London : Places of Worship
London's places of worship range from coronation churches to a hand-carved Hindu mandir, and the five below each serve a different reason to visit. Two are working Christian landmarks central to English history (Westminster Abbey, St Paul's); one is England's main Catholic cathedral (Westminster Cathedral); one is a concert and café church on Trafalgar Square (St Martin-in-the-Fields); one is a marble mandir in north-west London (the Neasden Temple). Travjoy notes several are active houses of worship, so dress modestly and check service times before visiting.
Which Place of Worship Is Right for You?
- Want royal history and the coronation site? → Westminster Abbey — monarchs, poets, and scientists buried within.
- After a dome to climb and city views? → St. Paul's Cathedral — Wren's masterpiece, 528 steps to the top.
- Drawn to Byzantine design and mosaics? → Westminster Cathedral — striped brick tower, England's main Catholic church.
- Want free entry, music, and a central stop? → St Martin-in-the-Fields — lunchtime concerts and a crypt café on Trafalgar Square.
- Interested in Hindu architecture and craft? → BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir — hand-carved marble and limestone in Neasden.
If You Visit Only One — Editor's Pick
Westminster Abbey. It carries more national history than any other church in the country — the coronation site since 1066, with the graves and memorials of monarchs, Newton, Darwin, and the poets under one Gothic roof. Audio guides come included, which makes the layered history legible without a tour. Arrive early or late in the day to avoid the midday crowds, and note it closes to tourists during services. If you would rather a quieter, free visit with live music, swap this for St Martin-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square.
