Westminster Cathedral, not to be confused with Westminster Abbey is a beautiful Cathedral and the…read moremother Church of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. As in the name, it is located in the City of Westminster in the British capital, London. It can be seen from the "Victoria" end of Victoria Street, fairly close to Victoria Station as well as places to shop, eat and bank on the street and in Cardinal Place. It should of course not be confused with the nearby and similarly named Abbey. 284 feet high including the cross, it is pretty tall and magnificent in structure, although it was partly covered for refurbishment on the date of my recent visit, which was a shame. Inside the church, it was huge, it was beautiful and incredible and it definitely was an amazing sight, one of the things I hated about the Notre Dame was how they seemed more interested in making a profit, charging people to admire the beauty rather than having respect for what it is, a church, this is where Westminster Cathedral differs for the better, after admiring the church for a moment or two, I was approached by a friendly gentleman, I presume to be the priest telling me about their upcoming services for Lent and Easter, with my visit of course coming during April 2019. Since being built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it is a Grade I listed building also. There was a small seating area outside to admire the structure of the building where you can take photos outside, albeit sadly mobile phones and photography are banned inside and there are people who make sure you don't do it (a real shame, I wanted to take photos for myself and for you guys on Yelp!) 4*

Another of the most iconic buildings in London, but also one that many tourists don't know about…read more They go to the Westminster Abbey at the other end of Victoria Street and miss this fantastic marvel. Built in the late 1890's and though not consecrated until 1910, the Cathedral is an interesting and "foreign" look. Red brick with white bands is in a Byzantine style that makes it very unusual and it stands out from the boring concrete and glass office structures in the vicinity. The massive 285 tower literally towers over the area and is open to climb for viewing. Inside the Cathedral is also impressive with mosaics all around and under a ceiling that defies description. It's important to note that this is an active and working Cathedral, so show some respect, eh? No flashes! And your donations are appreciated. Interestingly, Mass has been celebrated at this Cathedral by both Pope John Paul II (in 1982) and by Pope Benedict XVI (in 2010). Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1977 (though not for a religious ceremony), the first visit of a reigning monarch to a Catholic Church since the Reformation of the 15th Century.

I did not attend any services here. But I attended and…read moreparticipated in several days of large-scale choral rehearsal prior to a festival performance. The space was lovely, somehow both clean and ornate. The organ is a grand surprise to turn around and see. The sound in the space is gorgeous. And it was a comfortable enough place to have a 3+ hour rehearsal. Bathrooms were clean and the group, I think, felt welcome in the space.

Eaton Square is not one my favourite squares in London. Grand in scale, bisected by the busy and…read morewindswept King's Road, with its gardens denied to the public by railings, it does not feel like a welcoming, public space. Fortunately, the Victoria station end is enlivened by the handsome proportions of St Peter's Church, with its fine Ionic portico and tower. Built between 1824 and 1827 during the first phase of development, it was designed by the architect Henry Hakewill. The interior was, as was common at the time, a severe preaching box, with the organ and choir at the West end. In 1875, it was enlarged by Sir Arthur Blomfield, and reordered to provide a chancel at the East End, in the Romanesque style, although externally the changes remained faithful to the original classical style. However, in 1987 an arsonist set fire to the East End, and within hours the entire church was engulfed. The following day, although the fire was out, the church was roofless, with most of its furnishings destroyed. An extensive programme of rebuilding was set in hand, with a new and simpler interior design, also incorporating offices and flats within the space. The interior therefore comes as something of a shock after passing under the grand portico, as it is clean, bright and modern. The choir and organ are located at the West End again, as in the 1827 plan, although the fittings are thoroughly modern. The church is accessible, with disabled toilets available. Whether this works for you is a matter of taste, although I find it a little too bright and clinical. That said, behind the altar is an attractive apse, decorated entirely with gold mosaic. Walk around the side of the apse, and you find part of the 1873 sanctuary which survived the fire, and a side chapel now used as the Vestry office, complete with stained glass. But whatever the merits of the internal architecture, there's no doubt that the church is the centre of a lively and active parish life, with worship in an inclusive, modern catholic style, an excellent professional mixed choir (best experienced at the 11.15 Sung Eucharist on Sundays), regular concerts and talks.

HTB (Holy Trinity Brompton)'s newest relative. Situated on the north-central side of the common,…read moreit's a great location for me living in the Brixton missive. Newly(ish) opening in September 2012, it's still in the teething stages, but still great music and a really feel good place. However if you're just looking to connect with people in your local community, pop down to the Sunday 6pm service as you'll meet a bunch of "normal" folks who are more interested in you, than trying to "convert" or "brainwash" you. ;o)

Quaint little church I came while walking to breakfast. Went in to pray and look around…read more Always nice to be welcome into the Lord's House.

