St. James's Church, Piccadilly
St. James's, Piccadilly features free lunchtime recitals 3 days a week.
St. James's Church, Piccadilly is a beautiful Christopher Wren design church that was first consecrated in 1684. The church has a rich history with minor repairs and renovations taking place throughout. Major repairs where performed in 1884 and again between 1947 and 1954 after major damage from a bomb strike during the Second World War.
We have included this church in our 'Theatres and Venues' section because of it's popular lunchtime recitals every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, a concept similar to that of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. These recitals are popular with tourists and locals alike. The 50 minute recitals begin at 1:10 pm and are free, however donation £3.50 is suggested. There are also evening concerts scheduled throughout the year, but most of these do have an admission charge.
You can view a list of the upcoming concerts playing at the St. James's Piccadilly on their official website linked above.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoSt. James's Church, Piccadilly Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: 197 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LL, UK
Phone: 020 7734 4511
Official Website: St. James's Church, Piccadilly
St. James's Church, Piccadilly Reviews
Rated out of 5
A hidden gem amidst the bustling Piccadilly area in London. Despite being located in a busy district, the atmosphere inside the church is serene and calming. Its beautiful Baroque architecture and intricate marble carvings give the place a unique charm and lasting impression. The church also hosts events and classical music concerts, offering a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility in the heart of the city.
tOngz NP - a month ago
Beautiful historic church off Piccadilly with an impressive garden off to the side courtyard.
The inside of the church is amazingly beautiful with a center altar and a large wooden pipe organ.
The outside garden is peaceful and quiet.
Jamie Wojciechowski - 3 months ago
This is a beautiful and tranquil space, on Piccadilly, very close to Piccadilly Circus.
The church is by Sir Christopher Wren, but it is the interior, which is magical.
The space is airy and bright, and there is a stillness in its beauty.
The wood carvings behind the alter, the organ, and the font are by Grinling Gibbons.
The other point of note is that the team who runs volunteers to keep the space open.
I met the Vicar on Sunnday as she prepared to say Mass, and I can not say how warm she and the team were.
You can go for 5 minutes, sit, and reflect for as long as you want or attend a service.
The church is open daily, and if you just need a breather, whilst in the West End, this may be your place.
Magical
PS, for Brigerton fans, the interior was featured in series 2
Ian Bromley - 3 months ago
You could be confused by the outer layer of this church, don’t be. Step inside to a pristine vaulted part of the community. From the gardens to the list of events and family atmosphere inside this place is a lived church. The font extraordinary the aisles full of light and colour and the alter dazzles.
Peter Robinson - 6 months ago
We had an amazing 'Winter Wonderland by Candlelight' concert experience in this gorgeous church on Saturday 30 December 2023. Bravo to The Piccadilly Sinfonietta, String soloists, Pianist & opera singer. My absolute favourite was Howard Blake Walking in the Air from The Snowman.
Reka Pardi-Kezi - 11 months ago
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bakerview and Piccadilly Lines | Piccadilly Circus | 3 MInutes |
| Jubilee and Victoria Lines | Green Park | 4 MInutes |
How to get to St. James's Church, Piccadilly by Tube
From Piccadilly Circus Station exit onto Coventry St. and go to your left (west), then left on Shaftesbury Ave. Continue on Piccadilly Place. Watch for St. James's Church, Piccadilly on your left.
From Green Park Station head northeast along Piccadilly to the church which will be on your right.
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Photo Gallery
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A choir performs at St. James's Church cc licensed photo by Lars Plougmann -
Photo Credit: Matt From London - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Matt From London - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: stusmith_uk - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Art De Cade - cc license via Flickr
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