15 Most Beautiful Historic London Churches To Visit

London is home to many historic churches that offer an insight into the city’s rich history, diverse culture, and unique character. These churches are popular tourist destinations, even for those who are not particularly interested in religion. To help you plan your visit, we have put together a guide to the fifteen best churches to see in London.

Temple Church

Temple Church is one of the oldest churches in London, dating back to the 12th century. It is located in the heart of the legal district, near the Royal Courts of Justice. The church was built by the Knights Templar, a medieval order of knights who were famous for their bravery in battle during the Crusades. The church’s round nave is its most distinctive feature, and it is surrounded by an ambulatory. The church is also known for its beautiful stained glass windows and its unique acoustics, which make it a popular venue for concerts.

St Martin-in-the-Fields (Westminster)

St Martin-in-the-Fields is a beautiful church located in Westminster, near Trafalgar Square. It was built in the 18th century and is known for its stunning Georgian architecture, with a grand portico and a beautiful steeple. The church has a long history of providing support to the homeless and vulnerable, and today, it is home to a range of charitable organizations. Visitors can attend a service or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the church, which is often filled with music from its world-renowned concert series. St Martin-in-the-Fields is also home to a popular café and gift shop where you can make bronze effigies.

St Bride’s Church (City of London)

St Bride’s Church is a historic church located in the City of London, near Fleet Street. The church dates back to the 7th century and has been rebuilt several times, with the current church being a mix of both medieval and modern architecture. It is known for its distinctive spire, which is said to have inspired the tiered wedding cake design. The church has a rich history, having been associated with the printing industry and journalism, and it is sometimes referred to as the “journalists’ church.” Today, it is a popular venue for concerts and events, and visitors can admire its beautiful stained-glass windows and impressive organ.

St James’s Church (Piccadilly)

St James’s Church is a beautiful Anglican church located in Piccadilly, in the heart of London’s West End. The church was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1684, making it one of the oldest churches in the area. It is known for its stunning Baroque architecture, with a grand portico and a beautiful dome. The church has a rich history and has been associated with many famous figures, including William Blake and George Frideric Handel. Today, visitors can attend a service or simply admire the beautiful interior of the church, which features ornate carvings, beautiful stained glass windows, and a stunning organ. St James’s Church is also home to a range of cultural events and concerts throughout the year.

St Bartholomew-the-Great (Smithfield)

St Bartholomew-the-Great is one of the oldest churches in London, dating back to the 12th century. It is located in Smithfield, an area known for its historic market and its association with public executions. The church’s Romanesque architecture is its most distinctive feature, with a beautiful nave and a stunning choir. The church has a rich history and has been associated with many famous figures, including John Wesley and William Hogarth. Today, visitors can attend a service or simply admire the beautiful interior of the church, which features beautiful stained glass windows and a stunning altar. St Bartholomew-the-Great is also a popular venue for concerts and events throughout the year.

St Dunstan-in-the-East (St Dunstan’s Hill)

St Dunstan-in-the-East is a historic church located in the City of London, near the Tower of London. The church dates back to the 10th century, although much of the current building was constructed in the 17th century after the Great Fire of London. The church suffered significant damage during the Blitz of World War II and was eventually converted into a public garden in the 1970s. Today, visitors can admire the stunning remains of the church, which are covered in ivy and surrounded by beautiful gardens. It is a peaceful and picturesque spot in the heart of the city, and a popular destination for photographers and visitors looking for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of London.

Holy Trinity, Sloane Street (Kensington and Chelsea)

Holy Trinity, Sloane Street, is a beautiful Anglican church located in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea. The church was built in the 19th century and is known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, with a grand tower and beautiful stained glass windows. The church has a rich history, having been associated with many famous figures, including composer Gustav Holst and novelist Jane Austen. Today, visitors can attend a service or simply admire the beautiful interior of the church, which features ornate carvings and a stunning organ. Holy Trinity, Sloane Street is also home to a range of cultural events and concerts throughout the year.

