Located on the highest hill for many miles around, St Mary Magdalene stands 250 feet above sea level. The tower, complete with spire, reaches a further 140 feet skywards.

Cruciform in design, with north and south aisles, a south porch and a west tower, the church is as long as it is high, measuring 140 feet. The nave is 55 feet high from ground to the ridge of the roof and 50 feet wide.

The structure consists of coursed Kentish ragstone with Bath stone dressings in an early English style.

The church architect was William Butterfield and was completed in 1883. The Lady Chapel was added in 1907.