St Mary's Luton

St Mary's Church has stood at the heart of Luton for some 1200 years, the present building for 900 years. Two, possibly three, wooden churches stood hereabouts for the first 300 years. Construction of the stone church began in 1121, its was consecrated in 1135, and by around 1400 the structure you see now was pretty much in place. The church was substantially renewed during the late 1800s, resulting in what Simon Jenkins describes as "the two richest periods of English architecture, the 15th and 19th, ... in glorious harmony." The church is Luton's only Grade 1 listed building, is regarded as one of the finer medieval churches in England, and has been described as Luton's Medieval Jewel.

You will be free to wander yourself, to sign up to take a tour or climb the tower, to enjoy refreshments.

For the young & young at heart our friends from award winning History Knights will offer a range of hands on Medieval activities.

Two informal short midweek devotional services will give you opportunity to reflect on God as he is revealed through our church architecture and heritage.

Tours of the church will take in the main features of the church, including its tiny and rare Barnard Chantry (possibly a "Leper Chapel"); its Baptistry, perhaps the finest font canopy in England; the graceful Wenlock Screen; and the beautiful Magnificat Window. (Please ensure you book)

Tour tours must be booked.

Details of what is available and when are below, and on the linked webpages.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

1030-16.30 Church open; 11.00-12.15 general church tour; 12.30-1.15 Tower tour (must be booked, conditions apply)

Tuesday 15 September:

10.30-14.30 Church open; Medieval activities with History Knights

Wednesday 16 September:

10.30-14.30 Church open; Medieval activities with History Knights; 11.00-11.20, short service reflecting on "God in Architecture"; 12.00-12.40 Tower tour (must be booked, conditions apply)

Thursday 17 September:

10.30-14.30 Church open; Medieval activities with History Knights; 11.00-11.20, short service reflecting on "God in Architecture"; 12.00-12.40 Tower tour (must be booked, conditions apply)

Friday 18 September:

10.30-14.30 Church open; Medieval activities with History Knights

Saturday 19 September:

10.30-14.30 Church open; Medieval activities with History Knights

Location & directions

St. Marys Church, Church Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JF

Directions:

Parking is available across St Marys road on Power Court or in Luton Point (the Mall). Parkinf for disabled visitors is available in the church car park off Church Street. Refreshments will be available.

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

Numbers limited for Church and Tower Tours, booking required, conditions apply for tower.

Booking website:

https://www.stmarysluton.org/heritage-open-days-2026

Booking opens:

13 Aug 2026 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

17 Sep 2026 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

Accessible toilets only reached from outside chur

Additional information

Max number of people:

25

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)

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