Westminster Cathedral
Westminster Cathedral is beautiful and elaborately decorated complete with a 273 foot Bell Tower in the heart of central London
Westminster Cathedral is a young building by London standards, but possesses spectacular architecture and beauty. The seat of the Archbishop of Westminster, it is the largest Catholic church in both England and Wales.
Construction on Westminster Cathedral began in 1895 on land acquired by the Catholic Church in 1884. The site was owned by Westminster Abbey back in the 17th Century and was subsequently sold and used for a variety of things including a prison until being purchased by the Catholic Church.
Westminster Cathedral does not conform to the typical late-Victorian architecture popular at the time of it's construction, but is designed in the style of a Byzantine basilica constructed of reddish brick. The interior is richly and painstakingly decorated with intricate tile mosaics and over 125 different types of marble.
A very popular feature is the Tower Viewing Gallery where you can enjoy some fabulous views of London from 200 feet above the streets and view some beautiful illustrations showing the design of the Cathedral.
Westminster Cathedral is open to the public daily. There is only an admission charge to go up into the Tower Viewing Gallery which is open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm and until 6pm on weekends.
There are many other attractions within easy walking distance of the Westminster Cathedral. Some of these include the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Horse Guards Building and Parade, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Cathedral, Saint James's Park, and Hyde Park. These attractions can be nicely combined into a memorable one or two day walking tour.
For more information about this beautiful London cathedral visit their official website linked above.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: No, except for the Tower Viewing Gallery.Westminster Cathedral Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Address: Victoria St, London SW1P 1LT, UK
Phone: 020 7798 9055
Official Website: Westminster Cathedral
Westminster Cathedral Reviews
Rated out of 5![]()
Visiting Westminster Cathedral was an incredible experience. The architecture is absolutely stunning, with beautiful details everywhere you look. The peaceful atmosphere inside makes it a perfect place to pause, reflect, and admire the craftsmanship and history of this remarkable building. The light coming through the windows and the impressive mosaics create a truly special feeling. I was able to take some amazing photos, but honestly pictures cannot fully capture the beauty and serenity of this place. If you are in London, Westminster Cathedral is definitely a place you should visit at least once.
No Fear - a week ago
Westminster Cathedral in London is absolutely stunning and one of the most impressive religious buildings I have ever visited. It is a huge Catholic church with a powerful presence and rich architectural detail. From the moment you step inside, the scale and beauty of the space hits you. There are many side chapels and areas to explore, each with its own atmosphere, and the overall feeling is both peaceful and awe‑inspiring.
This is not just any church, but the Mother Church of Catholics in England and Wales, and today it remains a central place for worship and national Catholic celebration.
Construction began in 1895 on the site of the old Tothill Fields prison, after Catholic worship had been legally restored in the late 19th century following centuries of restriction. The cathedral was designed by the English architect John Francis Bentley in a distinctive Byzantine style, which makes it unique among London churches.
The exterior is striking with its banded brickwork and tall campanile, and inside you will find rich marble decoration, colourful mosaics, and elegant architectural forms that reflect Byzantine Christian design. Some artworks and mosaics were added over many decades, so the interior continues to evolve.
The cathedral opened in 1903, a year after Bentley’s death, and was consecrated in 1910 once building debts were cleared. It has hosted important moments in modern history, including visits by popes and Queen Elizabeth II.
What makes Westminster Cathedral such a memorable visit is the combination of its size, history, and artistry. Even if you are not religious, the architecture and atmosphere are breathtaking and worth exploring slowly, taking in every detail.
Pedro M. - a month ago
My new favourite cathedral. It's Catholic so it's a bit different to the usual English cathedral. Amazing style and architecture - Neo-Byzantine? Who's to say. Just soak in the ceilings and many beautiful touching chapels and vistas. We went up the tower (10£) which was interesting but maybe not for everyone.
Cameron Cowley - 4 weeks ago
I was genuinely impressed by the sheer beauty of Westminster Cathedral. The striking Byzantine architecture, the green domes, and the richly decorated interior mosaics make it unlike any other cathedral in London. It’s not just a place of worship but a true masterpiece of design and atmosphere. Definitely a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience something unique and deeply inspiring in the heart of the city
Dr Afshin - 6 months ago
We attended Sunday Mass at Westminster Cathedral and it was a truly beautiful experience. The liturgy was reverent, the music was uplifting, and the setting itself is breathtaking. The cathedral’s architecture and atmosphere make it a remarkable place of worship and reflection. Highly recommend visiting—especially if you can attend a Mass.
Sweat Less Travel - a month ago
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Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Circle, District and Victoria Line | Victoria Station | 4 MInutes |
How to get to Westminster Cathedral by Tube
From Victoria Station exit onto Victoria St. and walk to your right (east) for about 4 minutes. Watch for the square in front of Westminster Cathedral on your right.
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Accommodations near Westminster Cathedral :
Photo Gallery
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Exterior of Westminster Cathedral -
Beautiful mosaic artwork inside Westminster Cathedral -
Photo Credit: Matt From London - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Donnchadh H - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Txemai Argazki - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: KirkandLynn_photos - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Txemai Argazki - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Donnchadh H - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: a.l.w - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Donnchadh H - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Txemai Argazki - cc license via Flickr

