Last Updated on 3 May, 2023
Everybody knows that London is full of historical masterpieces, that make its landscape leave an indelible mark on you.
From outstanding skyscrapers to magnificent royal palaces, it has many iconic places to visit. Beautiful churches in London are some of the most fetching buildings that many of which have witnessed incredible history for thousands of years.
Each cathedral and church have an incredible story in its own right and there are plenty of reasons to visit one.
Some people were married or even buried there and many other architectural or historical significance makes them so unique. Magnificent cathedrals and pretty chapels with ornate interiors are definitely worth a visit.
Generally, more than a thousand churches exist in the capital city, however, even Londoners don’t know about all of them. Most beautiful churches in London are free to visit and popping your head into a grand-looking church is a rite of passage for any city break.
Whether you’re a Londoner or just a tourist who is on a short trip to this city, you shouldn’t miss visiting London’s churches. With their amazing structure and artistic décor, they played huge and important social roles.
Here’s my guide from a Londoner – to the most beautiful churches in London that leave every visitor basking in their awe-inspiring glory.
12 Beautiful Churches In London
St Paul’s Cathedral
No trip to the capital city is complete without strolling through the most famous cathedral in London – St Paul’s Cathedral. It has a white domed roof that has been an iconic part of the skyline for more than 300 years. The cathedral is 111 meters high and it also held the title of the tallest building in London up until 1967!
The Anglican St Paul’s Cathedral, the residence of the Bishop of London, is one of the most significant and noticeable attractions of the city capturing everybody’s attention. After Liverpool Cathedral, this beauty is the second-biggest church building in England, in terms of area. St Paul’s Cathedral today is already the fifth building.
Before being destroyed by fire in 675, the original wooden church had been serving people since when it was built in 604. Head into St Paul’s impressive exteriors and then enjoy strolling up the steps into the airy vestibule. Don’t forget to book online in advance, if you want to pay only £18 for a tour of the entire building. You can take a quick look at the main hall and admire every aspect of this great place.When you are done with your visit here, note that there is plenty to do nearby, from taking in views from Madison Bar, Tate Modern, Borough Market and London Bridge.
Entry Fee: From £14.75 – You can book tickets in advance here.
Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
Opening Times: Monday to Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday 8.30am to 4pm | Wednesday 10am to 4pm | Sunday 8am to 6pm
St Mary Abbots Church
This one is perfectly located near This one is located on the corner of Kensington Church Street, Kensington High Street and Church Street, close to plenty of London Perfect vacation apartments. It is designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and completed in 1872. St Mary Abbots Church has a Neo-Gothic style, the prettiest stained glass windows, and a wonderful garden behind it.
This delightful Anglican edifice also has the tallest church spire in London at 85 metres listening to its ten bells can leave you in a daydream. Previous parishioners include Sir Isaac Newton, Princess Diana, and novelist William Thackeray.
It might be amazing for you to know that children’s author Beatrix Potter was married here. This is where former UK Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha had their children christened.
Entry Fee: Free but donations welcome.
Address: Kensington Church St, London W8 4LA
Southwark Cathedral
If you need to be in a peaceful place or a quiet haven far away from the bustling crowds, simply head to the Southwark Cathedral. Tucked between the River Thames and Borough Market, this Anglican Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship for more than 1000 years
One of the unforgettable points of visiting Southwark cathedral is watching its admired organ. The Cathedral’s Merbecke Choir performs amazing events including some popular concerts on the 4th Sunday of each month. If you’re a musical fan, these concerts are definitely well-worth planning your visit around.
Entry Fee: Free entry. There is also a Souvenir Map available which costs £3.00, or the more extensive Cathedral Guidebook, priced at £5.00. Note that Photography is not permitted during our any of our services or events.
Address: London Bridge, London SE1 9DA
Opening Times: 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday | 8.30am to 6pm Saturday & Sunday
Holy Trinity, Sloane Street
Holy Trinity Sloane Square, also know as “The Cathedral of the Arts and Crafts Movement”, is an excellent creative marvel. You may not expect to see this red brick Anglican parish church surrounded by neighboring luxury shops.
In the late 19th century, architect John Dando Sedding constructed this beautiful church in an Arts and Crafts Gothic style. It has an especially fabulous stained glass east window which is designed by William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones. Holy Trinity’s enchanting sculptures and metalwork beautify the interior decoration, beloved of Chelsea’s arty group. There is also plenty do in nearby King’s Road and Sloane Square.
Entry Fee: Free but donations welcome.
Address: Sloane St, London SW1X 9BZ
Opening Times: 10am – 5pm, Monday to Saturday | 1am 6.30pm Sunday
St Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside
St Mary-le-Bow is another famous church in London which is found on Cheapside within the Square Mile. The architecture of Sir Christopher Wren is a church of Saxon origins. It is packed with bold baroque-style attributes such as Corinthian columns and a bright blue and gold ceiling.
Upon traditions, you can only call yourself a real Cockney if you were born within earshot of the church’s best-known Bow Bells. If you visit it just before the hour changes, you can hear their dreamy ringing.
Entry Fee: Free but donations are welcome.
Address: St Mary Le Bow Church, Cheapside, London EC2V 6AU
Opening Times: 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday | Closed on Weekends
St Dunstan In The East Church
St. Dunstan in the East is a ruined medieval church located in the city of London, England. It was originally built in the 11th century and underwent several renovations and expansions over the centuries.
