Proudly standing in the heart of Cambridge, Great St Mary’s Church has towered over the city for centuries. It is not only a beautiful place of worship, but also contributes to Cambridge’s rich history with its fascinating artwork and panoramic views. Great St Mary’s acts as a looking glass into Cambridge’s university life. It is an attraction that deserves to be on all Cambridge itineraries, whether you are visiting Cambridge for the first time or exploring the city a little differently.
Where is Great St Mary’s Church?
Great St Mary’s is situated just opposite King’s College on Senate House Hill, occupying the most iconic strip of buildings in Cambridge. It’s surrounded by several historic university buildings, shops, and cafés, and serves as the traditional centre of the city.
Due to its central location, visitors often start their Cambridge experience here to get a good look at the city’s most iconic colleges, museums and the River Cam.
Why is Great St Mary’s Famous?
Great St Mary’s is famous for being the University Church of Cambridge. For hundreds of years, it has been closely connected with the University of Cambridge. It has hosted several university sermons, ceremonies, and significant events throughout the centuries. The tower, over the years, has become one of Cambridge’s many recognizable landmarks because it provides one of the finest viewpoints in Cambridge. Today, the church remains an active place of worship while welcoming thousands of visitors from around the world each year.
Climb the Tower for the Best View in Cambridge
Visitors looking for the best panoramic view of Cambridge are encouraged to climb the 123 steps up to the top of the tower. And believe us when we say – the view is worth it! After the ascent, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views, showcasing:
- King’s College Chapel
- Trinity College
- St John’s College
- The Senate House
- The rooftops of historic Cambridge
- The surrounding countryside on a clear day
Insider tip: The view is particularly spectacular during sunrise or late afternoon when the city’s famous limestone buildings glow in the changing light.
A Church Full of History
Although churches have stood on this site for over 800 years, and Great St Mary’s is not the oldest dated church in the city (that title belonging to St Bene’t’s), the present building dates largely from the late 15th century. This makes Great St Mary’s over 500 years old. Influential sermons were preached within its walls during the Reformation. Alongside this, generations of Cambridge University students have gathered here before graduation. Great St Mary’s currently hosts regular services, lectures, concerts, and many community events.
Inside Great St Mary’s
Although the tower is what most visitors are drawn to, the church is equally worth exploring.
Inside you’ll find:
- Beautiful medieval architecture
- Historic stained-glass windows
- A peaceful atmosphere away from the busy city streets
- Exhibitions exploring Cambridge’s history
- A welcoming café serving refreshments
- A gift shop featuring locally made products and souvenirs
Great St Mary’s church offers something for all visitors. Lovers of history, architecture, or simply people looking for a quiet place to pause during their visit simply have to add this to their Cambridge itinerary!
Pair Your Visit with a Cambridge Punting Tour
After getting a glimpse into Cambridge’s university life from a bird’s-eye view, why not pair it with a view from the water? Pairing a punting tour with your Great St Mary’s visit is the perfect way to explore cambridge. A traditional chauffeured punting tour offers a completely different perspective of the city. A trip along the famous College Backs allows you to glide past some of Cambridge’s most iconic landmarks, including:
- King’s College
- Trinity College
- The Bridge of Sighs
- The Mathematical Bridge
- The Wren Library
- And so much more!
Experienced chauffeurs share stories about Cambridge’s history, traditions and famous former students. This makes it one of the city’s most popular sightseeing experiences.
Experience Cambridge from Every Angle
Great St Mary’s offers one of the city’s finest viewpoints, whereas the River Cam provides one of its most memorable experiences. Those planning a visit are recommended to combine these two iconic attractions. This allows you to appreciate Cambridge from two entirely different perspectives: one from above the rooftops, the other from the seat of a traditional punt!
To book a Great St Mary’s tower visit today, click here, and those interested in a punting tour, click here!
Posted on July 9th, 2026, by the Traditional Punting Company Editor
