Collegiate Church of St Mary's
Collegiate Church of St Mary's
Collegiate Church of St Mary's
4.5
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
About
St Mary's Church is an historic landmark, tourist attraction and busy parish church set in the ancient town of Warwick. People have worshipped on this site for over 1,000 years and we are proud to be the stewards of this rich heritage. One of the largest churches in Britain, we offer a wide range of services, many featuring enchanting music from our choirs. The repair and restoration of the iconic tower of St Mary’s is our immediate short-term priority and the focus of our current fundraising activity.
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- explorermum13Durham, United Kingdom37 contributionsCharming churchAmazing afternoon learning more history about the Warwick area, including family. We have a love of history and architecture. This was such a gem. The guides were lovely to chat with, too, and full of knowledge and details one wouldn't normally learn.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 December 2023
- EvaF2EvaLorrach, Germany5,147 contributionsVery nice old cemetery next to the churchThe magnificent tower of St. Mary´s church attracted my attention when I walked to the castle and couldn´t wait to see it. Unfortunately, there was a wedding when I arrived there and couldn´t visit but I spent quite some time exploring its old cemetery with very old gravestones. The cemetery itself is a good reason to come.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 20 May 2024
- Tourist42284556154Park Gate, United Kingdom11 contributionsFantastic Views from the TowerFantastic church with lovely people manning the reception. The first thing on the agenda was climbing the Tower - 160 steps up a spiral fairly closed in staircase. Only room for one person at a time but there are a couple of cross over points. It's quite a climb but I'm proud to say I did it - take it slow as even the young ones were getting out of breath. The Church is free to see but the Tower is £5 - I left my jacket and umbrella with a member of the church volunteers and trust me - it's best to do that as you will get hot. The church itself is quite beautiful and in particular I was interested in the wooden carvings at the end of the pews.Visited September 2024Travelled soloWritten 9 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
544 reviews
Excellent
383
Very good
138
Average
16
Poor
2
Terrible
5
Heather87
765 contributions
Nov 2019
Collegiate Church of St Mary’s was one of two churches (plus Westminster Abbey) I visited while travelling around London with my father and older brother. Similar to Temple Church in London (the other of the two), I ended up enjoying the experience more than my experience at Westminster Abbey simply because it was interesting without being overstimulating or crowded. If you’re in Warwick, it’s definitely worth the visit.
First of all, entry is free although the church really appreciates donations. Doing the Tower of St Mary’s climb and/or guided tours do, however, incur fees.
Second, the church was built in 1123 so it has a strong sense of history reflected in its architecture. It doesn’t have as many effigies as the Temple Church but it has two chapels; Beauchamp Chapel houses the tomb Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick among other tombs and is quite interesting to see. I was also in awe of the crypt with the number of people buried and how far back the burials date.
Third they have a great giftshop in the corner of the Nave. Although you don’t have to be religious to appreciate the things they sell, I have a friend who’s very religious so it was the perfect place to buy souvenirs and her birthday present.
First of all, entry is free although the church really appreciates donations. Doing the Tower of St Mary’s climb and/or guided tours do, however, incur fees.
Second, the church was built in 1123 so it has a strong sense of history reflected in its architecture. It doesn’t have as many effigies as the Temple Church but it has two chapels; Beauchamp Chapel houses the tomb Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick among other tombs and is quite interesting to see. I was also in awe of the crypt with the number of people buried and how far back the burials date.
Third they have a great giftshop in the corner of the Nave. Although you don’t have to be religious to appreciate the things they sell, I have a friend who’s very religious so it was the perfect place to buy souvenirs and her birthday present.
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
warwickwanderer
Warwick, UK56 contributions
Jan 2020
If you visit here don't be afraid to ask the voluntary guides some questions - they are full of fascinating information. The Chancel is especially interesting but I went a few times before I asked anything - and i was so glad when I finally did as I was told so much!