During the Second World War, the church was badly damaged by bombing and was eventually turned into a public garden in the 1970s.
Today, only the walls and tower of the church remain and the garden provides a peaceful and picturesque space in the heart of the city. It is very much a nice hidden gem in the heart of the city and well worth visiting. Also nearby is the Sky Garden and Garden at 120 viewpoints.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD
Opening Times: 8am to 5pm Monday to Sunday
St Martin-in-the-Fields
One of the most eye-catching and beautiful churches in London is St Martin-in-the-Fields. It is located in Trafalgar Square’s northeast corner, just opposite The National Gallery. Which means you can visit the beautiful gallery afterward.
This 18th-century England parish church was designed by James Gibbs and dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. It has one of the most beautiful Neoclassical, Palladian and Corinthian architecture. This famous church in London also showcases Greek-inspired columns, a striking façade, and a steeple.
In the vaulted crypt, a well-known cute café hosts music and jazz concerts, including lunchtime concerts, and supporting programs for the homeless. It appeared in the Nothing Hill movie and many novels by famous writers including Dickens, E. M. Forster, and George Orwell. Also nearby is the must-see Covent Garden and Soho.
Entry Fee: Free but donations are welcome. They also run free tours.
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ
Opening Times: 11am to 5pm Thursday to Tuesday | Wednesday 12pm to 5pm
Westminister Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a historic Gothic church located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster and serves as the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English and British monarchs.
The first church on the site was built in the 10th century, and the present building dates mostly from the 13th to 16th centuries.
Westminster Abbey is a Royal Peculiar, meaning it is directly accountable to the monarch, rather than a bishop. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in London and is also used for important state and national ceremonies, including royal weddings.
Entry Fee: From £12 for children and £27 for adults. You can book advanced tickets here.
Address: 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA
Opening Times: Monday – Friday: 9.30am – 3.30pm | Saturday: 9am – 3pm | Sunday: Open for services
All Saints, Margaret Street
Based in Fitzrovia, All Saints, Margaret Street is a gem among all London churches. This high Victorian Gothic Revival-style church astonishes with bold red and black brickwork.
Its spire and ornate interiors are so dazzling that you can not stop looking at them. This masterpiece of architect William Butterfield was opened in 1859 as a Grade 1-listed Anglo-Catholic church.
All Saint’s inside decorations are very spectacular. It has patterned tiled floors, painted ceilings, friezes, and gilded timberwork which leave you amazed. Located just behind Oxford Street, this tranquil church provides a peaceful alternative to retail therapy. While in Fitzrovia be sure to stop by for a bite at one of these Indian restaurants which are among the top restaurants in Fitzrovia as well as London.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: 7 Margaret St, London W1W 8JG
Opening Times: 11am to 7pm Monday to Sunday
St Peter, Clerkenwell
St Peter, Clerkenwell is a church constructed for 2,000 Italian immigrants – know by locals in the area as affron Hill slums. It was built in 1863 when Italians were working in the surrounding areas as musicians, organ grinders, and artisans.
If you want to see a magical scene, try to visit St Peter’s church when the bells are rung. This famous church also houses a huge bell and, apart from Big Ben, is commonly referred to as one of the largest bells in London — and maybe one of the loudest.
All things aside, it actually has had a dramatic history. Its entrance loggia has a memorial to some 446 Italians who died dramatically in the SS Arandona Star. This ship en route to Canada took Italian and German residents as well as some World War II prisoners of war.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: 136 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1R 5DL
Fitzrovia Chapel, Fitzrovia
A couple of years ago most of the hospital, which this chapel was constructed for, was destroyed to build smart new housing. Fitzrovia chapel surprisingly has been kept and then turned into an arts venue.
Its surroundings are fabulous: colourful, ornate, sparkling with gold and many marble veins, with distinguished surfaces and textures of paint and mosaic on each available surface. While in the area be sure to stop by for a coffee at these cool cafes in Fitzrovia.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: 2 Pearson Square, London W1T 3BF
Opening Times: Wednesday 11am to 5pm | Closed all other days
Westminster Cathedral
There is no need to explain why Westminster cathedral is a must-visit even if you’re on a short trip to London. This beautiful Cathedral is the most significant Catholic church in Central London that’s placed just minutes from Buckingham Palace.
Constructed during the Victorian periods, this famous church in London is best known for its red and white striped brick exteriors and oriental-style domes.
You can see Westminster Cathedral’s huge central nave indoors which is designed with smooth marble, mosaics, and sparkling gold detailing. It can seat a whopping 1000 people, making it a unique church in its own right. This is also where former Prime Minister Boris Johnson married Carrie Symonds.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Victoria St, London SW1P 1LT
Opening Times: Monday – Friday 9am – 4.30pm (Closed for lunch 1pm – 1.20pm) | Saturday & Sunday 10am – 1pm
Map Of London Churches
There it is! You’ve got all to wander past some of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces in England’s capital. It doesn’t matter if you’re religious or not, without a doubt there’s something special about these beautiful churches in London which have stood for centuries here.
Churches and cathedrals have always been a striking part of British civilization. It is a must to soak in the beauty and serenity of these amazing places.
If you want to enjoy some retail therapy afterward, don’t miss my post about 8 Famous Shopping Streets In London To Check Out. You can also take a look at my blog post about the Top 8 Vintage Shops In Shoreditch if you’re into interesting vintage items.
