Saxon Church and Tithe Barn Combo

St Laurence Church is one of England's most complete Saxon buildings, with original stonework, thick walls, and a layout unchanged since the 10th century. The attached tithe barn is a massive medieval structure with exposed timber framing and soaring roof beams. This tour pairs architectural analysis with social context: how the church served as a community centre and storage facility. You'll see working doors, original stone, and understand medieval engineering without the Hollywood tour-guide treatment. Best for Medieval architecture enthusiasts. This is a moderate activity lasting 1.5 hours. Group size: max 25. You meet at St Laurence Church, Church Street. Key highlights: Saxon stonework from the 10th century still in original position, Complete medieval tithe barn with timber roof beams intact, Specialist guide with architectural and archaeological expertise.

Price: £12

Duration: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: max 25

Best for: Medieval architecture enthusiasts

Best time: Spring and autumn provide ideal light for photography and moderate temperatures for walking around exteriors

Meeting point: St Laurence Church, Church Street

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

0-5 min Exterior approach and overview - Specialist guide points out Saxon-period features and explains construction dating methods used by archaeologists.

5-30 min Saxon church interior exploration - Walk through the nave, chancel, and tower interior. Guide identifies original Saxon stonework, nave arcades, and changes made over 1,000 years.

30-45 min Tithe barn exterior and structure - Move to the adjacent tithe barn to examine medieval timber framing, roof construction, and agricultural storage systems.

45-70 min Tithe barn interior and social context - Inside the barn, learn about medieval taxation, crop storage, and how the structure supported the local feudal economy.

70-90 min Questions, local connections, and wrap-up - Discussion of how these buildings fit into Bradford on Avon's medieval wool trade prosperity.

The whole experience takes 1.5 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at St Laurence Church, Church Street.

• Saxon stonework from the 10th century still in original position
• Complete medieval tithe barn with timber roof beams intact
• Specialist guide with architectural and archaeological expertise
• Connection between church and economic/agricultural systems
• Photo opportunities inside and out

What is included: 1.5 hour guided tour, Access to both St Laurence Church and tithe barn, Specialist guide's commentary, Combined admission pricing.

Not included: Refreshments or café access, Printed guide materials, Transport to/from the location. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Camera or phone for photos, Sturdy walking shoes for uneven barn floors, Notebook to sketch architectural features if interested. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Spring and autumn provide ideal light for photography and moderate temperatures for walking around exteriors.

Tip: Combined ticket saves £3

Tip: Photography allowed

Accessibility: Saxon church is fully accessible. Tithe barn has uneven stone floors and low beam clearances in some areas. Not suitable for wheelchair users..

Operator: English Heritage | Book directly (opens in new tab)

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Bradford on Avon Museum Guided Tour (8 min walk)
• Saltaire Village (15 min walk)

This activity is run by English Heritage.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour.

Accessibility: Saxon church is fully accessible. Tithe barn has uneven stone floors and low beam clearances in some areas. Not suitable for wheelchair users..

Best time to go: Spring and autumn provide ideal light for photography and moderate temperatures for walking around exteriors.

What makes the St Laurence Church Saxon rather than later medieval?

Saxon buildings have distinctive features: narrow window openings, long-and-short quoins (corner stonework), and thick walls without decorative mouldings. St Laurence retains original nave arcades and chancel layout from around 1000 AD, confirmed by stone analysis. Later modifications are identifiable by different stone types and architectural styles.

Can I visit the church and barn separately, or is it a combined tour only?

English Heritage offers the combined ticket for £12, saving £3 off separate entries. Both buildings are often locked outside tour times for preservation, so booking the guided tour ensures access. Self-guided visits may be possible but require checking with English Heritage in advance.

How much climbing or physical exertion is required?

The tour is mostly ground-level walking with some steps inside the church tower (optional). The barn has uneven stone floors and requires ducking under low medieval timber beams in places. Expect 90 minutes of continuous walking and standing with minimal sitting time.