Churches and Cathedrals in London to Visit

London has a mix of major cathedrals, royal churches, medieval chapels and quieter historic places of worship. Two of the most visited are Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral, but there are also lesser-known churches worth visiting.

For those interested in cathedrals, visit St Paul’s Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral and Westminster Cathedral. Westminster Abbey is not a cathedral, but it is one of London’s most important church buildings. Throughout the city, you will find many other churches to pop into.

Famous Churches and Cathedrals in London

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a fantastic church building to the west of the Palace of Westminster, the UK Parliament. The church was built in the Gothic style, and it is stunning.

It is one of the country’s most important religious buildings and the site of the coronations of British monarchs. Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, all subsequent coronations of English and British monarchs have been in the Abbey. Also, it is the burial site of British kings, queens, and other important figures, such as Isaac Newton.

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is a prominent landmark in the capital near the Millennium Bridge. You can find the cathedral on Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London. Its importance is reflected in its Grade I listing.

The original church, and now the cathedral, is dedicated to Paul the Apostle. The first place of worship on this site was in AD 604. However, the current building dates from the 17th century; it was built in the English Baroque style. Sir Christopher Wren designed the current place of worship as part of a major rebuilding after the Great Fire of London. The fire mostly destroyed the original cathedral.

Inside is spectacular and also home to the tomb of Admiral Nelson, amongst others. You can also climb to the top of the dome, which offers superb views of the details below and most areas of London.

Westminster Cathedral

Near Victoria Railway Station is Westminster Cathedral. I had a good mooch around this building and enjoyed seeing the decorative features inside. Its other name is the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood, and it is the biggest Roman Catholic church in the UK.

The cathedral was built using the Neo-Byzantine style of architecture, and it looks unique. I really enjoyed seeing the colourful exterior, which was made from stripes of brick and stone. The bell tower and domes also look great. Westminster Cathedral was opened in 1903 and consecrated in 1910.

Seeing the art in the side chapels, the pulpit, and the high altar was a highlight of my visit. Another eye-catching feature was the octagonal font, made of marble. This was free to enter, and you were allowed to take photos except when a service was on.

Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral is a splendid sight between Borough Market and the river. The site has been a place of Christian worship for more than a thousand years; however, it has only been a cathedral since 1905.

Historic Churches in the City of London

Temple Church

If you’re a movie fan, Temple Church in London might be familiar, as it was featured in the film The Da Vinci Code. You can find Temple Church between Fleet Street and the River Thames. The Knights Templar built this to be their English headquarters in the Temple district.

Patriarch Heraclius of Jerusalem consecrated it in 1185. It is a round church, which is common for the Knights Templar churches. You can find their opening times, prices, or learn more on their website.

All Hallows by the Tower

All Hallows by the Tower of London is the oldest church in the City of London and a great place to pop in. The church was founded in 675 and even survived the Great Fire of London. Subsequently, it was damaged during the Blitz in World War II and then reconstructed. It is free to visit, and you can pay extra to enter the Crypt Museum, an original part of the Saxon church.

St Mary-le-Bow

St Mary-le-Bow is a historic City of London church on Cheapside, best known for the Bow Bells. The church was originally founded around 1080. It was later destroyed in the Great Fire of London, rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren, and rebuilt again after being damaged in World War II.

Its bells are tied to London folklore, including the idea that a true Cockney is someone born within earshot of Bow Bells. It is free to visit, and I found it interesting to learn more about the church and see its decorative details.

St Bartholomew the Great

St Bartholomew the Great is close to the Smithfield market and St Barts Hospital. It has a history dating back to 1123 when it started as an Augustinian priory. The church survived the Great Fire; however, it was destroyed in 1543 during Henry VIII’s reign and his dissolution of the monasteries.

St Bartholomew the Great was later restored in the 19th century. The current building has a fantastic churchyard and a decorative interior. An eye-catching feature is the timber-framed gatehouse leading into the churchyard, built above the former church’s nave door.

Saint Botolph Without Aldgate

Saint Botolph Without Aldgate has a history dating back to 1115 when the original church was built. In the 11th century, Botolph was regarded as the patron saint of boundaries and then of trade and travel. This association with travel was prominent before the legend of Saint Christopher became popular.

It has been rebuilt since, including after the Germans severely damaged it during the Blitz in World War Two. It is a Georgian building with a park next to it.

The Charterhouse

The Charterhouse, a short walk from the Smithfield market, is a former almshouse and Tudor mansion with a serene chapel. Charterhouse has a history dating back to the 14th century. The wood carvings and the site’s history were interesting, and I enjoyed the tour.

Churches Around Westminster and Trafalgar Square

St Margaret’s Church

Next to the famous Westminster Abbey is St Margaret’s Church. It’s a smaller place of worship that dates from the 12th century. St Margaret’s Church is active and has regular services. It is sometimes called the parish church of the House of Commons.

Benedictine monks founded it in the 12th century. However, it was rebuilt in 1486 and 1523. The church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the palace and abbey.

St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Trafalgar Square

St Martin in the Fields is an iconic feature of Trafalgar Square. The current building was completed in 1726; however, this replaced an existing medieval church.

St Martin-in-the-Fields church is a Grade I-listed building built in the neoclassical style. You can pop inside for a look around or attend one of their concerts. The church also hosts free classical music concerts. I used to really enjoy visiting these when I lived in London. As a bonus, St Martin in the Fields has a cafe in its crypt.

Churches Inside London Landmarks

Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula

The Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula at the Tower of London was built during the reign of Henry VIII, in 1519 and 1520. The current chapel was built to replace one destroyed by fire. There is also a very old organ dating to the 17th century. The organ is still used for concerts and services.

The Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula is famous for the burial of three former queens of England. These include Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey. Each has a memorial.