St Paul’s Church Covent Garden image

St Paul’s Church Covent Garden

Tourist attraction Church Anglican church

One of the Most Reviewed Anglican churches in London


Address

Bedford St, London WC2E 9ED, United Kingdom

Website

actorschurch.org

Contact

+44 20 7836 5221

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (765 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Sunday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
  • Monday: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (37) Covent (20) Garden (20) Church (16) garden (15) beautiful (13) lovely (11) nice (9) Paul' (8) actors (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Mas H. 2 years ago on Google
    An imposing building and place of worship with rich history it occupies one side of Covent Garden area. The strange thing is that there is no entry from the Covent Garden but to add to the confusion one has to go all the way round to Bedford St to gain entry to the Church!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mimi S. 8 months ago on Google
    I wanted to cool down from the noisy carnival atmosphere of Covent Garden. Behind the square where the jugglers performed, I saw the church. It was truly a hidden gem. The church has a blooming and very beautiful garden, with roses and other flowers. Many benches along the paths in the yard. In the garden itself there are many chairs for self use. The interior of the church is impressive and full of majesty. The organ is very large, and pleasant to hear when playing it. A great place to sit and reflect, think, and meditate. Whoever knowp the garden, brings a drink or something small to eat. Enjoying all the beauty and silence of the place. From advertisements on the church fence, I understood that various events are held here. I will try to reach one of them.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 BradJill 5 years ago on Google
    Directly on Covent Garden, you can find a lovely little church and garden. This is the St. Paul's Church (also known as the Actors' Church) not to be confused with London's famous St. Paul's Cathedral. The Actor's Church has been at this location since 1633. It is a nice but simple church to visit, we mostly enjoyed the courtyard and garden area around the church, providing quite pleasant refuge from the surrounding neighbour and busy Covent Garden square. In the end, not a priority attraction in our opinion but a pleasant historic church to see if you happen to be in Covent Garden and like church visits. Its a nice way to spend 10-15 minutes of your time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erin K. 8 months ago on Google
    While visiting Covent Garden on our anniversary last December, providence led us to a candlelight concert given by the Icon Strings quartet. We were beckoned by the flickering glow in the church windows, and ventured through the arched gate and cobblestone courtyard to the church entrance. To our delight, we were warmly greeted and ushered inside, without tickets, and asked instead to place a donation in the church box, which we did gladly. The experience was magical and emotional for my husband and I, and we will never forget it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fei 2 years ago on Google
    Such a hidden gem, I’ve been to Covent Garden like 100 times but only discovered this lovely peaceful place lately. The cats are adorable (I let them play with my shoe laces :D). This is one of those places that make you feel grateful about life.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin H. 1 year ago on Google
    A lovely church in the middle of Covent Garden. It’s nice to sit outside, but you do get a lot of tourists and visitors so can’t always get a bench. I popped in to vote and met a beautiful black cat!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mihalea A. 1 year ago on Google
    What an amazingly fun experience it was seeing Shakespeare's 'Midsummer Night's dream' performed here by a handfull of very talented and charismatic young actors!Their performance was beautiful and in such a unique way! Looooved every minute of it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 King N. 2 years ago on Google
    It's been to long since I visited this area, now because the Christmas decorations this year is very beautiful I have a great time visiting
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ulviyya T. 2 years ago on Google
    Watched the place about Khojali. Really impressed. Thank You dear St. Paul’s Church Covent Garden and Debunk 🎭 Theatre
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James D. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to see Iconic Strings perform Christmas songs, a very enjoyable experience. Very nice church to visit, has loads of plaques for various people from the performing arts. How many famous names will you recognise?

  • 5/5 Gary S. 1 year ago on Google
    Good day out lots of money raised for actors lovely inside church keep up the good work.

  • 5/5 Nat L. 1 year ago on Google
    Very peaceful... Very nice.... Actress/actor church... You can fine for example Charles Chaplin name in their wall... Recommended

  • 5/5 Kelly C. 6 months ago on Google
    We were passing through London in December 2022 and decided to visit Covent Garden. As we passed by the church, the garden with the benches caught our attention and we decided to go inside. We listened to the Christmas choir rehearsal which was one of the most magical moments of my life. I wish I could have stayed there longer, but our stay in the city was very short. Now my dream is to return to this beautiful church and watch the choir perform in December ❤️

  • 5/5 James D. 9 months ago on Google
    What an amazing place. A total oasis in the madness of central London, and so welcoming. Their pledge, clearly displayed at the door, is to be welcoming to everyone. Was in today as build crew for a play; will be back for a service when I can.

  • 5/5 Karen B. 7 months ago on Google
    An interesting church in Covent Garden. It has it's own garden and memorial plaques to many famous actors, and is nicknamed "The Actor's Church".

