Easter church services London: Beautiful churches, cathedrals and chapels to visit on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Monday

Easter is nearly here, and with half-term well underway it’s the perfect time to visit some of the beautiful churches in London.

Future London had a look at what the capital has to offer.

1. St Paul’s Cathedral

No list would be complete without the iconic dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s the seat of the Bishop of London and contains the tombs of Nelson, Wellington and Sir Christopher Wren.

Sightseeing tickets can be bought online from £17 for an adult, but services are free to attend.

On Maundy Thursday (April 18), go and see the Cathedral Choir at the Liturgy of Maundy Thursday with Sung Eucharist and the Washing of Feet at 5pm.

On Good Friday (April 19), the Cathedral is not open for sightseeing but doors are open for services and prayer all day. Get there in time for The Three Hours at midday, to hear readings, hymns, reflections, music, prayer and silence led by the Bishop of London. Stay for the Good Friday Liturgy at 5pm, again sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Easter Sunday (April 21) will see the principal Eucharist of Easter Day sung by the choir at 11:30 followed by Festal Evensong at 3:15pm.

Nearest Tube Stations: St Paul’s (Central line), Mansion House (District and Circle lines), Bank (Central, Northern and Waterloo and City lines, and DLR)

2. Westminster Methodist Central Hall

Situated opposite Westminster Abbey, this beautiful church often falls under the radar. It was opened in 1912 to mark the centenary of John Wesley’s death, who was the founder of Methodism.

However, it wasn’t meant to just be a church but also of “great service for conferences on religious, educational, scientific, philanthropic and social questions”.

Methodist Central Hall is also central London’s largest conference and events venue.

The site has hosted numerous significant events from the first ever meeting of the United Nations in 1946 to James Corden’s The Late Late Show in 2017.

It is a landmark Grade II* listed building and offers free guided tours to visitors.

Nearest Tube Stations: Westminster (Jubilee, Circle and District lines), St James’ Park (Circle and District lines) Victoria (Victoria, Circle and District lines)

3. Fulham All Saints Church

This picture-perfect church in Fulham pre-dates the Reformation. However the medieval church was liable to flooding due to its close proximity to the Thames and demolished. The present church is designed in the gothic perpendicular style and built three feet higher than the previous one to prevent more flooding. However most of the monuments from the old church were saved and reinstalled into the new building.

Nearest Tube Station: Putney Bridge (District Line)

4. The King’s Weigh House Building, Eastcheap

The name refers to the church’s original foundation as a dissenters’ chapel in Eastcheap, where it was above the office for checking the weight of merchandise. Its present site is near Oxford Street, where the redbrick and terracotta style often goes unnoticed by the throngs of shoppers. In 1967 it was sold to the Ukranian Catholics and became the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile.

Nearest Tube Station: Bond Street (Central and Jubilee lines)

5. St Peter’s Church, Ealing

This church in Ealing was said to be “amongst the noblest churches we possess,” according to John Betjeman.

It combines free Gothic and arts and craft styles to create a truly unique design amongst the city’s churches. It has an unusual sloping roof and turrets.

Nearest Tube Stations: Ealing Broadway (Central and District lines), North Ealing (Piccadilly line)