St Mary the Virgin
Overton on Dee, Wrexham
The church is perhaps is most famous for the ring of yew trees that are in the churchyard, which are one of the 'Seven Wonders of Wales'.
Pen-y-Lan church, nestled in the gentle countryside above Ruabon, is one of those rare places where time seems to pause. Approached through winding lanes and surrounded by trees and fields, the church offers an immediate sense of calm, making it a treasured retreat for visitors seeking beauty, heritage, and quiet reflection. Though modest in scale, Pen-y-Lan has an atmosphere and charm that linger long after you leave.
The church as it stands today was rebuilt in the mid-19th century on the site of an earlier chapel, yet it retains a deep sense of continuity with its past. Its exterior, with warm stone, simple Gothic detailing, and a picture-perfect setting, draws you in before you ever step through the door. Inside, the building reveals a thoughtful Victorian interior that balances elegance with intimacy. Light filters gently through stained-glass windows that depict biblical scenes and figures, adding subtle colour to the stone and wood around them.
One of the most distinctive features of Pen-y-Lan is its collection of monuments and memorials, many of which link the church to the local Wynnstay Estate and the families who shaped the area’s history. These memorials provide fascinating glimpses into community life over the centuries and anchor the church firmly within its landscape and heritage.
The churchyard is equally worth exploring. Mature trees shelter ancient gravestones, some leaning with age, each one a record of lives lived quietly within this rural parish. The surrounding views across the countryside make the churchyard an inviting place for contemplation, photography, or simply pausing to take in the beauty of the setting.
Although Pen-y-Lan is not large, it rewards curiosity. Every visit reveals a detail you may not have noticed before - carved stonework, inscriptions, or the gentle craftsmanship of the Victorian rebuild. It remains a place of worship, community memory, and rural tranquillity, yet also a destination for those who appreciate architecture, local history, and the serenity of sacred places.
Inviting and evocative, Pen-y-Lan church offers a rich experience to anyone who steps through its doors or wanders its churchyard. Whether you come for heritage, scenery, or quiet reflection, it is a place that encourages you to linger and learn more.