English Martyrs Catholic Church

Updated June 10, 2025

## English Martyrs Catholic Church (Goring-by-Sea, Worthing): what makes it worth the detour

English Martyrs Catholic Church sits in Goring-by-Sea (Worthing, West Sussex) and functions first as an active Roman Catholic parish church—and second as one of the most unusual “hidden in plain sight” interiors on the south coast. Martyrs Catholic Church

The reason people go out of their way to visit is the ceiling: the parish describes it as “the only known reproduction of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling in the world,” and local listings highlight it as the standout feature. Martyrs Catholic Church

Below is a practical, visitor-first guide focused on what you can verify before you arrive, what to look for once you’re inside, and how to visit respectfully (because it’s a working church, not a museum).

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## Quick facts for planning

### Where it is
– Address: English Martyrs Catholic Church, Goring Way, Goring-by-Sea, Worthing, BN12 4UH, United Kingdom Martyrs Catholic Church

### When you can visit
– The parish says the church is normally open for viewing from Easter to the end of October. Martyrs Catholic Church
– In a 2025 notice, the parish also states the ceiling viewing season ends in early November and re-opens at Easter, with group visits possible by arrangement. Martyrs Catholic Church

Outdated-data flag: opening days/hours can change around services and seasonal schedules—confirm on the parish site before travelling. The parish explicitly notes that Mass times can change week to week and points visitors to the newsletter for updates. Martyrs Catholic Church

### Accessibility + logistics
– The parish states: wheelchair accessible (and mentions toilets). Martyrs Catholic Church
– A regional tourism listing also states wheelchair user accessible, plus on-site parking and a railway station within walking distance. South East England

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## What you’re actually coming to see

### The ceiling: a local “Sistine” story (as described by the parish)
The parish frames the ceiling as a reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and highlights it prominently for visitors. Martyrs Catholic Church

Multiple sources identify Gary Bevans as the painter, and one widely-circulated description says it was hand-painted over five and a half years.

What that means as a visitor:
– This isn’t a quick “peek up and leave” stop. Give yourself time to let your eyes adjust and to trace the ceiling panels slowly.
– Bring a small pair of binoculars if you enjoy detail—many people find the experience improves when you can linger on individual scenes without craning your neck the entire time.

### The building itself (why it feels different than older churches)
Architectural/heritage documentation describes the church building as a utilitarian structure completed in 1968, essentially a single rectangular space, with construction details like pre-cast concrete frames, flint panel cladding, Crittall windows, and a pantiled roof. Stock

That modern shell is part of the surprise: from the outside, you may not expect a ceiling-themed pilgrimage site, which is why it can feel like you’ve stumbled onto something that didn’t get the memo about being “famous.”

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## Visiting respectfully (and getting the best experience)

### Remember it’s an active parish
English Martyrs is an active parish church in the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton.
So treat your visit like you would a cathedral that also hosts daily worship:
– If you arrive during a service, keep movement minimal and phones silent.
– Avoid flash photography unless the church explicitly permits it at that time.

### Check Mass + reconciliation times if you’re combining worship and sightseeing
The parish publishes regular service times and notes that times may change. As listed on the parish site:
– Saturday: Vigil Mass 6:00pm; Reconciliation 10:15–10:45am and 5:15–5:45pm
– Sunday: 8:15am, 10:30am
– Weekdays (Mon–Fri): 9:30am
– Holy Days: 9:30am and 7:30pm Martyrs Catholic Church

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## If you’re organising a group visit
The parish states that coach parties are welcome but should book in advance. Martyrs Catholic Church
For practical coordination, the parish contact page provides:
– Email: [email protected]
– Visiting info (Repository phone): 01903 506890
– Parish priest contact (other queries): 01903 242624 Martyrs Catholic Church

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## A good “Worthing day” pairing
I’m not going to pretend this church alone fills a day—but it’s a high-impact hour that pairs well with anything you’re already doing along the Worthing seafront or West Sussex coast. If you’re building a day around it, aim for:
– Church interior + ceiling viewing during open season (confirm first). Martyrs Catholic Church
– Then a low-stress coastal walk/meal in Worthing or nearby—something that doesn’t compete with the visual intensity you’ve just taken in.

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## Bottom line
If you’re anywhere near Worthing and the church is open for visitors, English Martyrs is a rare kind of stop: a functioning parish with a ceiling that people make a special trip to see, backed by clear visitor guidance from the parish itself. Martyrs Catholic Church

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