About Us

St. James’ is a Church of England parish church at the heart of the community in a thriving village between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge, in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We are a friendly worshipping community with a welcoming Sunday Club, a strong musical tradition including a robed choir, and a range of groups and activities.

We are part of a joint Benefice comprising the parishes of Hampsthwaite with Felliscliffe Chapel of Ease and  Killinghall.

Our beautiful Victorian church stands on a hill looking over the village of Birstwith through which runs the river Nidd. Built in 1857 by John Greenwood, it boasts a 100ft spire, some splendid stained glass, a Binns organ, that has been fully restored, and an unusual and striking reredos of alabaster and glass mosaic. The mansion, built by the Greenwood's, is now Belmont Grosvenor School a private preparatory school for boys and girls.

We hope you find what you are looking for on these pages and we would be delighted to welcome you, either as a visitor or to join us regularly in worship and fellowship.