About Us

The Church of St. Nicholas is located at Warwicksland, Penton, about 8 miles east of Longtown. The church is the most nothern parish church in England. 

The earliest post medieval mention of a church at nicholforest is 1663 when bishop Stearne granted a licence to William Blathwaite to educate young boys in reading and writing at the chapel, (Capella de Foresta)..

It stands alone, surrounded by woodland, close to the gates of Kingfield House, about half a mile from the village hall. It was built in 1866 to a design by Alexander Graham, London. Gothic in style, it is a Grade II Listed Building. The church features a small recently restored small wooden bell turret  topped with a spire which has a locally crafted red squirrel weather vein on the top.

The records show the church went a complete reconstruction and expansion in 1866/67 . An open timber porch  stands on a stone base. Inside the church boasts numerous stained glass windows .The interior is relatively simple but possesses a serene and spiritual atmosphere. A spacious well lit neve with its large stained glass windows allows natural light to pour in .

We have wheelchair access. A loop system. An effective central heating system. A single manual pipe organ with pedal board. An open church yard that is well maintained with a memorial garden.

Nicholforest is a small, friendly, inclusive and deeply rural church community with a mainline Anglican churchmanship. We believe in being a constructive body within the community, accepting to all and in getting on with things with minimal fuss.

Nicholforest is part of the Benefice of the Esk Parishes and, whilst each church has its own distinct identity, we share our Rector and ministry team with the other two churches in the benefice, work well with them and regularly share services and other activities, particularly with Kirkandrews on Esk with which we have strong historic ties.

What we offer:

The church is well integrated into the community. 

A supportive local community.

An attractive historic building, suited to the size of its congregation, comfortable and in good repair.

A benefice ministry team.

1st Sunday of every month at 11 a.m ... Book of Common Prayer and HOLY COMMUNION 
2nd Sunday of every month at 11 a.m. ... Book of Common Prayer and MATINS
3rd Sunday of every month at 4 p.m. Book commonprayer. EVENSONG 
4th Sunday (alternate months) at 11 a.m. ... Book of Common Prayer and HOLY COMMUNION

Nicholforest church  months for services are (FEBRUARY ,APRIL,  JUNE, AUGUST, OCTOBER,  DECEMBER.) 

5th Sunday (check Parish Magazine) ... alternate church services at the 3 churches 

We Offer:

Inspiring Worship Services – Join us as we gather for uplifting worship, powerful messages and a time of reflection.

Community Outreach – Our church is committed to serving our community through outreach initiatives, offering support and making a positive impact on the lives of Nicholforest community. - We offer prayers within the community for those who cannot come to church (in their own home)

Special services: 

A lamb and farmer thanksgiving event / church service in the Village Hall every year

Easter Week Services

Harvest Festival Service  

Harvest festival cottage pie supper with trifle and auction

Remembrance Day Service

St. Nicholas Day Service (the patron saint of our church)

Christmas Services: Carol Service, Christingle, Midnight Mass

Nicholforest parish is located on the Scottish border in beautiful rolling countryside in an area known as Penton. The parish borders the parishes of Bewcastle, Stapleton, Arthuret and Kirkandrews on Esk.

              Sharing God’s Love

At our church, here at Nicholforest, we believe in creating a space where everyone can experience God’s love, grow in faith and build meaningful relationships. Our doors are always open to people from all walks of life and we celebrate the diversity and richness each person brings to our congregation.

You can find our Facebook page here: (1) Nicholforest Church | Facebook