St Stephen's is a lovely church only a few minutes' walk from the bustle of Victoria Street, with…read morean active and diverse congregation. Built in 1847-49 by Benjamin Ferrey, a pupil of Pugin, it is an accomplished example of Victorian Neo-Gothic in the 13th century Decorated style. The ragstone exterior encloses a cool, largely whitewashed interior. There is an aisled nave of 5 bays, and a long chancel. A small south chapel, dedicated in 1904, was erected in memory of Angela Tennant, daughter of the first Vicar. This has an elaborate decorated scheme of mosaics in the vaguely pre-Raphaelite style. Other elements of interest include a stained glass window of the Good Shepherd by Morris & Co, designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1890), and an original window of 1850 by Wailes in the south aisle. The spire was damaged by lightning and again during World War II, and shortened in the 1960s because of safety concerns. It was restored to its original height by the addition of a lightweight extension in 1994. The website lists the range of daily services and other activities at this busy church.

Located just off busy Sloane Square, Holy Trinity is one of the Churches most closely associated…read morewith the Arts & Crafts movement in the UK, and is a stunning monument to late 19th century decorative art. Inspired by people like John Ruskin and William Morris, the movement triumphed hand-made craftsmanship in an age of emerging mass-production. Alongside aesthetic considerations was the belief that such skills were the hallmark of human creativity and endeavour, and the desire to provide work for artisans displaced by industrialisation. Their message was to make everyday objects beautiful, and to revere nature through crafts, painting and architecture. The church was built for the 5th Earl Cadogan by the architect John Sedding, and decorated and furnished by the likes of William Morris, Edward Brunes-Jones and Henry Wilson. The handsome west frontage is in orange-red brick with banded stone decoration, with a huge perpendicular window. The interior plan is straightforward: a wide nave (wider than St Paul's Cathedral) and spacious north aisle, and a smaller south aisle. These lead to a short chancel and sanctuary, which sits beneath an enormous East Window. But it is the rich fittings and furnishings which catch the eye. No expense was spared: there is an abundance of marble, porphyry, alabaster, bronze and gilt. As well as astonishing stained glass - the East Window is William Morris's largest - every item, from the light fittings to the screens and railings - is elaborately conceived and executed. A visit is a must if you are in the area - and a welcome distraction from the retail temptations close by. The church also has a very active worship and music programme - see website for details. At Christmas, it is also renowned for selling one of the best selections of charity Christmas Cards in London.

I'm very lucky because I get to see this amazing building every day, Im not a part of the church,…read morebut I can appreciate the beauty of the building, but for thise who are, this beautiful Victorian Gothic Anglican church that was built in 1864, is a part of the Diocese of London. They have a service every Sunday at 10:00 am. Everyone is welcome, even if you are not religious but you have the spirit for singing. Or just to see it up close, this church is beautiful and worth a look.

Westminster Abbey was one of the highlights of our visit to London. We arranged for a special…read moreMedieval Monastery tour of the Abby that included learning in-depth history. The 90 minute tour cost £15 plus general admission. We booked on-line two weeks in advance. We arrived early with our tickets stamped for opening at 9:30. Security staff scans and queues up visitors by ticket times and there was a line that had well over a thousand people waiting to enter. All general admission visitors are given a headset with a wonderful guided tour upon entering. There is a logical pathway to follow and learn about the Abbey. Hannah was our private tour guide. She was wealth of information about the history of the Abbey and the people that were important. As part of the tour we had access to parts of the facility that were not part of the normal tour route. We were also allowed to sit in the choir seating for a brief lecture. It was invigorating to sit where royalty had been. The tour is fabulous and very worth the money. The Abbey is mostly French Gothic, but a mix of styles as different King's added on sections and chapels during their reigns. Much of the Abbey was restored after the damage caused by looting after the Reformation and additional damage caused by the WWII Blitz bombing. Most of the stained glass has been replaced. The history dates back over 1000 years and we saw evidence of an ancient door and uncovered mosaics. There is a lot to see, including graves of many notable people and royalty. Restrooms are available towards the end of the tour (but expect a line). There is a cafeteria and several gift shops. Current renovations are adding additional guest restrooms. Wear comfortable walking shoes, expect uneven floors. Arrive a bit early to go through security. I highly recommend a visit. I wouldn't bring young children.

This highly visited tourist attraction was founded in 960 AD. That's insane! It was rebuilt in…read more1245. Also insane! UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourist must see, especially if your first time in London. Incredible Gothic architecture that's really wonderful to be able to see up close and personal. Nothing short of awe-inspiring. Super close to Houses of Parliament which makes for easier sightseeing.