Facilities and features
Accessibility
We currently have restricted toilet access for people with reduced mobility.
The main entrance to the Church is accessible for wheeled assistance.
An induction loop is installed for those with hearing aids and the relevant setting.
Are welcome
Our Building
The Church has a crypt dating to Norman construction. The Chancel, Vestry and Chapter House are 14th century. The world-famous Beauchamp Chapel contains the tombs of Richard Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick and those of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and Ambrose Dudley, Earl of Warwick.
Music and Worship
The 10 bells of St Mary’s are rung before Sunday services and on other occasions including weddings. The bell ringing team ring at both St Mary’s and the nearby St Nicholas’ Church. They are keen to supplement their numbers by training new recruits. If you think you would like to pursue a new hobby when it restarts, please contact the parish office.
St Mary’s Church is a popular venue for a range of high quality concerts and other events, welcoming performers from across the UK and the world.
St Mary's Church has three organs; one located at the West End and another in the North Transept. The third instrument is a movable chamber organ. All three are regularly used for services and concerts. Since 1980 the West End Organ (newly built by Nicholson of Malvern) and remodeled Transept Organ are playable from the same console. The three-stop chamber organ was built in 1993 by Richard Moore of Leamington Spa.
Since the first choir was founded in 1123, music has filled this magnificent medieval church of St Mary, Warwick. Choral singing is one of Britain’s richest traditions and a vibrant, living heritage which is often the preserve of our great cathedrals. The fine choirs of this church are precious; they transform and inspire worship and enrich the community of Warwick.
The English choral tradition remains central to music at St Mary’s Church and today’s flourishing choirs enjoy an international reputation.
Groups, Courses and Activities
Brass rubbing is a largely British enthusiasm for reproducing onto paper monumental brasses – commemorative brass plaques found in churches, usually on the floor, popular between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries. St Mary's is the only remaining brass rubbing centre in the area and offers the chance for you to make your own brass rubbings on black paper with wax crayons. Choose from over 25 designs from only £2.50 to create a lasting memento of your visit to St Mary's.
The St Marys Study group meets fortnightly on Thursday evenings.
Help for Visitors
We very much welcome visiting groups into our Church. A guided tour can be arranged if requested in advance. Tours cost £3 per person and last approximately 45 minutes. Our knowledgeable guides will bring the story of St Mary’s to life, and will be able to answer any questions you may have about the building and its history. Please contact the parish office in advance to book a tour.
Specialist books are available from the Church Shop including ‘The Beauchamp Chapel’ by the Revd. Canon David Brindley, ‘The Stained Glass Windows in the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick’ by Elsie Kibble, and many other guide books of St Mary’s, Warwick and our history.
The Church Shop nestles in the south-west corner of the eighteenth-century Nave. Within the wonderful atmosphere of the Church you can visit the shop to seek out unusual gifts including specialist religious items, browse through a selection of postcards, greeting cards, books, jewellery, rosaries, a variety of wall carvings, and much more. We also offer Christening, Communion, and Confirmation gifts and cards. CDs of St Mary’s Choirs are also available.