St Mary’s Church Fairford
A 15th-century church housing England's only complete set of medieval stained glass windows, offering a vibrant glimpse into biblical stories and medi...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
St Mary’s Church Fairford
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 15th-century church housing England's only complete set of medieval stained glass windows, offering a vibrant glimpse into biblical stories and medieval artistry.
"The stained glass is exceptional and a complete treasure, offering a real insight into 14th century beliefs!"
📚 Get a Window Guide
Ask for a guide to the stained glass windows; they help you follow the stories and identify figures.
🚶 Explore Fairford Town
Combine your church visit with a walk along the River Coln and explore the charming market town.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval Stained Glass Windows
Interior of St Mary's Church
A complete set of 28 late medieval stained glass windows, depicting biblical narratives with stunning color and detail.
Tomb of John Thame
Interior of St Mary's Church
The final resting place of the wealthy wool merchant who commissioned the church and its magnificent windows.
Architectural Grandeur
Exterior and Interior of St Mary's Church
Admire the 15th-century architecture, including the impressive tower, a testament to medieval craftsmanship.
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Planning Your Visit
Don't Miss the Stained Glass
Check Opening Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Get a Window Guide
Ask for a guide to the stained glass windows; they help you follow the stories and identify figures.
🚶 Explore Fairford Town
Combine your church visit with a walk along the River Coln and explore the charming market town.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Welcome
Even if you don't bring your pet, you'll feel welcomed. Dogs are often allowed inside with owners.
💡 Ask Volunteers Questions
The volunteers are knowledgeable and happy to share insights about the church and its history.
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Get a Window Guide
Ask for a guide to the stained glass windows; they help you follow the stories and identify figures.
🚶 Explore Fairford Town
Combine your church visit with a walk along the River Coln and explore the charming market town.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Welcome
Even if you don't bring your pet, you'll feel welcomed. Dogs are often allowed inside with owners.
💡 Ask Volunteers Questions
The volunteers are knowledgeable and happy to share insights about the church and its history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St Mary's Church Fairford for its exceptional and complete collection of medieval stained glass windows, describing them as stunning and a national treasure. The welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable volunteers also receive high marks, making it a deeply rewarding visit for history and art enthusiasts alike.
"This remarkable church, built in the 15th century by the wealthy wool merchant John Thame, is famous for its well-preserved and unique collection of stained glass windows (28 pieces) of the Flemish school. Inside is also the tomb of John Thame. The decoration of the church, the architecture, the tower - everything is admirable🙏🙏🙏"
Irena Irina
"A lovely church with many superb, basically intact, medieval stained glass windows to feast your eyes upon. The colours are fading on some but you can easily follow the story of Jesus from conception to his death on the cross and his subsequent rising to heaven. Hell is depicted in all its gory details and the most brilliant reds! We were shown where to start by a welcoming volunteer. We lit candles and sat awhile. 04/06/2024."
Mimi Villaret
"Myself and my husband are agnostic but we couldn't have been made to feel more welcome - they even encouraged our very wet dog to join us!
We obvioulsy declined and went in separately! This church is a beautiful sight to behold. The stained glass is exceptional and a complete treasure as we are both very immersed with architecture and the lady I spoke with gave me a guide to all the glass windows where the main large window showed all men ascending to heaven and all women descending to hell.
A real insight into 14th century beliefs!
We could not have been made more welcome and we will deinitely return. The bell ringing this morning that we could hear from our cottage was so beautiful and awe inspiring especially as it was Easter Sunday.
A true delight and thank you for your kindness."
Andrea Lightfoot
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St Mary's Church is located in the market town of Fairford, Gloucestershire. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. For those using public transport, local bus services connect Fairford to surrounding towns.
Yes, Fairford is a charming market town and a perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds, with easy access to other popular villages like Bibury and the River Thames.
