Open Church

St Mary’s will once again be participating in the Heritage Open Days week, and will be open with a variety of activities at these times:

Saturday 12th September 10.30 - 4.30

Tuesday 15th September 10.30 - 2.30

Wednesday 16th September 10.30 - 2.30

Thursday 17th September 10.30 - 2.30

Friday 18th September 10.30 - 2.30

Saturday 19th September 1.30 - 2.30

St Marys 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, it 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 beautifully written of as Luton's Medieval Jewel. Our church building has been a central part of Luton’s story, and is not set for a new phase as the new stadium arises on Power Court just across the road.

You will be free to look around at your leisure; sign up to take a tour (Saturday 12th, Wednesday 16th); or to climb the tower (Saturday 12th, Wednesday 16th, Thursday 17th) ; and enjoy refreshments.

Two informal short midweek devotional services (Wednesday 16th, Thursday 17th 11.00) will give you opportunity to reflect on God as he is revealed through our church architecture and heritage. For the young and the young at heart our friends from award winning History Knights will offer a range of hands on Medieval activities.

The following activities require have restricted numbers and so booking is required. Please follow the links to save a place.

Discovering St Marys Church, Luton  

Saturday 12th September, 11.00-12.15  (book here)

Wednesday 16th September  1.15-2.30 (book here)

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, it 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.

The tour will take in the main features of the church, including it's tiny and rare Barnard Chantry (possibly a "Leper Chapel"); its Baptistry, one of the finest font canopies in England; the graceful Wenlock Screen; and the beautiful Magnificat Window. There will be plenty of time to ask questions as well as to take pictures both inside and outside the church.

Please book. 25 people maximum for each tour.

Climb the tower at St Marys, Luton

Saturday 12th September, 12.30-1.15  (book here)

Wednesday 16th September, 12.00-12.45  (book here)

Thursday 17th September. 12.00-12.45  (book here)

From its completion around the year 1400, St Mary’s tower stood way above every other building in Luton. That is no longer the case, but the view is nearly as good as ever! 

Join us on one of our three tour climbs during Heritage Open Days 2026.  Climb the 98 step medieval spiral staircase, enjoy views of much of Luton including views out to the airport, and see what you can identify.  It’s a great place to view all the progress in the construction of Luton Town FC’s new stadium just over the road on Power Court, and to see the construction of high buildings all around us! If you have a pair of binoculars it would be well worth bringing them for even better views.

Please be there 10 minutes before the advertised time to check in, and for us to make sure you are fit to make the climb up a 98 step. 

Finally, a few more words about the activities led by our friends at History Knight 

Adventures in Medieval Luton(Tuesday to Saturday)

Step into the majesty of St Mary’s as History Knight’s Stolen History Exhibition retells the story of Luton’s Forgotten Medieval Past. For the young and young at heart there will be a range of hands-on History activities including cross bows, dress up and scroll writing. Talk to our experts and discover the rebellious and intriguing tales and character from the medieval world.

History Knights – Knight School ( Saturday Only)

Calling all Knights, Princesses, Rebels and Rogues - the award-winning History Knights invite you to pick up your lance and fire a crossbow for action-packed Medieval Fun. In the sessions you'll get to write your own scrolls with a quill, test your swordsmanship and discover the stories of Warrior Princesses and Notorious Knights.