There are some times free concerts in the middle of the day
In January and February, its only open from Thursday to Sunday so be careful of that. The rest of the year its open every day
There are some times free concerts in the middle of the day
In January and February, its only open from Thursday to Sunday so be careful of that. The rest of the year its open every day
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oldhousefan2014
Daventry, UK22 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
This place is quite simply magnificent and a must visit! It’s packed with treasures and houses the most incredible collection of monuments I’ve ever seen in one building outside London. There is no charge but please do make a donation! It’s more than worth the gesture! I’m sorry to make a negative comment but I was bitterly disappointed to find the austere but fascinating monument to the equally fascinating Sir Faulke Greville, was out of bounds and piled up and surrounded by wooden chairs! He wouldn’t approve! I’m sure there’s some reasonable explanation but if there is it wasn’t for the visitor to know as the simple notice simply declared that section closed. I know this is a working building not just an exhibit and all involved with it do a sterling job looking after it but I was sad to see this important figures monument treated thus.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
warwickwanderer
Warwick, UK56 contributions
Dec 2019
I have been here many times just looking but on one visit I asked a question about one of the medieval statues and its symbolism. The guide was so well informed and told me so much more. It was like an excellent free art history lesson in medieval art
Written 16 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kitty Lichfield
Stoke-on-Trent, UK55 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
St. Mary's is a magnificent medieval church, of great historical and architectural significance, and very rewarding to visit.
We received a friendly welcome on this sunny autumn day, when the building was flooded with light, and it is impossible not to be struck by the wealth of detail everywhere you look.
The famous Beauchamp Chapel looked especially wonderful, as the 15th century stained glass windows shone brilliantly.
There is also a small shop .
I do highly recommend a visit to this church, you may also be lucky enough to encounter Tim Clark, who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of its history.
We received a friendly welcome on this sunny autumn day, when the building was flooded with light, and it is impossible not to be struck by the wealth of detail everywhere you look.
The famous Beauchamp Chapel looked especially wonderful, as the 15th century stained glass windows shone brilliantly.
There is also a small shop .
I do highly recommend a visit to this church, you may also be lucky enough to encounter Tim Clark, who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of its history.
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BlarghBlargh
Birmingham, UK396 contributions
Jan 2020
Well worth a look in if in Warwick and the church has amazing architecture inside. Lots of history and the crypt is some of the original Norman church. The Dean's chapel is especially interesting, as are the effigies in the Beauchamp chapel. As another reviewer said, I was a bit surprised to see one of the areas just blocked off and packed full of chairs.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tourist42284556154
Park Gate, UK11 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
Fantastic church with lovely people manning the reception. The first thing on the agenda was climbing the Tower - 160 steps up a spiral fairly closed in staircase. Only room for one person at a time but there are a couple of cross over points. It's quite a climb but I'm proud to say I did it - take it slow as even the young ones were getting out of breath. The Church is free to see but the Tower is £5 - I left my jacket and umbrella with a member of the church volunteers and trust me - it's best to do that as you will get hot. The church itself is quite beautiful and in particular I was interested in the wooden carvings at the end of the pews.
Written 9 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jayne E
Sheffield, UK512 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Thanks to the volunteer tour guide who gave us a warm welcome and fact sheet to help us navigate this beautiful parish church. Stuffed full of history from the tombs of the 11th Earl of Warwick. Robert Dudley and various members of the Beauchamp family. The crypt was a hidden gem with only 1 of the last 2 oldest stocks in England and a lovely poppy display to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the end of WWI .
Well worth a visit if you're in Warwick for a small donation you are helping keep this historic church available to future generations.
Well worth a visit if you're in Warwick for a small donation you are helping keep this historic church available to future generations.
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
El S
Birmingham, UK253 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
Beauchamp Chapel is amazing and is the resting place of some famous historical figures such as Robert Dudley. Lots of colour and gold.
The rest of the church feels enormous, with intriguing things, including one of two ducking stools left in the country. The organ was playing which added an extra dimension to the visit.
The rest of the church feels enormous, with intriguing things, including one of two ducking stools left in the country. The organ was playing which added an extra dimension to the visit.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia H
Warrington, UK2 contributions
Jan 2020
It was the funeral of a dear friend. Three were people from St Mary's on hand to meet us. They were friendly and compassionate pointing out places nearby where we could buy a coffee . The squat tower made the church easy to spot as we approached Warwick. The interior had that quiet beauty that is typical of old English churches. I would love to visit again sometimes to spend more time enjoying the atmosphere and the interior in more detail.
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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