St Mary Redcliffe

St Mary Redcliffe is the main Church of England parish church of the Redcliffe district in Bristol, and one of the most impressive Gothic buildings in England. It is so large that visitors regularly take it for Bristol Cathedral, even though it is a parish church.

What is St Mary Redcliffe?

The full name is the Church of St Mary the Virgin. It stands in Redcliffe, on the south side of Bristol's historic centre, a short walk from the harbourside. The building is listed Grade I by Historic England, the highest category of protection available in England. It is regarded as one of the country's finest and largest parish churches and as an outstanding example of English Gothic architecture.

How old is the church?

The first written reference to a church on this site dates from 1158. The present building took shape over a very long period: construction began in 1185 and work, including restoration and rebuilding, continued until 1872. That span is the reason the church rewards a slow look. Different parts reflect different stages of medieval and later craftsmanship, and the whole was funded largely by the wealth of the surrounding district rather than by a bishop or monastery. Much of the main fabric was paid for by wealthy Bristol merchants in the 14th and 15th centuries, and the spire was rebuilt in 1872 after a fundraising campaign.

What is there to see?

• The exterior and spire. The tower and spire dominate the skyline of Redcliffe and are visible from many points along the harbour and the surrounding streets.
• The hexagonal North Porch. An unusual, richly decorated entrance, often highlighted on guided tours.
• The interior. The nave, vaulting and stained glass show how ambitious the project was. Medieval graffiti and details in areas not normally open can be seen on organised tours.
• Links to maritime Bristol. The church stands in a district tied to the port and its trade, and tours mention connections with John Cabot's 1497 voyage.

Practical tips for visitors

• Allow around 30 to 45 minutes for a self-guided visit, longer if you join a tour.
• Guided tours of about 90 minutes are offered separately and can include hidden areas; check the church's official website for dates and prices.
• Opening times can change, particularly around services and events, so confirm them before you go.
• The church is within walking distance of Bristol Temple Meads station and the harbourside, so it fits easily into a day on foot.
• Photographers will find the best views of the spire from the surrounding streets and from across the water.

Frequently asked questions

Is St Mary Redcliffe a cathedral? No. It is a parish church of the Church of England, although its scale leads many tourists to mistake it for Bristol Cathedral.

When was it built? A church is first mentioned on the site in 1158. The present building dates from 1185 to 1872.

What does Grade I listed mean? It is the highest category of listing given by Historic England, reserved for buildings of exceptional interest.

Where is it? In the Redcliffe district of Bristol, England, at roughly 51.448 N, 2.590 W.