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![]()
Westminster Cathedral is one of the most beautiful and unique churches in London and a hidden gem that should not be missed. Unlike many of the city's Gothic landmarks, the cathedral's magnificent Neo-Byzantine architecture, striking red-and-white brick exterior, and impressive bell tower make it stand out as one of London's most distinctive religious buildings.
The interior is absolutely breathtaking. The soaring arches, beautiful marble columns, intricate mosaics, and peaceful atmosphere create a sense of awe from the moment you enter. Even though some of the decorative work remains unfinished, the cathedral has a unique charm and elegance that makes it unlike any other church I have visited.
The cathedral provides a calm and spiritual escape from the busy streets of central London. Whether you visit for prayer, architecture, or simply to admire its beauty, the atmosphere is welcoming and serene. The staff and volunteers were friendly and respectful, making the visit even more enjoyable.
If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend visiting the cathedral's viewing gallery at the top of the bell tower. It offers spectacular panoramic views of London's skyline and is well worth the climb.
Overall, Westminster Cathedral is a remarkable architectural and spiritual treasure. Its unique design, peaceful atmosphere, and historical significance make it one of London's finest churches and a place I would gladly visit again. It fully deserves a five-star rating.
Youssef George - a month ago
It was an amazing experience, I went into the cathedral a few times before it’s absolutely wonderful and gorgeous. All the side chapels give plenty of space to pray and look at the beautiful architecture of the building itself. The pictures, statues and mosaics are just wonderful. Highly recommended visiting, praying and even looking around at the beautiful art work!
Kola - 3 months ago
Westminster Cathedral is one of London’s most spectacular hidden gems. While many visitors flock to Westminster Abbey, this stunning Roman Catholic cathedral is an absolute must-see. The Neo-Byzantine architecture, with its striking red brick and white stone stripes, stands out beautifully against the London skyline.
Steeping inside is a breathtaking experience. The contrast between the dark, mysterious vaulted ceilings and the incredibly intricate, glittering marble and mosaics on the lower walls creates an ethereal, deeply spiritual atmosphere. The craftsmanship is simply world-class.
It is a peaceful oasis of calm and reflection right in the heart of the bustling city. Whether you are visiting for quiet contemplation, mass, or simply to admire the art and history, it is an unforgettable experience.
Images taken from luminescent experience.
Claire Harrigan - 2 months 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. - 7 months ago
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 - 6 months 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: KirkandLynn_photos - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Donnchadh H - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Txemai Argazki - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: amandabhslater - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Txemai Argazki - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: a.l.w - cc license via Flickr

