London is brimming with beautiful churches and cathedrals, some of which are the oldest and most impressive in Europe, if not the world. There are thousands of churches throughout the city, some of which have more prominence and history than others.
Alongside the tourist traps like Buckingham Palace and the London Eye, London’s churches and cathedrals are a huge draw for people visiting the city and staying at the Bayswater Inn Hotel London.
If you’re visiting London soon and are keen to expand your knowledge on the religious history of the city and see some of the most phenomenal examples of British architecture, here are a few of the most interesting churches and cathedrals you need to see.
St Paul’s Cathedral
First up is St Paul’s Cathedral which is conveniently located just a short tube ride from the ever-busy Paddington Station and the associated hotels near Paddington Station which welcome thousands of tourists every year. St Paul’s is over 1,400 years old and is a defining feature of the London skyline. The dome is unlike any other, and its elevation on Ludgate Hill cements its status as London’s most important Anglican church.
St Dunstan’s in the East
In the heart of the City of London, away from the hubbub of the Hyde Park corner hotels, you’ll find the remains of St Dunstan in the East. It was built in 1698 but was heavily damaged in the Second World War. Rather than being re-built, the ruins were cleaned up and the site was opened as a garden for visitors. It’s a shining example of how nature always reclaims what belongs to it, as you’ll see through the dense foliage that now encapsulates what once was a Church of England parish.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a royal church located in Westminster. It is where all British monarchs have been coronated since William the Conqueror started the tradition back in 1066. It’s also where many royal weddings take place, as well as christenings and funerals. It has an imposing front façade that perfectly showcases gothic architecture. Within its walls, some of the greatest figures in history have been laid to rest, including Isaac Newton and Queen Elizabeth I. If you’re staying in a London hotel near Hyde Park, you’re in a prime position to visit this great monastery.
Westminster Cathedral
Often overshadowed by its Abbey counterpart, Westminster Cathedral has a lot to offer in its own right. Opened in 1903, it’s newer than most churches in London, but it’s no less impressive. The interesting thing about this cathedral is its Byzantine architecture, something rarely seen amongst the largely Gothic style of London. Westminster Cathedral is the focal point of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, and at 87m, it’s taller than Westminster Abbey!
These are just a few of the iconic churches and cathedrals you can see in the city if you’re staying at the Bayswater Inn Hotel London, but don’t forget about Holy Trinity, Southwark Cathedral, or St Mary-le-Bow which are all also easily accessible from the hotel.
