Discover the history of Islington’s first parish church and enjoy a panoramic view across London from its 18th-century tower.

St Mary’s, Islington on Upper Street has played a central role in the history of Islington for a thousand years. During this time several different churches have stood on the site, leaving an eclectic range of architectural styles.

On this 90-minute guided tour you’ll learn about the 12th-century Norman church and its 15th-century medieval successor. In the 18th century it was completely rebuilt, lasting until 1940 when St Mary’s became the first London church to be destroyed in World War II. Only the tower and steeple survived the bomb; the main body of the church was rebuilt in 1956, a fascinating example of post-war reconstruction and design.

As well as providing a glimpse into the history of St Mary’s and how it has influenced Islington today, you’ll also have the opportunity to climb the 120 steps to the top of tower, giving you a bird’s-eye view over London.

Reviews of this tour

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "The guided tour of St Mary's, Upper Street, Islington was fascinating and the view from the top of the tower was very special indeed."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “An excellent informative tour of St Mary’s Church. We had a great trip up the church tower with fabulous views over London. But we were also entertained with an interesting history of the church and its site - despite living very locally for over 30 years it is amazing what you miss on your doorstep!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great tour of St Mary's Islington - a very beautiful church with lots of history. The best bit though was the opportunity to climb up the tower for a fantastic view. Highly recommended.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A very interesting 90 minutes. Guide friendly, well-prepared, informative and easy to listen to. Getting to the top of the 18th-century church tower is the highlight.”

Reviews originally published on TripAdvisor

Health & safety information about this tour - please read before booking

Before you decide to climb St Mary’s steeple please read the information below carefully to ensure you are familiar with our health and safety requirements and arrive suitably prepared. When you arrive, you will be required to complete a health and safety disclaimer before you climb.

Visitors wishing to climb the 120 steps to the viewing platform of the steeple need to have a reasonable level of fitness, must be able to walk unaided and should be confident with heights and being in confined spaces. All the climb is up a very narrow spiral staircase and there is no place to rest between stairs 36 and 120. In addition, the doorway to the viewing platform is very low and you need to be able to bend yourself through it.

We want you to enjoy your visit but for your protection please note the following:

Before you visit

Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time and meet under the porch outside the front door to the church. You will be required to sign a disclaimer. Before the climb starts there will be a safety briefing.

The spiral steps are narrow, suitable clothing should be worn (no skirts or loose clothing) with well-fitting shoes (no high-heels, slip-ons, open-toed shoes, sandals or flip flops).

Visitors who are pregnant or have had recent surgery or a history of heart trouble, high blood pressure, back trouble, vertigo, or any other condition that may be aggravated by strenuous exertion should not participate.

If you have a breathing complaint such as asthma, please let our guides know.

Due to the difficulty and risk involved in climbing the steeple, children must be aged 10 or over and be accompanied by an adult.

There is no hand rail on the steps and you will need both hands free during the climb, please do not bring anything that will restrict movement or become entangled. All personal items should fit in your pockets and be placed in pockets before starting your ascent (this includes cameras).

No bags of any kind are allowed up the steeple. Any bags brought can be locked in a secure location before climbing the steeple.

You will be required to wear a head torch during the climb.

Please note that the clock bells might chime during the tour and are extremely loud.

You know your physical conditions and limitations, if you suspect your health could be at risk for any reason, or you could aggravate a pre-existing condition of any kind, please do not put your health at risk.

Disclaimer

If we have reason to believe that a participant will be putting themselves or others at risk by climbing the tower we reserve the right to refuse entry or participation at any point during the tour.

In severe weather conditions we may have to cancel the climb although we will be able to take visitors up to the bell chamber.

Description supplied by the event organiser.