All Souls, Langham Place, Marylebone

All Souls, Langham Place, is a beautiful Anglican church located in the heart of Marylebone. The church was built in the 19th century and is known for its stunning Neo-Classical architecture, with a grand portico and a beautiful dome. The church is also known for its strong evangelical tradition and commitment to social justice, with a range of outreach programs aimed at helping the local community. Visitors can attend a service or simply admire the beautiful interior of the church, which features ornate carvings, beautiful stained glass windows, and a stunning organ. All Souls, Langham Place, is also home to a range of cultural events and concerts throughout the year.

St Etheldreda’s Church (Holborn)

St Etheldreda’s Church is a historic church located in Holborn, near the famous Hatton Garden jewelry quarter. The church was built in the 13th century and is the oldest Catholic church in England, having survived the Protestant Reformation. It is known for its beautiful Gothic architecture, with a stunning nave and intricate stained glass windows. The church has a rich history and has been associated with many famous figures, including Mary Tudor and William Shakespeare. Today, visitors can attend a service or simply admire the beautiful interior of the church, which is often described as a hidden gem in the heart of London.

All Hallows by the Tower (City of London)

All Hallows by the Tower is a historic church located in the City of London, near the Tower of London. It is one of the oldest churches in London, dating back to the 7th century. The church has a rich history and has survived many historic events, including the Great Fire of London and World War II. It is known for its beautiful stained glass windows, impressive organ, and unique crypt museum, which houses artifacts from the church’s long history. Visitors can attend a service, take a guided tour, or simply admire the beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere of this iconic London church.

St Anne’s Limehouse Church (Tower Hamlets)

St Anne’s Limehouse Church is a historic Anglican church located in the Tower Hamlets area of London. The church dates back to the early 18th century and is known for its stunning Georgian architecture, with a grand tower and a beautiful interior. The church has a rich history and has been associated with many famous figures, including William Wilberforce and John Newton, who wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace.” Today, visitors can attend a service or simply admire the beautiful interior of the church, which features beautiful stained glass windows and a stunning altar. St Anne’s Limehouse Church is also a popular venue for concerts and events throughout the year.

St Pancras Old Church (Camden)

St Pancras Old Church is a historic church located in Camden, near King’s Cross. The church dates back to the 4th century, making it one of the oldest churches in London. It is known for its beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere despite being located in the heart of the city. The church has a rich history and has been associated with many famous figures, including Mary Shelley, who is said to have been inspired by the church’s graveyard when writing Frankenstein. Today, visitors can attend a service or simply admire the beautiful interior of the church, which features beautiful stained glass windows and a stunning altar. St Pancras Old Church is also a popular venue for concerts and events throughout the year.

St Stephen Walbrook (City of London)

St Stephen Walbrook is a historic church located in the heart of the City of London, near Bank station. The church was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1679. It is known for its unique shape and stunning domed ceiling. The church has a rich history and has been associated with many famous figures, including poet John Milton and composer George Frederick Handel. Visitors can attend a service or simply admire the beautiful interior of the church, which features intricate carvings, beautiful stained glass windows, and a stunning altar. St Stephen Walbrook is also a popular venue for concerts and events throughout the year.

St Mary Aldermary (City of London)

St Mary Aldermary is a historic church located in the heart of the City of London. The church dates back to the 12th century and has been rebuilt several times, with the current building being a mix of both medieval and modern architecture. The church is known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, with a grand tower and beautiful stained glass windows. St Mary Aldermary is also famous for its impressive organ, which was once played by the famous composer Handel. Today, visitors can attend a service or simply admire the beautiful interior of the church, which is often filled with music from its regular concerts and events.

Christ Church Greyfriars (City of London)

Christ Church Greyfriars is a historic church located in the City of London, near St. Paul’s Cathedral. The church was built in the 14th century and was originally part of a monastery for the Franciscan order of friars, known as the Greyfriars. The church suffered significant damage during the Great Fire of London and was rebuilt in the 17th century, with additional renovations in the 19th century. Today, visitors can admire its impressive Gothic Revival architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. The church is also known for its association with many famous figures, including Charles Dickens and John Milton, who are both buried in the churchyard.

Author: jonathan

Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.