10 Best Churches and Cathedrals in London

London is known for its history, culture and for being a city full of iconic monuments. In addition to its museums and palaces, the British capital is home to some of the most impressive churches and cathedrals in the world, which stand out for their architecture and historical relevance.

Each temple is a reflection of the cultural and religious legacy of the city, which is why touring them is one of the best things to see and do in London In this guide I introduce you to some of the most emblematic churches in London, from the great Gothic temples to the small hidden chapels.

Built between 1676 and 1710, St. Paul's Cathedral in London is located on Ludgate Hill and stands out for its monumental dome of 111 meters high. Designed by architect Sir Christopher Wren, St. Paul's Church symbolizes both the faith and resilience of the city after the Great Fire of 1666.

The interior of St. Paul's, which was inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, is decorated in a mixture of Renaissance and Baroque styles. There you can admire the gilded mosaics and frescoes in the dome, as well as explore the crypt, where some of Britain's most famous heroes rest. You can also visit the Whispering Gallery, famous for its unique acoustics, although it is not always open to the public.

One of the main attractions of the cathedral is the possibility of ascending to its dome. As you climb the staircase, which has 528 steps, you can visit several galleries before reaching the highest, the Golden Gallery, which has a privileged view of the Tower of London, the Tate Modern building and even the most unknown part of the city.

In addition, with your ticket to St. Paul's Cathedral you can explore the dome, the crypt and the galleries, and you will have access to an audio guide that will provide you with complete information about the church, which will surely enrich your visit. If you are interested in getting to know it in depth, you can hire a guided tour of London and St. Paul's Cathedral to explore it with an expert.

Interesting facts

• Location: St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD.
• Price: the entrance to the church costs about 34 € for adults and from 14 € for children under 17. As for the guided tour of London with entrance to the church, it costs 112 € per person. Children under 6 years of age do not pay admission and participate for free.
• Opening hours: the tours take place from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, except on Wednesdays, which opens from 10:00 am.

Westminster Abbey is one of the most important monuments in London, having witnessed over a thousand years of British history. This Gothic church has been the site of coronations since 1066 and is also the burial place of famous figures such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.

As you walk through Westminster Abbey you will see Henry VII's Chapel and Poet's Corner, where tribute is paid to great British writers. You can also visit the famous coronation throne, which has been used in royal ceremonies for over 600 years, as well as the cloisters and the Dean's Garden.

The monument is usually open every day of the week, although Westminster Abbey' s opening hours vary, so it is best to check before you go. Being one of the most visited attractions in London, it is advisable to buy your ticket in advance, but you can also book a guided tour of the Abbey and not miss any detail of this monument.

Interesting facts

• Location: Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA.
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
• Price: admission to the Abbey is about 48 € for adults and from 19 € for children under 17 years. Guided tours are around 85 € per person.

The Temple Church, known for its neo-Gothic architectural style, was built by the Knights Templar in 1185 and is distinguished by its peculiar circular plan, inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

It is located in the Temple district, within the City of London, the financial and historic district of the city. A curious fact is that the church has appeared in several film productions, as in the movie The Da Vinci Code. For this reason, it is a place that is often included in movie and TV tours in London.

The church is also known for its rich musical tradition, as organ recitals and choral music performances are often held there. Thanks to its excellent acoustics, it has been the setting for both religious and secular performances.

To comfortably reach the Temple Church, I recommend booking a seat on the Big Bus tour bus, as almost all of its routes stop there. And although the religious service times are free to enter, there is an entrance fee for visitors. It is also important to keep in mind that weekends may have more limited hours for tourism, as they are usually closed for events or religious services.

Interesting facts

• Location: Temple, London EC4Y 7BB, United Kingdom.
• Hours: usually open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Price: between 4 and 6 euros per person approximately. Children are free.

In the heart of Trafalgar Square is the church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields which, in addition to its historical value, is known for its cozy crypt and classical music concerts. Built in the eighteenth century, its neoclassical design is the work of architect James Gibbs. It is known for its colonnaded facade and spire tower, which is an iconic postcard of the city.

There you will have the opportunity to explore its crypt, which houses several temporary exhibitions, and where you will find a café perfect for relaxing at the end of the day. In addition, the crypt bar offers daily music concerts for all tastes, from jazz recitals to great classics of choral and sacred music, which are a very good option to enjoy in London at night.

Being in a central location, it is very easy to access. In addition, you can take the opportunity to visit other nearby points of interest, such as the National Gallery or the British Museum, which are among the best museums in London. And if you are interested in exploring them in depth, you can book a guided tour with a local expert, so you won't miss the highlights of each museum.

Useful facts

• Location: Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 4JJ.
• Opening hours: open daily at different times. Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 09:00 to 17:00. Wednesdays from 09:00 to 19:30 and Thursdays from 12:30 to 17:00.
• Price: entrance to the church is free. Free concerts are held a few days a week at noon and in the evening with admission, with prices starting at 12 € per person.

St. Margaret's Church, located in Westminster, is notable for its elegant Gothic design dating from the 15th century. It is part of the monumental complex in Parliament Square, next to Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster, so you can take the opportunity to see these monuments on the same day. In fact, the church has served as the abbey's parish church since 1614.

