University Church of St Mary the Virgin

Lovely church, and climbing the tower gives you a breathtaking view over Oxford, although the staircase is very narrow (no one-way system in place), and so is the platform at the top. But definitely worth the £5 for the climb.

Beautiful church with stained glass windows. You can go up the tower for a 360 degree view of Oxford for just £5 per person. No prebooking needed, we went on a weekday around noon & there was no queue. You’ll need to climb a narrow & steep spiral staircase and the balcony corridor can fit just one person at a time. Just walk slowly & patiently, and enjoy the views! Tower closes at 5:00pm, last entry 30 mins before.

My daughter and I visited the church purely to climb the tower which costs £5 each. We had a small wait of about 10 minutes as they limit the number of visitors in the tower due to the confined space up there. Once we ascended the narrow spiral staircase, while hoping that we did not meet anyone who was descending, we were able to see some breathtaking views of the city. The space atop is very narrow so some shuffling of bodies is required to pass anyone. There are 3 sides of the tower to access.

Excellent views from the church tower, for just £5 per ticket. The church itself is lovely with wonderful stained glass windows and a great cafe. We visited on a weekday and waited about 10 minutes to enter the tower. The tower is old of course, and has narrow steep stairs. Most folks maintained etiquette going up and down the stairs (you can either have a group going up or down at a time).

It’s a lovely view and beautiful English traditional architecture, but the stairs going up are very tight at the end and it can be uncomfortable up the top if windy.There should ideally be signs at the top for a 1 way system or some information prior to tell people how tight the stairs are

The University Church of St. Mary in Oxford is an architectural masterpiece and a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring the city. This stunning church, located at the heart of Oxford's historic center, offers a captivating blend of history, spirituality, and breathtaking design.The church's towering spire dominates the skyline and beckons you to explore its interiors. As you step inside, you'll be awestruck by the grandeur of the Gothic architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and the serene atmosphere that makes it an ideal place for contemplation and reflection.History seeps from every corner of the University Church. It has played a significant role in the university's life, hosting graduations and notable events. The charming churchyard, with its ancient tombstones and vibrant garden, provides a peaceful haven in the bustling city.Visiting the University Church of St. Mary is not only an encounter with history but also an opportunity to appreciate exquisite craftsmanship. Whether you're interested in architecture, spirituality, or simply exploring Oxford's rich heritage, this church is an absolute must-see. It's a place where the past meets the present, offering a glimpse into the enduring charm of Oxford.

I'm reviewing the cafe located athe ground floor by the name of Vaults and green.Amazing atmosphere, great location, recommended to sit outside and eat.Loved the green salads, pumpkin soup and freshly brewed coffee.They serve wine as well.

This church is hard to miss due to its size and beauty and its just by chance that we were walking down the room and saw that you could go in and visit - even more surprised and excited when we saw you could climb the tower to the top. I believe the tower is 13th century and its defiantly worth the small fee to climb - the views of the city from the top were amazing and it even gives you a better view of some of the wonderful architecture oxford has to offer. Its especially interesting to see from of the graffiti cravings in the stone - some of them look extremely old.Wish I had more time to look round the church - but what I saw was spectacular. The stained glass windows were beautiful. Will defiantly be going back for a better look round.

Beautiful church. Free to enter but costs to climb the towerViews (shown in pictures on a misty day) from the tower are the best you'll get from the city.

Fantastic church with wonderful architecture. Free to visit, there is also a tower tour which cost £5, worth it for the views.