St Peter’s Church and Its Hidden Rooms
Step behind the scenes of Oundle’s historic parish church where as part of the Vintage Festival, St Peter’s invites you to uncover spaces rarely seen by the public. From ancient stairways to tucked-away chambers, this is a chance to experience the church in a completely different light – full of history, intrigue, and a few surprises along the way.
🔔 Bell Chamber Tours
Climb the spiral staircase and discover the bell chamber high above the church.
- Running every 30 minutes
- From 10:00am to 2:30pm
- Limited to 10 people per tour
🏰 Hidden Rooms & Church Tours
Explore the lesser-known corners of St Peter’s, including:
- The Parvis Room above the South Porch
- A rare medieval toilet
- Other hidden and historic parts of the church
- Running every 30 minutes
- From 10:00am to 2:30pm
These guided tours run at regular intervals throughout the day and can be joined at any time.
ℹ️ What You Need to Know
- No booking required — simply turn up on the day
- All tours are free of charge, though donations are warmly welcomed to support the ongoing work of St Peter’s in the community
- A welcome desk will be in place to guide you
- Bell chamber and parvis room tours are limited to 10 people
- Due to narrow spiral staircases, access to upper areas is not suitable for those with mobility or health limitations
- However, everyone is warmly welcome to enjoy the ground-level guided tours around the church
🕊️ A Note from the Tower
Our resident peregrine falcons are currently nesting, which means access to the very top of the tower is not possible this time, but there is still plenty to explore.
Whether you’re drawn by history, curiosity, or simply the chance to see something new, St Peter’s Church and its Hidden Rooms offers a fascinating glimpse into Oundle’s past if you’re willing to climb a few steps to find it.