St Margaret's can be visited every day and, although admission is free, it is suggested that a donation be made for its upkeep. The church is usually included in one-day itineraries in London as it is one of the most visited churches in the city. That is why it is usual that in the summer months, when tourist activity increases, they extend the visiting hours.

One of the things you can see in this church are the commemorative windows, such as the one that commemorates the wedding of Henry VIII with Catherine of Aragon. If you want a complete and detailed tour of the church and the monumental complex, you can book a private tour of the history of royalty, which will give you a different approach to Westminster.

Interesting facts

• Location: St Margaret St, London SW1P 3JX.
• Hours: open every day except Sundays, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm approximately.
• Price: admission is free.

Located just steps from Borough Market and The Shard, Southwark Cathedral is one of the oldest and most interesting temples in London, although it is not usually one of the most visited. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages and has witnessed countless historical events. It is also known for its relationship with the Elizabethan theater and William Shakespeare, as it is where the remains of the famous writer's brother are located.

Southwark Cathedral has a very active cultural program. Not only does it offer religious services, but it is also a place where organ concerts, classical music recitals and art exhibitions, among other things, are regularly organized.

In addition, it has a coffee shop, The Refectory, which offers freshly baked homemade goods and specialty coffee. You can also take the opportunity to stroll through its gardens, especially if you go to London in spring, when the pleasant weather and flowers make it ideal for relaxing in the middle of the bustle of the city.

Although admission to the cathedral is free, I recommend buying the London Pass, as it will allow you to access an exclusive souvenir map that will help you learn more about the cathedral. In addition, with this pass you will be able to access several London attractions at no additional cost.

Interesting facts

• Location: London Bridge, London SE1 9DA.
• Opening hours: the cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00 hours approximately and on Sundays from 8:30 to 17:00 hours. The cafeteria is open daily between 8:00 and 17:00.
• Price: admission is free.

Located in the Sloan Square neighborhood, The Holy Trinity Anglican church is an important example of the Arts & Crafts movement, which promoted a return to medieval working techniques and valued craftsmanship over industrial production. With a Victorian Gothic architectural style, the cathedral is notable for its large tower, colorful stained glass windows and altar mosaics.

Despite its architectural splendor, it is not as frequented by tourists as other churches in London, making it an ideal destination if you prefer to take a quieter stroll. However, it is very active in terms of religious services, offering daily masses and community prayers.

A good time to visit the church is during the Easter and Christmas holidays in London, when the church organizes special events including choral concerts and evening services with classical music, which are very popular with residents.

Entrance to the church is free and does not require prior reservation, but if you prefer an exclusive guided tour that allows you to learn more about its history and architecture, you can book a personalized tour of London and choose this church as part of the itinerary. On the other hand, it is located near Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, two attractions you may want to visit.

Interesting facts

• Location: Sloane St, London SW1X 9BZ.
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to approximately 5:00 pm, unless there is an evening service or concert.
• Price: admission is free.

St. Dunstan-in-the-East, located in the center of the city, is one of those secret London sites that combines history and nature. Founded in the 12th century and destroyed during the Blitz bombings of 1941, the church has been transformed into a garden of ruins that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. There you can explore the historic structures while enjoying the verdant surroundings.

Admission to the garden is free and, although it no longer offers religious services, its public garden has made it a unique point of interest in London. During spring, the garden comes alive with flowers, and during autumn in London, the landscape takes on a variety of warm colors, so each season offers a different landscape.

In addition to its beauty, St. Dunstan-in-the-East is close to other landmarks such as the Tower of London and Borough Market, so you can include it in a tour of the city center. The nearest tube station is Tower Hill, which offers several bus options.

Facts of interest

• Location: St Dunstan's Hill, London EC3R 5DD.
• Hours: daily from 08:00 to 19:00 hours approximately.
• Price: Admission is free.

St. James's Church, located in Piccadilly Circus, was designed by architect Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1684. This baroque church is notable for its picturesque domed tower and ornate interior. In addition, its central location makes it accessible from various points in the city.

St. James's Church is also notable for its role in supporting the LGBT community. The congregation has been a strong advocate for LGBT rights for years and has organized events and services that celebrate diversity and inclusion.

When visiting the church you will be able to visit Southwood Gardens, which is often included in London garden tours. There you will find a cemetery and a memorial dedicated to the victims of World War II. You can also visit the Hauser & Wirth contemporary art gallery, opened in 2009, which features works by both local and international artists.

Another interesting thing to find in the churchyard is the flea market. It has been in operation since 1981 and offers food, crafts, antiques and collectibles, among others.

Interesting facts

• Location: 197 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LLL.
• Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. approximately.
• Price: admission is free.

If you plan to visit London neighborhood by neighborhood and end up arriving in the Bloomsbury district, you can include a visit to St. George's Church, designed by John Soane, and known for its neoclassical architecture. After major conservation work that lasted until 2006, the church reopened its doors. It also included a new exhibition in the crypt on the history of the church, Hawksmoor and Bloomsbury.

The crypt was also transformed into an art gallery in the 1990s and now houses the Museum of Comedy, which is dedicated to the history of British comedy with a rich collection of photographs, posters and costumes.

The opening of the church depends on the availability of volunteers, so it is essential to confirm your visit before you go. Although regular church services are held on Wednesdays and Sundays, times for sightseeing tours often vary.

Interesting facts

• Location: Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SA.
• Hours: variable; check before attending.
• Price: admission is free.