Having a car is highly recommended for exploring the Cotswolds, as public transport can be limited between villages.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St Mary's Church is generally free, though donations are greatly appreciated to help with its upkeep. It's always a good idea to check their website for any specific event ticketing or donation suggestions.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official St Mary's Church Fairford website before your visit. Some reviews mention volunteers being present, suggesting it's usually open during daylight hours.
No, the stained glass windows are part of the church's interior, and there is no separate admission fee to view them. Your visit and any donations contribute to their preservation.
Photography is generally permitted inside the church for personal use, but it's always respectful to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography, especially during services.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
St Mary's Church Fairford is renowned for having the only complete set of late medieval stained glass windows in a parish church in England. These 28 windows are incredibly well-preserved and tell biblical stories. +3
You could spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on your interest in the stained glass and architecture. Some visitors enjoy sitting and contemplating the windows.
While formal tours might not be scheduled, volunteers are often present and happy to provide insights and answer questions about the church and its windows.
Fairford itself offers a pleasant walk along the River Coln. Nearby Cotswold villages like Bibury and the Cotswold Water Park are also popular attractions.
The church is a historic building, so accessibility can be a consideration. It's advisable to contact the church directly for specific information regarding ramps or other facilities for visitors with mobility challenges.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Fairford is a market town with local pubs and cafes offering refreshments. For a wider range of dining options, you might explore nearby larger towns or villages in the Cotswolds.
It's generally best to consume food and drink outside the church to help preserve the interior and its delicate stained glass.
📸 📸 Photography
The stained glass windows themselves are the primary photographic subjects. The exterior architecture, especially the tower, also makes for great shots.
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the church. However, always be respectful of ongoing services or other visitors.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the stained glass, as the sun shines through the windows. However, the colors are impressive throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more engaging experience, look for any children's activity sheets or guides the church might offer. If visiting during a time when bell ringing occurs, the sound can be quite impressive for younger ears.
⛪ History & Architecture Buffs
The patronage of John Thame, a wealthy wool merchant, ensured a high standard of craftsmanship and artistic investment. The true highlight, of course, is the unique and complete collection of medieval stained glass. This is not just a collection of windows; it's a narrative tapestry of faith, art, and social history from the period. The Flemish influence in the glasswork is significant, and the detailed iconography offers endless opportunities for study and appreciation.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
+1Fairford itself is a charming, manageable town, making it easy to navigate solo. You can enjoy a coffee at a local cafe or a meal at a pub, soaking in the local ambiance.
The presence of welcoming volunteers at the church means you can easily get insights and information if you wish, or simply enjoy the solitude and beauty of the place. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marvel of Medieval Stained Glass
Visitors often remark on the immersive experience of stepping inside and being surrounded by this dazzling display of color and artistry. The light filtering through the glass creates a unique and spiritual atmosphere.
The windows are not just beautiful; they are a historical document, offering a glimpse into the theological understanding and artistic capabilities of the period. The church's benefactor, John Thame, a wealthy wool merchant, spared no expense in commissioning this masterpiece, making St Mary's a significant site for art historians and those interested in medieval religious life. When visiting, take your time to appreciate the individual panels. Many visitors find it helpful to use a guide or listen to explanations from the knowledgeable volunteers who are often on hand.
Fairford: A Cotswold Market Town
+1 Its history stretches back to the Iron Age, serving as a vital trading route. Today, it retains its appeal with a friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, making it a delightful stop for visitors exploring the Cotswolds. The town's heart beats around St Mary's Church, but its appeal extends beyond this magnificent edifice. A walk along the River Coln provides scenic views, passing by the old mill and across charming bridges.
The area offers opportunities for gentle strolls and enjoying the tranquility of rural England. For those seeking local produce and crafts, places like Lynwood Fairford offer artisan goods and coffee, adding to the town's vibrant community feel. Fairford's location makes it an excellent base for day trips. It's conveniently situated for exploring other renowned Cotswold villages like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold, as well as being within reach of larger attractions like Warwick Castle.
The town provides a slightly less crowded alternative to some of the more famous Cotswold hotspots, offering a more authentic glimpse into village life. 
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