  • 5/5 Paolo Rosi (. 7 months ago on Google
    A quiet space in which to enjoy a break. Don't take a whole bench to yourself,.share it with others. Some history... The Artists' Church, also known as St. Paul's Church, Covent Garden, is a historic church located in the Covent Garden area of London. 1. **History:** St. Paul's Church was designed by architect Inigo Jones and consecrated in 1633. It is often regarded as one of the finest examples of Neoclassical architecture in London. 2. **Connection to the Arts:** St. Paul's Church is sometimes referred to as the "Artists' Church" due to its historical association with the arts. It has a long history of supporting the arts and is known for hosting various artistic events, including concerts and exhibitions. 3. **Piazza:** The church is situated in Covent Garden Piazza, a popular area known for its street performances, shops, and restaurants. It has been a focal point of cultural and artistic life in London for centuries. 4. **Restoration:** Over the years, the church has undergone several restorations to preserve its historic charm and architectural significance. 5. **Current Use:** St. Paul's Church is still an active place of worship, but it also hosts a variety of cultural events and performances, making it a vibrant part of London's artistic community. 6. **Theatre Connections:** The church has close ties to the nearby Royal Opera House and the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. It has served as a place of worship for many actors, artists, and performers over the years. 7. **Notable Burials:** The churchyard contains the graves of several notable individuals, including the painter J.M.W. Turner and the actor Charles Macklin. Overall, St. Paul's Church, Covent Garden, is a significant historical and cultural landmark in London with strong ties to the arts and a rich history that spans centuries.

  • 5/5 Jean-Marc M. 8 months ago on Google
    Very peaceful. Lots of benches outside to have a break from the hustle and bustle. Inside, a veritable who's who of performing arts stars memorialised, Diana Rigg's brought a tear to my eye. Lovely people when I stopped by, very friendly and welcoming.

  • 4/5 John G. 7 months ago on Google
    The actors church. Small but very nice inside. Plain on the exterior of the building but lovely jubilee garden.

  • 4/5 Ana Cardoso C. 7 months ago on Google
    We really enjoyed the candle light concert by Icon Strings Quartet.

  • 5/5 Louise W. 4 months ago on Google
    A lovely church in an unexpected place in the middle of Covent Garden. There was a lovely collection of cards and gifts and a free concert taking place at lunchtime, which was packed solid. The gardens are quiet despite the location and very peaceful. Great sign at the entrance - they should sell it as a postcard!

  • 5/5 Monica M. 3 months ago on Google New
    We went to a lovely Christmas concert by candlelight! The venue is really beautiful and it has great sound

  • 5/5 Clément X. 1 year ago on Google
    We hopped in because we heard music, what a discovery! 4 peoples were playing violin so passionately it almost stopped the time for a moment. Magical and mesmerizing. The church is gorgeous, with a little garden on front, very quiet and calm. The inside is as beautiful as It gets.

  • 5/5 Graham T. 1 year ago on Google
    Magical place, full of plaques remembering actors who have "left the stage". We went to see/hear a performance of Musicals by Candlelight. It was wonderful.

  • 5/5 Abhishek B. 1 year ago on Google
    This is located besides the Covent Garden Market and it is a beautiful piece of architecture and strongly built. It is also called 'the actor's church'. This is a must visit place in London if you are interested in architecture and peace.

  • 3/5 Daniel D. R. 2 years ago on Google
    Beware beautiful inviting church garden, but cynical church which does not allow "sightseeing". I wanted to go inside to see the church but got put off by the sign. I dont identify with the faith but would have loved to respectfully visit and see the inside. Anyway, garden is still good for chilled hangout anf lunches.

  • 5/5 derek m. 1 year ago on Google
    I was there for the punch and Judy may fair celebrations, held every year in May. We were celebrating 360 years since Mr punch was first seen by Samuel Peeps. He wrote about it in his diary's. But it's a really great place to see some street entertainment. And have a great time.

  • 5/5 Michael S. 2 years ago on Google
    Adorable little hidden garden at the "actors'" church - a tranquil oasis behind the ghastly touristy bustle

  • 5/5 Gaye M. 2 years ago on Google
    I have been there in 24th of December night. There was a nice ceremony for Christmas. Thanks to the Priest was a nice experience for me.

  • 5/5 Mike D. 2 years ago on Google
    The main entrance to the "Actors" church is to the rear along an alleyway. The visible façade is bricked in and provides the backdrop for the many street entertainers. Such a unique place in London History.

  • 5/5 Patricia F. 2 years ago on Google
    Watched an amazing show last night Shoes 👟 to Fill at the Iris Theatre in the Garden of the Church what a great place to go for s summer's evening

  • 5/5 Graham S. 3 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem just yards from the hustle of Covent Garden. Well worth a visit to enjoy the history and peace in this beutiful building. Enjoy the tranquil garden for some rest and thought before returning to the busy streets outside.

  • 5/5 Karen R. 5 years ago on Google
    I thought the church inside was beautiful... Saint Paul's Church is also known as the Actors Church & linked to famous people. I had recently lost my dad when I called into this church and it was a beautiful place to light a candle and reflect. Very peaceful inside even though it is so busy outside of course. They also have concerts & a lovely little garden. Definitely worth popping in if you are in the area.

  • 5/5 JD S. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a beautiful little church - very central and a certain hidden gem. Know as the actors church, there are plaques for various well know stars of the past. There was a beautiful little charity Christmas card sale happening when we went. Lovely acoustics and a nice group of musicians practicing for a concert. Check out this lovely place.

  • 5/5 Anders R. 2 years ago on Google
    The gardens are pleasant to sit in. The church has numerous plaques to actors & actresses of the West End stage including Joan Sims, Hattie Jacques, Richard Wattis and Rachel Roberts.

  • 5/5 oswald j. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited for a wedding. The church is small and intimate with great designs. The gardens were so quiet it was hard to believe we were in the middle of Covent garden .The vicar is one of the best. The choir was excellent. Overall lovely place to get married.


Call +44 20 7836 5221 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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