Dragged my cousin here to mass when I visited him in London…read more I was surprised to find such a large Filipino population there, I had no idea that a lot of Filipinos lived in London. The parishoners were friendly and introduced themselves to us after mass. The cathedral was beautiful on the outside, the inside as well although the ceiling was plain, I would have liked to see some mosaic on it. The front is Neo-Byzantine Architecture and it looks like bricks, although I'm not sure what material was used.

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.

We had arranged a walking tour through London Walks of Westminster Abbey and it was worth it. I am…read moresure the audio guides provided with admission are decent (we used similar ones at St Paul's) but the guided tour was excellent. The history and the beauty of the building makes this along with St Paul's must sees in London. Because this tour was preset for mid afternoon the building was very crowded. If we had done this on our own we would have gotten the first time slot of the day. I am sure it would have been a bit less crazy. It was fascinating to see who is buried or memoralized here. You could spend hours here there is so much to absorb.

My husband and I visited Westminster Abbey when we were in London for a few days about two weeks…read moreago. I'm sure that I visited Westminster Abbey when I was a kid, but I was visit it again as an adult. The church was actually founded in 959, but the building dates back to 1245-1269. The church has been location of the coronation of 40 monarchs and a burial site for 18 monarchs. At least 16 royal weddings have taken place here as well. The abbey is also the burial site of more than 3,300 people: monarchs, prime ministers, poets, actors, scientists... The church's Gothic architecture is incredible. I don't even know how many pictures I took of the stained glass, the ceilings, the facade, the flying buttresses.... Hundreds?! I will say that Westminster Abbey was the most crowded attraction we visited during our time in London. It's no surprise. Westminster Abbey is an incredible historic site - who wouldn't want to see it on a visit to London?! But it was packed. We grabbed our audio guide and then just stayed patient as we got stuck in traffic jam after traffic jam in the abbey. I can't imagine that Westminster Abbey isn't on everyone's itinerary for a first trip to London. It should be!