Great St Mary's is the university church of Cambridge, and its tower offers the best view in the centre of the city. The church stands on King's Parade, opposite King's College and beside the Market Square, and it has been a focal point of town and gown life for centuries. The present building dates mainly from the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries in the Perpendicular Gothic style, with a tower that was added in the early seventeenth century. Inside, a light and spacious nave is crowned by a fine timber roof, and the church still hosts university services and concerts as well as regular worship. A milestone outside records distances to London measured from this spot. The church bells also have a claim to fame, because their chimes were the origin of the Westminster Quarters, the tune later made famous by Big Ben. For visitors, the main draw is the climb, which rewards you with a view across the roofs and spires of the colleges, the Market Square below and the green edges of the city beyond.
The climb is 123 steps up a spiral staircase, and the church reports that the top is a refurbished outdoor viewing platform with a full panorama. The staircase is narrow, so it is not for anyone with limited mobility, and you should take care with small children. Tickets for the tower are bought in the church shop, with reductions for students and children and a family option, and you do not normally need to book unless you are in a large group.
Opening hours vary by day, with longer hours on Fridays and Saturdays and shorter ones on Sundays that depend on services, and the last entry is a little before closing, so check the church page before you go.
Plan the visit to catch the light. Morning and late afternoon give soft light on the stone, and a clear day shows the chapel of King's, the Senate House, the river and the flat country beyond. In winter, the cold wind on the platform is strong, so wear layers. The view looks down on the Market Square stalls, which is a lively sight when the market is busy, and it helps you understand the layout of the colleges before or after you walk them.
A short visit inside the church is free, though a donation is welcome, and the building is also a calm place to sit for a few minutes.
The tower is quick, which makes it an easy addition to almost any day. It takes about thirty minutes including the climb and a look around the church, so you can fit it between a college visit and lunch. Combine it with the Colleges Walking Tour, which starts a few steps away, or follow it with a stroll along King's Parade and a coffee in the market. Because it is right in the centre, it also works well in poor weather, since you can duck into the church if the view is clouded over.
Remember that the viewing platform is open to the weather, so on a windy or wet day the climb may be less rewarding, and a hat and gloves help in the colder months. Photography is welcome, and the elevated angle on King's College Chapel is one of the best in the city.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced climb of 123 steps to an open viewing platform, plus free time in the church below.
Best time
A clear morning or late afternoon for the best light and view, avoiding the middle of crowded summer days.
How long
About 30 minutes including the church.
Tips
Buy your ticket in the church shop, wear sturdy shoes for the spiral stairs and check the day's hours because Sunday times depend on services.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want a quick, central way to see how the colleges and the city fit together.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the climb and the view, but the stairs are narrow and not suitable for pushchairs.
- Couples
- Climb in the late afternoon and then walk down King's Parade as the lights come on.
- Pair with
- The Colleges Walking Tour, King's College Chapel and the Market Square.
- Time needed
- Allow 30 to 45 minutes.
Good questions
How many steps are there?+
There are 123 steps up a spiral staircase to the viewing platform.
Do I need to book?+
Individuals do not normally need to book and can buy a ticket in the church shop. Large groups should arrange a visit in advance.
Can I enter the church without climbing?+
Yes, the church is open to visitors and a donation is welcome. Check the hours because services and events can limit access.
Is the climb suitable for everyone?+
No, the staircase is narrow and steep and there is no lift. It is not suitable for people with limited mobility or for pushchairs.
What can I see from the top?+
You can see the colleges, King's College Chapel, the Market Square, the Senate House and, on a clear day, the countryside beyond the city.
