Crooked Spire
Chesterfield's iconic medieval church with a famously twisted spire, offering historical intrigue and panoramic views from its tower climb.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crooked Spire
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chesterfield's iconic medieval church with a famously twisted spire, offering historical intrigue and panoramic views from its tower climb.
"It's quite impressive that it was constructed in the 14th century, this is more than 600 years ago!"
🎯 Book Tower Tours Early
Limited spots for spire climbs! Book in advance, especially for weekend tours.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs to the top of the spire – comfy footwear is a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Crooked Spire Itself
Witness the iconic, twisted medieval spire that gives Chesterfield its unique charm. A true architectural marvel!
Climbing the Spire Tower
Inside St. Mary and All Saints Church
Ascend 152 steps for breathtaking views and a unique perspective of the spire's internal structure.
St. Mary and All Saints Church
Explore the historic parish church that houses the famous spire, offering a glimpse into centuries of history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Understanding the Spire's Quirks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tower Tours Early
Limited spots for spire climbs! Book in advance, especially for weekend tours.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs to the top of the spire – comfy footwear is a must!
📚 Research Spire Legends
Learn the fascinating stories behind the spire's twist before you visit.
📸 Capture the Unique Angle
Experiment with different angles to showcase the spire's distinctive lean.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tower Tours Early
Limited spots for spire climbs! Book in advance, especially for weekend tours.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs to the top of the spire – comfy footwear is a must!
📚 Research Spire Legends
Learn the fascinating stories behind the spire's twist before you visit.
📸 Capture the Unique Angle
Experiment with different angles to showcase the spire's distinctive lean.
📍 Easy to Find Landmark
Visible from afar, the spire is a central point in Chesterfield.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the Crooked Spire's unique architectural anomaly and its historical significance. Many highlight the rewarding experience of climbing the tower for panoramic views, though some note the church's interior is more visually appealing than its exterior. The spire's central location and the intriguing legends surrounding it add to its charm.
"This is definitely quite extraordinary and it is worth seeing!
It’s quite impressive that it was constructed in the 14th century, this is more than 600 years ago!
The spire itself is not only twisting, but also leaning away from it geometrical axis.
You can learn a lot about this magnificent architecture monument and the parish church at the same time, if you of course go to the place or as I would recommend, do your research online prior to attending, so you can appreciate it and fully enjoy your visit.
It is very close to town centre (maybe even part of it) and it has a few entrances, so it is quite easy to find, not to mention that it is visible from afar.
There is also a gift shop."
Yosif Anchev
"I grew up round here and it took me 30+ years to learn you can climb up inside the spire! Would recommend, it’s v interesting to see the absolute mess of beams inside and you get a view across chesterfield when you climb out onto the roof at the base of the spire."
Emma N
"Very interesting building when driving past"
Nancy Ashley (None)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Crooked Spire, officially St. Mary and All Saints Church, is centrally located in Chesterfield town center, making it easily accessible. It's a short walk from the train station. Many visitors arrive by car and find parking in nearby town center car parks.
Yes, there are several car parks available in Chesterfield town center, which is adjacent to the church. These are typically pay-and-display.
Absolutely! Chesterfield has a main train station, and the Crooked Spire is a pleasant walk from there. Local bus services also serve the town center frequently.
While the church itself is generally accessible, climbing the spire tower involves many steps and is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Chesterfield train station is the closest major transport hub, with regular services connecting to larger cities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the church itself is usually free, but there is a charge for the tower tours. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekend tours.
The church typically has opening hours for visitors, but these can vary. Tower tours have specific timings, usually on Fridays and Saturdays from 2:30 PM.
There is a fee for the tower tours, which allows you to climb the spire. The exact cost can vary, so it's advisable to check the official website or inquire directly.
Yes, you can admire and walk around the exterior of the Crooked Spire at any time. It's a prominent landmark visible from many parts of the town.
Booking in advance is highly recommended for the tower tours due to limited capacity.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic St. Mary and All Saints Church, learn about its history, and most excitingly, climb the 152 steps of the Crooked Spire for panoramic views of Chesterfield.
A quick visit to see the exterior might take 15-30 minutes. If you plan to take a tower tour and explore the church, allow at least 1-2 hours.
The spire's unusual twist is attributed to various legends, from a blacksmith's attempt to a dragon's flight. Historically, it's believed to be due to the timber shrinking unevenly.
Yes, tower tours are available and offer insights into the spire's history and construction. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides.
From the top, you'll get spectacular views over Chesterfield and the surrounding Derbyshire countryside.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Chesterfield town center has numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering a variety of dining options, from quick bites to full meals.
There is a gift shop at the Crooked Spire which may offer some refreshments or snacks. Additionally, many cafes are located very close by.
Local recommendations often include traditional pubs for hearty meals and cafes for lighter fare. Exploring the town center will reveal many options to suit different tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the surrounding streets, offering different perspectives of its unique lean. The churchyard also provides good vantage points.
Photography is generally permitted inside the church and during the tower tour, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can offer beautiful light for exterior shots. Midday sun can be harsh but still highlights the spire's form.
Low-angle shots looking up, or shots from a distance that show the spire against the skyline, can emphasize its distinctive twist.
Including people or other buildings in your shot can help convey the impressive scale of the spire.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Kids often enjoy hearing the legends behind the spire's twist, which can spark their imagination. 💰 Budget Travelers
+1 Chesterfield itself offers a range of affordable dining options, from local pubs to cafes, ensuring you can enjoy your visit without breaking the bank. 📸 Photographers
The surrounding streets provide varied backdrops, and the spire looks particularly dramatic during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend and Lore of the Crooked Spire
More grounded theories point to practical reasons for its unique shape. It's believed that the timber used for the spire may have warped and twisted as it dried, or that the lead sheeting used to cover it may have contracted unevenly in the sun, causing the lean.
Regardless of the true cause, the spire's distinctive 45-degree twist and lean make it a truly unique architectural feature, standing as a testament to medieval craftsmanship and the enduring power of local folklore. Climbing the Crooked Spire: An Unforgettable Experience
+1 As you climb, you'll see the intricate network of beams and timbers that have supported the spire for centuries, a testament to its enduring construction. Reaching the top provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Chesterfield and the surrounding Derbyshire countryside.
+1 It's an opportunity to appreciate the town from a different angle and to truly grasp the scale of this iconic landmark. Tower tours, which include the climb, are a popular way to learn more about the spire's history and construction from knowledgeable guides. Booking these tours in advance is highly recommended due to their popularity and limited capacity. The Crooked Spire as a Chesterfield Icon
+1 For locals, it's a source of pride and a constant reminder of their town's unique heritage. This iconic status means the spire attracts visitors from all over, eager to witness its peculiar charm firsthand.
It's a landmark that sparks curiosity and conversation, often appearing in discussions about unique local landmarks. 
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