St Andrew's Spire (Glover's Needle)
Worcester's iconic Glover's Needle, a 75m limestone spire predating the Norman Conquest, standing tall in peaceful gardens.
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Must-see attractions
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Bathed in lights, magical glow
St Andrew's Spire (Glover's Needle)
Best Time
Bathed in lights, magical glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Worcester's iconic Glover's Needle, a 75m limestone spire predating the Norman Conquest, standing tall in peaceful gardens.
"A great old place in town, well worth a visit if you are in the area."
📍 Easy to Find
Located on Deansway, just above the River Severn. Plenty of car parks nearby. :car:
✨ Evening Illumination
The spire is beautifully lit at night with white and blue lights, a nod to St Andrew's Scottish flag. :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Glover's Needle
Worcester's iconic 75m limestone spire, the tallest slender spire in Britain. A true historical marvel.
Memorial Fragment
See a piece of the original spire, toppled by a storm in 1733, now a poignant reminder of its past.
St Andrew's Gardens
A peaceful garden of remembrance, perfect for a quiet stroll and reflection.
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Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse of History
Peaceful Urban Oasis
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📍 Easy to Find
Located on Deansway, just above the River Severn. Plenty of car parks nearby. :car:
✨ Evening Illumination
The spire is beautifully lit at night with white and blue lights, a nod to St Andrew's Scottish flag. :sparkles:
🚶♀️ Peaceful Gardens
The surrounding gardens offer a serene escape for reflection and a pleasant walk. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
📍 Easy to Find
Located on Deansway, just above the River Severn. Plenty of car parks nearby. :car:
✨ Evening Illumination
The spire is beautifully lit at night with white and blue lights, a nod to St Andrew's Scottish flag. :sparkles:
🚶♀️ Peaceful Gardens
The surrounding gardens offer a serene escape for reflection and a pleasant walk. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find St Andrew's Spire, or Glover's Needle, to be a historically significant and visually appealing landmark set within a pleasant garden. Its unique architecture and nighttime illumination are frequently praised. However, some visitors have noted negative interactions with other park users.
"Nice place, very pretty. Shame about the rude cyclist with the grey hair who objected to 2 pedestrians being on the path, not taking up much space but still moving over to let him past, but apparently that wasn't good enough for the entitled cyclist. Hopefully he won't be back"
Nat Jade
"Glover’s Needle, formally the St Andrew’s Spire, is all that remains of St Andrew’s Church, which stood here before the Norman Conquest. After the rest of the church was declared unsafe and demolished in 1948–49, the 75 m (245 ft) limestone spire was left freestanding in what is now St Andrew’s Gardens on Deansway, just above the River Severn. Its needle-like silhouette dominates Worcester’s skyline, visible for miles around.
The original medieval spire was destroyed by a great storm (or lightning) in 1733. In 1751, local journeyman mason Nathaniel Wilkinson reconstructed it, famously using kites to haul stones aloft. Worcester’s thriving glove-making industry gave the new landmark its nickname—“Glover’s Needle.” Its unusually narrow taper makes it the tallest spire in Britain with such a slender profile.
Wander around the base to find a fragment of the original spire toppled in the storm, set here as a memorial. At night it’s bathed in white-and-blue lights (a nod to St Andrew’s Scottish flag) and still rings one of its original five bells each evening. The surrounding park was laid out as a garden of remembrance for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, turning this once-crowded churchyard into a peaceful spot to reflect on centuries of Worcester life."
Toto Lee
"Great old place in town, easy to find, well worth a visit if you are in the area. Plenty of car parks around."
Matthew Young (Urban Tiger)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St Andrew's Spire, also known as Glover's Needle, is located on Deansway in Worcester, just above the River Severn. It's easily accessible and visible from many parts of the city. There are plenty of car parks around the area, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, its central location in Worcester means it's likely accessible via local bus services that stop within walking distance of Deansway. Checking local transport schedules for Worcester would be advisable. :bus:
Yes, if you are in the city center of Worcester, walking to St Andrew's Spire is a pleasant option, especially as it's situated near the River Severn. The surrounding gardens also make for a nice stroll. :walking:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting St Andrew's Spire and exploring St Andrew's Gardens is free of charge. It's a public landmark and park, so you can visit anytime during daylight hours. :ticket:
St Andrew's Gardens are generally open during daylight hours. The spire itself is a freestanding structure, so it can be viewed at any time, though it is particularly striking when illuminated at night. :clock1:
There is no entrance fee for St Andrew's Gardens. It's a public space designed for remembrance and relaxation, making it accessible to everyone. :moneywithwings:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the impressive 75m limestone spire, known as Glover's Needle. You can also see a fragment of the original spire that fell in a storm, and enjoy the peaceful St Andrew's Gardens, a garden of remembrance. At night, the spire is illuminated.
Absolutely! The spire's unique silhouette makes for striking photographs, especially against the sky. The gardens also offer lovely backdrops. The evening illumination adds a magical element for night photography. :camerawithflash:
Glover's Needle is the last remaining part of St Andrew's Church, which existed before the Norman Conquest. The original medieval spire was destroyed in 1733, and Nathaniel Wilkinson reconstructed it in 1751, using kites to lift stones. Its nickname comes from Worcester's glove-making industry.
No, St Andrew's Spire is a historical monument and is not open for climbing. Visitors can admire it from the base and the surrounding gardens. :arrow_up:
St Andrew's Gardens is primarily a memorial garden. While there are benches for resting and reflection, extensive facilities like restrooms or cafes are not typically found within the garden itself. You'll find these amenities in the nearby city center. :bench:
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of Glover's Needle
The spire's history is marked by resilience. The original medieval spire was tragically destroyed by a severe storm, or possibly lightning, in 1733. In 1751, a local journeyman mason named Nathaniel Wilkinson undertook the ambitious task of reconstructing it. His innovative methods, which famously involved using kites to hoist stones into place, are a fascinating part of the spire's lore. The nickname 'Glover's Needle' emerged from Worcester's once-thriving glove-making industry, a testament to the city's heritage.
Visitors can explore the base of the spire and discover a fragment of the original spire, preserved as a memorial to the 1733 storm. At night, the spire is transformed by white-and-blue lights, a subtle tribute to St Andrew's Scottish flag. One of its original five bells still rings each evening, adding a melodic touch to the urban soundscape. The surrounding St Andrew's Gardens, laid out in 1953 as a garden of remembrance for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, provide a peaceful setting for contemplation, turning a historic churchyard into a serene public space.
Exploring St Andrew's Gardens
This green space was once the crowded churchyard of St Andrew's Church. Its transformation into a garden of remembrance signifies a shift towards creating serene public spaces that honor history and offer respite. The juxtaposition of the ancient spire with the carefully curated gardens creates a unique atmosphere, blending historical gravitas with natural beauty. It's a place where one can appreciate both architectural heritage and the simple pleasure of a well-kept park.
While the gardens are a place for quiet contemplation, they also serve as a beautiful setting for photography. The spire, with its striking form, is a constant focal point, and the surrounding greenery provides a softer, more natural backdrop. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike seeking a moment of peace in the heart of Worcester. :evergreen_tree:
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