Church Tower Tours
As part of Oundle’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, St Peter’s Church is offering those with a head for heights and a sense of adventure the opportunity to climb the church tower. The Church Tower is a fascinating structure and is a ‘must’ for history fans, as well as those with an eye for a view! There will be no formal charge for the tour, but we would welcome donations (suggested £10 adult and £5 child) which will be given to the Disaster Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
St Peter’s will also be offering activities for children during the day.
There will be refreshments served in Church for the duration of the tours. Again all donations will be given to the Appeal.
This 45 minute guided tour will begin with a climb up the narrow winding staircase to the Bell Ringing Chamber, where the Town Clock mechanism can be seen. From the Bell Ringing Chamber you will continue your ascent up through the late medieval tower to the viewing area at the top where you will be able to survey the beautiful local landscape from the castellated battlements. From here there is also access into the hidden ‘Room in the Spire’ where you will be able to see up through the inside of the spire right to the top. Our volunteer guides will give you a fascinating insight into the history of the church, the tower and the recent repair works that have been carried out. They will explain the many historic features you will see as you climb upwards and they will always be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
St Peter’s Church boasts the tallest spire in the county, standing a magnificent 64m (210 feet) high. From the viewing area on top of the tower, which is itself 26m (85ft) above ground level there are unparalleled views of the historic market town as well as the surrounding countryside and villages beyond.
- Exceptional opportunity to climb the St Peter’s Church tower
- Knowledgeable Tour Guides
- Tour the Bell Ringing Chamber
- View the Belfry as you climb the 111 steps
- Discover the secret ‘Room in the Spire’
- View the Town Clock and mechanism – from the inside!
- Choose your tour time and book online
There are 111 spiral steps to the top of the tower, with a break halfway up in the Bell Ringing Chamber. Please be aware that the steps are steep and in places there is limited headroom. Tours will last 45 minutes and will run at half hour intervals on Saturday 4th June 2022, between 9am and 3pm. Everyone who makes the journey up and down the tower will receive a certificate to say that they have been there!
Restrictions
We regret that for safety reasons we are unable to offer access to children under the age of 8. Young people aged 8-17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
You should not climb if:
- you suffer from vertigo or claustrophobia or are nervous of steep spiral staircases and narrow passageways
- you are pregnant, suffer from heart disorders or any medical condition or disability which might affect your own safety or the safety of others
Disclaimer
All participants must sign a disclaimer at the Tour Reception desk prior to climbing the tower. The Tour Guides reserve the right to refuse to allow someone to join a tour-group if they deem them unfit (which includes having consumed alcohol prior to the tour).
PLEASE NOTE
The Tower Tours may be dependent on the nesting activities of a pair of Peregrine Falcons which feed regularly on the church battlements. If the Falcons nest, access to the battlements is prohibited by law because the nesting cannot be disturbed. Nesting can take place any time until the end of May, so we are opening the Booking System with the proviso that the Tours may have to be cancelled in the event of nesting.