St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour

St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in England’s rich history and architectural marvels. Offering guided tours at a reasonable price, the church provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore its hidden spaces, admire the stunning stained glass, and uncover the maritime connections that have shaped its past. Knowledgeable and engaging hosts lead the way, ensuring that each guest leaves with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable medieval structure. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, the guided tour of St Mary Redcliffe Church promises to exceed your expectations and leave you eager to discover more.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Guided Tours In Bristol.

Good To Know

• Guided tour of St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol, one of England’s finest churches, priced from $13.38 per person and lasting 1.5 hours.
• Tour provides access to hidden spaces like the Chatterton Room, showcases medieval architecture and stained glass, and highlights the church’s historical significance.
• Knowledgeable and engaging tour guides offer personal attention, sharing fascinating historical tales and insights about the church’s rich heritage.
• Highlights include discovering medieval graffiti, artwork, and monuments, as well as exploring the C14th Lady Chapel and the tomb of William Canynges II.
• Tour is accessible to visitors with varying mobility, with the Chatterton Room accessible via a 75-step spiral staircase, and offers a free cancellation policy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

A guided tour of St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol is available, with prices starting from $13.38 per person.

The tour lasts 1.5 hours and provides access to the church’s hidden spaces, including the Chatterton Room. Guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

There’s also a "reserve now, pay later" option.

The tour showcases the church’s unique architecture, medieval stained glass, and over 1200 carved roof bosses.

Visitors can explore the connections to royalty, merchants, artists, and poets, as well as the church’s historical ties to the sea.

Historical Significance and Architecture

Constructed between the 12th and 19th centuries, St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol is regarded as one of England’s finest churches. Queen Elizabeth I described it in 1574 as "The fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England." The church features a unique hexagonal North Porch, medieval stained glass, and over 1200 carved roof bosses, showcasing the exceptional English perpendicular Gothic architecture.

Feature	Description
North Porch	Unique hexagonal design
Stained Glass	Medieval stained glass windows
Roof Bosses	Over 1200 carved roof bosses
Architecture	English perpendicular Gothic style
Historical Significance	Praised by Queen Elizabeth I

Highlights of the Tour

The guided tour of St Mary Redcliffe Church offers visitors access to hidden spaces normally closed to the public, including the Chatterton Room.

Guests can discover medieval graffiti, artwork, monuments, and famous associations with royalty, merchants, artists, and poets.

The tour also highlights the church’s historical connections with the sea, including the 15th-century whalebone.

Plus, visitors can explore the C14th Lady Chapel and the polychrome stone altar tomb of William Canynges II.

These unique features and insights provide a captivating glimpse into the church’s rich history and architectural significance.

Visitor Experience and Reviews

According to reviews, visitors consistently rate the guided tour of St Mary Redcliffe Church 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Highlights of the visitor experience include:

1. Knowledgeable and engaging tour guides who provide personal attention.
2. Fascinating historical tales that bring the church’s rich heritage to life.
3. The opportunity to access hidden spaces, like the Chatterton Room, that are normally closed to the public.
4. The stunning beauty of the church’s medieval stained glass and intricate architectural details.

Reviewers praise the tour’s ability to offer a truly immersive and informative exploration of this renowned English landmark.

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Accessibility Information

Although the Chatterton Room is accessible via a 75-step spiral staircase, the main tour of St Mary Redcliffe Church is on a level and accessible through the south entrance.

This makes the church’s highlights, such as the medieval stained glass, carved roof bosses, and famous associations, available to visitors of varying mobility.

The meeting point is inside the church near the main entrance by the visitors desk.

Visitors unable to climb stairs can still enjoy the church’s architectural beauty and rich history during the 1.5-hour guided tour.

The tour is also suitable for families, with a free cancellation policy and a reserve now, pay later option.

What to Expect During the Tour

Guests embarking on the guided tour of St Mary Redcliffe Church can expect an immersive exploration of the church’s rich history and stunning architectural features.

The tour provides access to hidden spaces normally closed to the public, including the Chatterton Room accessible via a 75-step spiral staircase.

Visitors will discover:

1. Medieval graffiti, artwork, and monuments.
2. Historical connections with the sea, such as the 15th-century whalebone.
3. The C14th Lady Chapel and the polychrome stone altar tomb of William Canynges II.
4. Fascinating tales about the church’s associations with royalty, merchants, artists, and poets.

With knowledgeable guides and personal attention, this tour offers an engaging and enlightening experience.

Exploring the Church’s Hidden Spaces

One of the highlights of the guided tour at St Mary Redcliffe Church is the opportunity to explore the building’s hidden spaces.

Visitors can access the Chatterton Room, normally closed to the public, by climbing a 75-step spiral staircase. This room offers a glimpse into the church’s history, with medieval graffiti and artwork adorning the walls.

Plus, the tour takes guests to the C14th Lady Chapel and the polychrome stone altar tomb of William Canynges II, providing a deeper understanding of the church’s rich heritage.

These exclusive access points allow visitors to uncover the secrets and stories that lie within the magnificent St Mary Redcliffe Church.

Connecting With the Church’s Maritime History

St Mary Redcliffe Church’s deep ties to the maritime world are woven throughout its history.

Visitors can explore these captivating connections during the guided tour. Key highlights include:

1. The 15th-century whalebone, a reminder of the church’s historical association with the sea.
2. Maritime-themed artwork and monuments, showcasing the area’s seafaring heritage.
3. Connections to renowned explorers like John Cabot, who’d strong ties to the church.
4. The church’s strategic location near the River Avon, positioning it as an important hub for Bristol’s thriving maritime activities.

These maritime elements add a unique and fascinating dimension to the church’s rich history, offering visitors a glimpse into its seafaring past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Photography and Videography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and videography are generally allowed during the tour, though visitors should check with the guide beforehand. Some spaces, like the Chatterton Room, may have restrictions due to their historical significance and preservation.

Can Children Participate in the Guided Tour?

Yes, children can participate in the guided tour. The tour is family-friendly, and children are welcome to join, though they’ll need to climb the 75-step spiral staircase to access the Chatterton Room.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?

There are no special dress code requirements for the tour. Visitors can wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. The tour is conducted indoors, so attire is flexible, though modest dress is recommended.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for the Tour?

There are no publicly advertised discounts or special offers available for this tour. However, group rates may be negotiable for parties of 10 or more. Visitors should inquire about any applicable promotions when booking the tour.

Are Guided Tours Available in Languages Other Than English?

The guided tours are primarily offered in English. However, the operator may accommodate other language requests if arranged in advance. Visitors should inquire about availability of tours in their preferred language when booking.

Sum Up

St Mary Redcliffe Church’s guided tour offers a captivating journey through time, immersing visitors in the church’s stunning architecture, rich history, and hidden treasures. With knowledgeable guides, exclusive access, and a reasonable price, it’s a must-visit experience for anyone seeking to explore one of England’s finest examples of Gothic ecclesiastical grandeur.

You can check availability for your dates here: