Location: Westminster
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Things to do in London, England: The Best Churches & Cathedrals
The crown jewels, Buckingham Palace, Camden Market…in London, history collides with art, fashion, food, and good British ale. A perfect day is different for everyone: culture aficionados shouldn't miss the Tate Modern and the Royal Opera House. If you love fashion, Oxford Street has shopping galore. For foodies, cream tea at Harrod’s or crispy fish from a proper chippy offers classic London flavor. Music and book buffs will love seeing Abbey Road and the Sherlock Holmes Museum (at 221B Baker Street, of course).
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1. Westminster Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,480 reviews
Admission to the Cathedral is free but donations are gratefully received Tower Lift - £6 adult; £3 concession; £14 family ticket (2 adult and 2 children) If you enter the Cathedral at a quiet moment in the day, don’t imagine that it is always like this. Westminster Cathedral must be one of the busiest churches in the United Kingdom. Located in the heart of London, it is the mother-church of England & Wales. People are drawn to this great edifice from all over London, all over the country and the world. If you are trying to imagine ‘what goes on’ here, consider that there are seven masses each day, many great services of worship on special occasions and unique gatherings of every description which fill the Cathedral to the doors. Westminster Cathedral Choir, justly renowned for consistent excellence, sings at the Solemn Mass each evening - with few exceptions. Even when no public ceremony is taking place, the private prayer of individual believers is a work of faith, continuously in progress. The Cathedral is a sacred space at the heart of a great city, dedicated to the worship of God.
Reviewed By Mooline - Florida, United States
I made three different visits to Westminster Cathedral - one, to tour in a leisurely fashion, a second to re-visit some of the areas of the cathedral where I wanted to have a more immersive experience, and a third time, for Sunday evening Mass. Each time, I was in awe of the structure itself, the intricate architecture, and the more than impressive crucifix that hangs above the entrance to the main altar. The Cathedral is of course steeped in history, and is hone to the bodies of notable Catholic martyrs including St. John Southworth. The sung Mass was an incredible experience with a wonderfully talented young female soloist, a relevant and interesting homily with a touch of humor and a traditional service that enables a deeply spiritual experience. Advice: Arrive early, the main aisles of the Cathedral were full by the time the Mass started.
2. Saint Margaret's Church on Parliament Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
St. Margaret's Church stands between Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament and is often called "the parish church of the House of Commons."
Reviewed By 968nicholash - London, United Kingdom
Often mistaken as part of the Abbey, this lovely little church is a separate religious site dating from the 12th century but extensively rebuilt on the instructions of Henry VII between 1486 and 1523 before being given the usual Victorian makeover by the famous architect Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1877. Fortunately many of the Tudor features were preserved. Access is through the same gate as the Abbey but entrance is free. It’s often used by Parliament or by MPs for services. The interior is relatively plain, with light stone but the dominant features are beautiful stained glass windows, a lovely decorated wooden ceiling above the chancel and a host of commemorative wall plaques which make fascinating reading. A wide range of famous people have been baptised, married or buried here, including Sir Walter Raleigh and William Caxton. There was even the baptism in 1759 of an African slave from Carolina. What an interesting church to visit.
3. The Guards' Chapel
4. St. John's Smith Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 80 reviews
Classical music concerts are presented at St John's church.
Reviewed By eyequackess - Bracknell, United Kingdom
Enjoyed an Armistice Day concert here last Sunday by the Royal Orchestra Society followed by lovely supper in their restaurant. Very efficient and charming manageress who was very 'hands-on' and supportive of her staff. The chef knows his stuff.
5. Central Hall Westminster
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 125 reviews
Central Hall Westminster (CHW) is a striking Grade II* listed building and an iconic feature of the London skyline. The venue is architecturally and historically significant, containing the largest self-supporting domed ceiling in Europe, an ornate staircase that emulates the staircase within the Paris Opera House and a magnificent VIP balcony overlooking Westminster Abbey. A purpose-built meeting place since 1912, CHW is central London’s largest conferencing and events venue. Today, over 800 events take place within the building including concerts, television broadcasts, conferences, meetings and graduation ceremonies. Hosting events is integral to CHW’s identity, having originally been used as a public meeting space for the Methodist Church. There are 25 varied rooms and spaces for events of all sizes from the smallest meeting rooms to the magnificent Great Hall with the capacity of over 2,000.
Reviewed By solotravellervu - Surrey, United Kingdom
Best experience ever. I felt like luckiest person when I walked on to the stage of Grand hall of Central Hall Westminster.
6. Winston Churchill Statue
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By futtock21 - London, United Kingdom
Surprising to think that this statue to Winston Churchill one of our greatest statesmen was erected in 1973 more than a quarter century after the end of World War II and eight years after his death in 1965. Cast in bronze by Ivor Roberts-Jones it depicts Churchill in defiant mood in a trench coat and resting on a cane capturing something, I think, of the dogged determination of the man who more than any other saw Britain and Europe through the dark days of war.
7. Westminster Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By 487leonk - London, United Kingdom
If you want to see architecture in fine form then go to this chapel, it has mini chapels within its walls and to get away from the loud noises we all face in London it gives you so much peacefulness and a place to say a prayer if needed. What a beautiful Chapel⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
8. Chapter House and Pyx Chamber
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Taxidevil - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Members of English heritage are able to visit the Chapter House and Pyx Chamber free , however, the staff in the Abbey did not seem to be aware that members of the partnership organization Historic Scotland could visit for a reduce price on the 1st year of their membership and for free if you renew the membership. We fulfilled the criteria to visit for free but staff on the desk ha to phone a superior to check this, obviously not many members of Historic Scotland avail themselves of this perk. However all was well and we were able to visit the Chapter House. we were given a plan of the area we were free to visit. On our way in to the Chapter House you pass Britain's oldest wooden door. The Chapter House itself was not busy when we visited ( despite queues for the Abbey) and was awe inspiring. A medieval octagonal building is well worth visiting to view the vaulted ceiling alone. The Pyx Chamber is close by . We visited the lovely gardens before leaving.
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