The Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
Warwick is a beautiful medieval town on the River Avon, in England’s West Midlands region. Warwick is best known for its Castle, The Collegiate Church of St. Mary with its tower views and Norman crypt, and the timber-framed buildings of 14th-century Lord Leycester Hospital cluster by the city’s West Gate. The St. John’s House Museum is housed in a Jacobean mansion with gardens. St Mary's Church is close to all Warwick amenities, cafes and other attractions, so you can spend an enjoyable day or weekend in the town with plenty to do.
Getting Here
Our Location
St Mary’s Church is in a prime location in the heart of Warwick town centre, a 5-minute walk from Warwick Castle and the Lord Leycester Hospital. Below is a map of our location: click ‘Directions’ and enter your location to find the quickest route.
Parking
Warwick has a variety of parking with a multi-storey carpark, various smaller carparks, and paid street parking around the town centre.
Opening Hours
Entry to St Mary’s Church is free to all, although we welcome donations which go towards the upkeep of our beautiful building. As this is a historic building, wheelchair access is provided to the main Nave, Shop and Regimental Chapel only. An audio loop system is also available during services.
Wednesday - Saturday | 10:00am - 4.30pm (Last entry to church 4pm, last entry to the tower 3.40pm)
Sunday | 12noon - 4.30pm (Last entry to church 4pm, last entry to the tower 3.40pm)
There may be times when the church needs to close due to unforseen circumstances during these hours. We apologise if this is the case.
For any further information or help with your visit please contact our Visitor Services Team who will be more than happy to help 01926 403940 (Option 4) or visitorteam@stmaryswarwick.org.uk
Group Visits and Guided Tours
Guided Tours
We very much welcome visiting groups into our Church. A guided tour can be arranged if requested in advance. Tours cost £3 per person and last approximately 45 minutes. Our knowledgeable guides will bring the story of St Mary’s to life, and will be able to answer any questions you may have about the building and its history.
Please book in advance by ringing the Parish Office on 01926 403940 or email:
Group and Travel Trade visits for a combined guided tour of St Mary’s Church and Lord Leycester
(Tuesday - Saturday only)
Things to do at St Mary’s
Climbing the Tower
St Mary’s Tower is open to visitors throughout the year, weather permitting, and offers spectacular views from the top. The charge for the tower is £3 per adult, students over 16 £2.50, students under 16 £1.50 and family ticket £6 (2 adults and up to 4 children).We regret the Tower is not suitable for children under eight years old. You will be offered a map which identifies all the landmarks you will be able to see from the top of the tower over the glorious Warwickshire countryside.
Last entry to the tower is 3.40pm Wednesday - Sunday (See church opening hours for daily opening)
Brass Rubbings
Brass rubbing is a largely British enthusiasm for reproducing onto paper monumental brasses – commemorative brass plaques found in churches, usually on the floor, popular between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries. St Mary's is the only remaining brass rubbing centre in the area and offers the chance for you to make your own brass rubbings on black paper with wax crayons. Choose from over 25 designs from only £2.50 to create a lasting memento of your visit to St Mary's.
Church Shop
The Church Shop nestles in the south-west corner of the eighteenth-century Nave. Within the wonderful atmosphere of the Church you can visit the shop to seek out unusual gifts including specialist religious items, browse through a selection of postcards, greeting cards, books, jewellery, rosaries, a variety of wall carvings, and much more. Our dedicated visitor team are waiting to help you make your purchase, and our themed displays ensure new products are available for special times of year such as Christmas and Easter. We also offer Christening, Communion, and Confirmation gifts and cards. Specialist books include ‘The Beauchamp Chapel’ by the Revd. Canon David Brindley, ‘The Stained Glass Windows in the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick’ by Elsie Kibble, and many other guide books of St Mary’s,Warwick adn our history. CDs of St Mary’s Choirs are also available.
Annual Christmas Tree Festival
The Collegiate Church of St Mary in Warwick is the beautiful setting for the annual Christmas Tree Festival, which opens on Warwick Town Victorian evening in late November. Visitors can vote for their favourite Christmas tree and be entered into a prize draw. On the opening night there will be entertainment including a variety of music, including the ever popular Hand Bell ringing, mulled wine & mince pies. Craft stalls and the St Mary’s gift shop will help with those Christmas presents. The evening will be rounded off with a short carol service.
The nine day-long festival continues with a variety of concerts and events celebrating the Christmas season, including local school choirs singing Christmas songs and carols, visits from Father Christmas and the Mayor of Warwick, charity concerts, and guided tours of the beautiful Church. A wonderful start to the Christmas season.
Warwick Town of Treasures
A digital guided tour of two iconic buildings
Discover over 1000 years of Warwick's history as you are guided through the ancient sites of the Lord Leycester Hospital and the Collegiate Church of St Mary.
Download the 'Warwick Town of Treasures' app today from Google Play or the App Store.
