Brilliant Views of Oxford from the Top of The University Church of St Mary

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin or simply St Mary's (as it is popularly known) is an interesting church in Oxford. While the church in itself is beautiful, the main draw from a visitor's perspective is the church tower. The upper gallery of the tower is open to the public and affords beautiful views of Oxford - probably the best views of the town!

The church is free to enter while visits to the tower are ticketed (£4 adults / £3 children, seniors and university students). The tower is the oldest part of the church dating back to 1280. There are around 127 steps (some of them on a narrow, medieval spiral staircase) that lead you up to the top. If you are claustrophobic, you may want to avoid the climb. Once on the top there is a narrow viewing balcony that provides lovely all round views of the town including many universities, the Radcliffe Camera, the Sheldonian Theatre, Tom Tower and much more.

Visiting

University Church of St Mary the Virgin
The High Street
Oxford, OX1 4BJ

The Church is open all week throughout the year.
September to June: 9.00am to 5.00pm
July to August: 9.00am to 6.00pm

The tower can be closed at short notice if weather conditions are unsuitable. Last admissions to the tower are 30 minutes before closing time.