Crown Shrine
Opening times and tickets
Most churches in this guide are open free of charge most days. The two big draws — Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral — sell timed sightseeing tickets and limit the number of visitors. Buy online in advance, especially in summer and at half-term holidays. Early-morning slots (just after opening) tend to be quietest.
Smaller churches, particularly those in the City of London, may close at weekends because their primary congregation is the weekday office worker. Always check the individual church page or website before travelling.
Worshippers welcome free of charge
If you wish to attend a service, no admission charge applies anywhere — even at Westminster Abbey or St Paul's. Choral evensong, sung at most cathedrals on weekday afternoons, is free, lasts around 45 minutes, and is widely considered the most beautiful way to experience these buildings.
Dress and behaviour
- Modest dress is appreciated: shoulders covered and skirts to the knee or longer.
- Phones on silent inside the nave; turn them off entirely during a service.
- Sit (or kneel) quietly if a service begins while you are inside.
- Children are welcome but should not run; many churches have small play corners.
- Hats off for men in the nave.
Photography
Rules differ. St Paul's Cathedral does not allow photography of the interior except on certain days. Westminster Abbey relaxed its long-standing ban a few years ago; tripods and flash are still prohibited. Smaller churches generally permit personal photography away from services. Ask if uncertain.
Accessibility
All major cathedrals have step-free routes, accessible toilets and assistance dogs welcome. Some smaller medieval churches have steps that cannot be ramped — Temple Church and St Bartholomew the Great are particular cases. Each of our individual church pages includes a brief accessibility note.
Getting around
The London Underground reaches all twelve churches in this guide. The City churches cluster around St Paul's, Bank and Mansion House stations and can be combined into a single afternoon walk. Westminster Abbey, St Margaret's and Westminster Cathedral are all within ten minutes' walk of Westminster station. Buses 11 and 15 are particularly useful for joining Trafalgar Square and St Paul's.
Map of the twelve churches
Static map: the twelve churches of this guide, located within central London. Open the individual church pages for street addresses and nearest Tube stations.
Suggested itineraries
A half-day in Westminster
Start at Westminster Abbey at opening time, then visit St Margaret's next door before walking south to Westminster Cathedral for sung Mass at 5:30 p.m.
A day in the City
St Paul's at opening, then a triangle of Wren churches — St Mary-le-Bow, St Stephen Walbrook, St Clement Danes — finishing at All Hallows by the Tower. Add Temple Church if it is open.
A river walk
Cross the Millennium Bridge between St Paul's and Tate Modern, then walk east along the South Bank to Southwark Cathedral and Borough Market for lunch.