St Mary Redcliffe Church Bristol: Guided Tour
Redcliffe Bristol, Bristol
Discover over 800 years of history with a guided tour of one of England's finest churches - a masterpiece of gothic architecture.
This is a 90-minute guided walking tour of St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol, ideal for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Explore hidden spaces normally closed to the public
- Discover medieval graffiti
- See medieval artwork and monuments
- View magnificent stained glass
- Learn about associations with royalty, merchants, artists, and poets
Description
St Mary Redcliffe Church, built between the 12th and 19th centuries, is considered 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 tour begins at the unique hexagonal North Porch, dating from the 12th to 13th centuries. This porch was once the church’s main chapel and housed a shrine to the Virgin Mary. Outside, examine the intricate and mysterious stone carvings on the porch’s exterior and admire the famous tower and spire.
Inside, discover the church’s maritime connections, including John Cabot's 15th-century whalebone commemorating his 1497 voyage to North America aboard the ship Matthew, a model of which is displayed above the main entrance.
Visit St John’s Chapel to see medieval stained glass from the 14th century and appreciate the rich medieval art and design. From the west end, experience the view towards the chancel and altar, note the vaulted ceiling with over 1,200 carved roof bosses, and observe the pillars exemplary of English perpendicular Gothic architecture.
The tour continues to the North Transept to see an effigy of a likely early medieval knight, possibly Robert de Berkeley, donor of the church’s water supply in 1190. This figure may predate the current church building.
In the 14th-century Lady Chapel, admire the gothic screen and stained glass windows designed in the 1960s by artist Harry Stammers.
The South Transept features the polychrome stone altar tomb of William Canynges II (circa 1399–1474), a mayor and MP who helped rebuild the church after the spire’s collapse in the 15th century, and his wife Joan.
Throughout the tour, your guide highlights the extensive collection of artwork, carvings, effigies, and monuments, along with medieval graffiti and merchants’ marks that have remained largely undiscovered until recently.
The final stop is the Chatterton Room above the North Porch, named after Bristol’s poet Thomas Chatterton (1752–1770), regarded as the father of English Romantic Literature.
Includes
- Ticket for a 90-minute guided walking tour including access to hidden areas normally closed to the public
- Detailed information on medieval history, architecture, church development, maritime connections, historical artefacts, and notable associations
Important Information
- The Chatterton Room is accessible only by climbing a 75-step spiral staircase and is not suitable for those unable to climb stairs. Most of the tour takes place on level ground via the south entrance. Bookings are welcome from visitors who prefer to join only the accessible parts of the tour.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book your tour in advance and wear comfortable shoes. The best time to visit is during daylight hours to fully appreciate the stained glass and architectural details.
