London’s two thousand year history has seen it become one of the most visited cities for tourists in Europe. With luxurious and historic shopping streets, a thriving entertainment scene for music, film, theatre and comedy as well as the free to visit museums that top global charts, there’s more reason than ever to visit the English capital city and hotels near Lancaster Gate Station.
One aspect of the cityscape that can be easily overlooked by guests of London day packages, is the tremendous church scene of the city. Whether you’re religious or not, the architecture and history of these stunning structures all have their own riveting stories behind them. With more than 50 churches in the city of London alone, this blog will explore some of the most interesting tourist attractions.
Whether Church of England, Roman Catholic, or indeed ancient ruins of long lost cults, this blog will explore some of the best religious buildings in London that are accessible to tourists. Whether you’re visiting restaurants near Lancaster Gate or on a sightseeing tour of London, you shouldn’t miss these characterful, awe-inspiring testaments to the city’s history.
Westminster Abbey
Founded more than a thousand years ago, Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous cathedrals in London. Thanks to its stunning gothic architecture and history as the coronation site, burial site and royal wedding venue of countless monarchs, Westminster Abbey is also the home of memorials and tombs for famous writers, scientists and philanthropists. Located just across from the Houses of Parliament at Westminster Station, this famous Abbey represents the prestige, power and beauty of ancient London.
Westminster Cathedral
Not to be mistaken for the above-mentioned abbey, Westminster Cathedral is a neo-byzantine style architectural marvel and is the home of the Roman Catholic Church in England. The seat of the Archbishop of Westminster, the cathedral was first consecrated in 1910 and is officially the 50th largest church in the world. Situated on Francis Street and close to the Victoria, Pimlico and Westminster area, guests of London accommodation offers could theoretically visit and tour both famous Westminster landmarks in one day.
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is another of the most famous churches in London. Dating back to 604 AD, a church or cathedral has stood on the hill of the current cathedral for more than 1400 years. The cathedral itself is famous for being easy to spot from many of London’s best viewpoints, deliberately so even in some cases. St Paul’s current church, rebuilt after the Great Fire of London, was designed by famous architect Sir Christopher Wren and has been the site of many famous funerals, weddings and celebrations. Visitors can visit St Paul’s via City Thameslink Station or St Paul’s Tube Station from Mondays to Saturdays every week.
Temple Of Mithras
A move away from christianity for a moment, the Temple of Mithras is one of the most intriguing Roman era ruins in London. With its archaeological site on the banks of the now subterranean River Walbrook, the London Mithraeum is situated beneath the Bloomberg building in the City of London, close to Bank Station. The Temple of Mithras, or London Mithraeum as it is now called is an exhibition space and museum gallery that explores the mysterious Roman era cult of Mithras, a mystery religion god about whom little is known. The ruins of the temple are free to visit and combine sound and light as well as the remains of the temple itself to bring the ancient ruins to life.
St Dunstan In The East
From Roman ruins to christian once more, St Dunstan In The East was built around 1100 AD and was a Church of England parish before it fell into disrepair after bombing in World War Two. The church itself was developed into a public garden and acts as an oasis of calm half way between London Bridge and the Tower of London. The beautiful ruins, paired with flower beds and creeping vines make for a very peaceful square, and offers just as much serenity as its former parish must have.
Southwark Cathedral
Situated close to London Bridge, Southwark Cathedral is a beautiful gothic church that is most famous for its beautiful organ, built in 1897 and of course for its resident cat Hodge! The cathedral has existed as a place of Christian worship for more than a thousand years, and is also famed for its beautiful choir.
St Mary Abbots Church
The tallest spire in London, this Kensington high Street church dates back to the 12th century but was built in 1872 by famous architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. The neo-Gothic Church of England parish has a long history, concerning 13th century knights, abbeys and even an associated school designed by Sir Nicholas Hawksmoor.
St Mary-le-bow
Mentioned in the nursery rhyme “Oranges And Lemons”, St Mary-le-bow is also a prominent feature of the book Dick Whittington And His Cat. The church itself dates back to the times of the Saxons but was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the great Fire of London. This beautiful church has a vivid interior, with white detail and blue ceilings that really standout across the beautiful stained glass windows.
St Martin-In-The-Field
Situated on Trafalgar Square and opposite the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column, this iconic Anglican church has existed in some capacity on the site since the Mediaeval period. St Martin-In-The-Field is also famous for its crypt which in recent years, has hosted many jazz concerts in an atmospheric and highly popular annual programme.
Chapel of St. John the Evangelist at the Tower of London
If you’re visiting the Tower of London, this beautiful Roman-style chapel is located in the White Tower and should not be missed. With dozens of stories dating back to the time of William the Conqueror – who was responsible for the tower’s creation, the Chapel of St John The Evangelist is a stunningly simple design, and is one of the best examples of Norman architecture still surviving in London.
