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.Address: Victoria St, London SW1P 1LT, UK
Phone: 020 7798 9055
Official Website: Westminster Cathedral
Westminster Cathedral Reviews
Rated out of 5
And often overlooked gem in Britain’s capital. The catholic cathedral has fantastic decorations and a tower that you can take a lift to the top of.
Because so many people miss it, we didn’t even have to queue .
Definitely worth checking out for a different view of London .
Michael Whittaker - in the last week
You may have already visited the Westminster Abbey but have you visited its neighbor, the Westminster Cathedral?
Gorgeous architecture!
Incredible history!
Beautiful art!
Unbelievably deep and awe-inspiring services!
The only church in the world to offer daily service with a choir! And it is not any choir, it is their world-famous choir! Not to mention the amazing organ and the skills of those who play it!
You will find many architectural styles across London but this is the only Byzantine building of this caliber!
My suggestion is for you to participate in one of their liturgies (services) and then visit their tower for an astonishing view of London!
Unlike the other famous religious sites in London, you will be readily and warmly greeted! It is also free! No tickets required.
Make a little donation to help with its maintenance or just stop by the gift shop and support their mission with a purchase of art, books, or religious articles!
Enjoy the holy side of London! It is definitely worth exploring!
Giovani Briguente - 3 weeks ago
Very beautiful cathedral. Very grateful to this cathedral for allowing people to visit it for free with option to donate. The pictures do it no justice, there are several separate dedication/memorial spaces throughout the main chapel. All have their own unique, and incredible architectural designs.
Katie P - a week ago
Beautiful Cathedral with a world renowned choir (Gregorian Latin chanting). No entry fee, lovely souvenir gifts at the gift shop. We attended Mass twice and Fr. John Scott’s homilies were beautiful and poignant, his words reached our hearts.
Marcela Waller - a week ago
Beautiful and peaceful cathedral that's often overlooked compared to Westminster Abbey. The interior is stunning. Its free to enter. Well worth a visit if you're nearby!
Semih - 2 weeks ago
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: Donnchadh H - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Matt From London - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Donnchadh H - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Donnchadh H - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: KirkandLynn_photos - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: amandabhslater - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Loz Flowers - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Donnchadh H - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dmitry Djouce - cc license via Flickr
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