84 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 8TD
Fo Guang Shan London Temple
Church
Place photograph
3.8
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
3.8A Buddhist temple occupies a Grade II* listed building designed by Victorian architect William Butterfield as a church school. Its present use brings Buddhist worship and a striking Gothic heritage building together on a central London street.
This is a compact urban heritage visit rather than a wild landscape: its distinction lies in the contrast between an active Buddhist temple and a listed Victorian Gothic building, with traces of the site’s earlier religious-education use.
Atmospheric
Find your way
Open map84 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 8TD
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
A short, respectful visit focused on the building’s Victorian Gothic character and its use as a Buddhist temple. Opening information varies across supplied listings, so confirm directly before visiting.
Things to do
Look at the Victorian Gothic exterior
The building was designed by William Butterfield as a church school. The supplied Heritage Open Days listing describes its exterior as retaining a Decorated Gothic style.
Short stop
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A short temple and heritage visit
- 01
Confirm visitor access and opening arrangements with the temple.
- 02
Visit respectfully and take in the building’s Gothic exterior.
- 03
If entry is available, explore only the areas open to visitors and observe the temple’s present use.
Verified history
The building at 84 Margaret Street was designed by William Butterfield as All Saints School; construction began in 1868 and the school opened in 1870. After later use connected with the nearby church and an institute of Christian studies, Fo Guang Shan acquired the building in the early 1990s. The Buddhist Society’s supplied account says the London temple was established in 1992. Heritage Open Days describes the building as Grade II* listed.
Hidden details
A former church-school building — The temple occupies a building originally constructed as All Saints School, designed by William Butterfield. The building’s earlier Christian context and present Buddhist use give the site its distinctive layered history.
When to go
· Use a time confirmed directly with the temple; no dependable current visitor schedule is established by the supplied sources.
The experience is centred on a building and place of worship, so no particular season is evidenced as better.
An urban heritage visit; check access in advance. No weather-specific visitor information was supplied.
Worth pairing with
All Saints Church, Margaret Street
A nearby church designed by William Butterfield, mentioned in the supplied account of the temple building’s history. Check its own visitor arrangements before planning a visit.
What to look for
- 01
Look for the building’s Decorated Gothic exterior and, if access is permitted, notice the contrast between its earlier church-school origins and its Buddhist use. A stone cross and an entrance plaque are described in the supplied BuddhistDoor account
- 02
their current visibility has not been independently confirmed.
The story
Saints & pilgrimage
Best time to go
Year-round; check visitor access and any event schedule before setting out.
Choose a time confirmed by the temple in advance. The supplied Heritage Open Days listing describes guided tours and activities for specific event dates, not a guaranteed year-round programme.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10am-12pm, 12:40-5pm
- Tuesday: 10am-12pm, 12:40-5pm
- Wednesday: 10am-12pm, 12:40-5pm
- Thursday: 10am-12pm, 12:40-5pm
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 10am-12pm, 12:40-5pm
- Sunday: 10am-12pm, 12:40-5pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A Buddhist temple at this address. Visitor access and current opening arrangements should be checked with the temple before travelling; respect worship and any restrictions on photography or entry. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The supplied Heritage Open Days information says the site is not wheelchair accessible. Check current arrangements directly with the temple.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Fo Guang Shan London Temple
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
