st john's has been grade ii* listed since 1953. built largely of portland stone, st john's has been described as having a "decorated gothic" style. in their book "the buildings of england: dorset", john newman and nikolaus pevsner noted the church's prominent location on the seafront, adding "its lofty tower and spire are reminiscent of the work of benjamin ferrey, who was the diocesan architect at the time." in an 1869 travel guide covering dorset, the church was described as "by far the best ecclesiastical edifice in the place". in front of the church is the queen victoria statue.