royal Harbour Hotel, La Magnolia, and Bon Appetit all within easy walking distance.
We have cakes and preserves for sale in the west cloister here, too. Once the new Visitor Centre is open, there will be some opportunities to purchase light refreshments on site.
Written June 20, 2016
Are you open on monday please and opening times
Written November 22, 2015
Augustine P
Ramsgate, United Kingdom
Hi 63Lynne, Yes, our normal opening times are 10am - 4pm every day. There is Mass at 12 noon each day, during which visiting is restricted to the cloisters and churchyard.
Many apologies for this very delayed answer!
Written June 20, 2016
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