The Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
Warwick is a beautiful medieval town on the River Avon, in England’s West Midlands region. Known for Warwick Castle, The Collegiate Church of St. Mary with its Tower view and norman crypt, 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 your location to find the quickest route.
Parking
Warwick has a variety of parking with a multistory carpark, various smaller carparks and paid street parking around the town centre.
Opening Hours
Entry to St Mary’s church is free to all however, we welcome donations to help support the church. 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.
Monday - Satuday | 10:00am - 4:30pm
Sunday | 12:30pm - 4:30pm
Last entry 4:10pm
Group Visits and Guided Tours
Guided Tours
We very much welcome visiting groups into our Church. A guided tour can be arranged to show you round if you request this in advance, tours cost £3 per person and will last approximately 45 minutes. Our knowledgable guides will bring the story of St Mary's to life and will be able to answer you may have about the building and it’s 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.
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 offers the chance for you to make your own brass rubbings on black or white paper with wax crayons. Choose from over 25 designs from only £2.30 to create a lasting memento of your visit to St Mary's.
Church Shop
The Church shop nestles in the 18th Century Nave, within the wonderful atmosphere of the church you can visit the shop to seek out unusual gifts including specialist religiious items, browse through a selection of postcards, greetings cards, maps and books, jewellery, rosaries, a variety of wall carvings and much more. Our dedicated shop team are waiting to help you make your purchase and our themed displays ensure new products are available for special times of the year such as Easter & Christmas. Also available Christening, Communion and Confirmation gifts and cards.
Specialist books about St Mary's include: "The Beauchamp Chapel" Text by the Revd Cannon David, "The Stained Glass Windows in the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick" by Elsie Kibble and many other guide books of St Mary's and Warwick.
The music of St Mary's Choirs is also available on CD and is often played along with a large selection of Church Music from all over the world.
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 demonstration, 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, these incluse local school choirs singing christmas songs, visits from Father Christmas and the Warwick Town Mayor. There are also charity concerts and guided tours of the beautiful church as this special time.
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.
