University Church of St Mary The Virgin in Oxford: photos, reviews

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Top Choice Award

2025 Churches, Cathedrals

The University Church of St Mary the Virgin in Oxford captivates visitors with its splendid Gothic architecture and long-standing historical significance. This remarkable building has been a key center for religious, academic, and social life since the 13th century, playing host to numerous pivotal ceremonies and theological debates over the centuries. Its intricate exterior, stunning stained glass windows, and magnificent spire make it a beloved landmark. Climbing the tower, despite its narrow staircase, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Oxford, including the iconic Radcliffe Camera. Entry to the church itself is free, with a small fee for those wishing to enjoy the tower's vistas. After exploring, the Vaults & Garden café offers a delightful place to relax and enjoy an inexpensive meal. A visit here is highly recommended for anyone eager to experience the blend of medieval and English Gothic beauty paired with a serene atmosphere.

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Wheelchair accessible

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The nearest public transport options for your convenience.

St Aldates (Stop H5)

Bus stop 341 m walk

Broad Street (Stop W1)

Bus stop 234 m walk

Queens Lane (Stop J2)

Bus stop 163 m walk

High Street (Stop L3)

Bus stop 246 m walk

Brasenose College

Bus stop 74 m walk

Wadham College (Stop W2)

Bus stop 299 m walk

4.7

based on 2,672 reviews

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4.7/5 2,672 reviews

Galyna Turrell

Climbing the tower of St Mary the Virgin was such a special experience. The staircase is very narrow, so there was a little queue, but once you step out at the top, the view of Oxford takes your breath away — totally worth the wait. Tickets are £6, and on a sunny day you can see the whole city spread out beneath you, with all the spires and rooftops glowing. The church itself is beautiful and I learned it regularly hosts services and concerts, though I didn’t have time to join one this visit. Next time, I’ll make sure to experience that too

Giorgio M

Beautiful gothic church

Lionel Rishi

Worth going up the tower, although a bit pricey and not well organised. You have to be very patient to go around the parapets as the passageways are very narrow but you will be expected to go back and forth through them in both directions, so can be a little bit slow to get around and see the views. There should really be someone managing the flow up to the actual view points at the mezzanine floor, as people could be held here until a small number go up and view before coming down and allowing the next batch. We spent 15 minutes waiting for some insta tik tokker fans to finish whatever they were doing before we could move in any direction which kind of ruined the experience.

University Church of St Mary The Virgin in Oxford

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