Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9ED

St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden

Church

Place photograph

6.3

Wildland

Under 1 hour

Time

Free

Cost

Atmospheric

Feel

Urban historicHistory loversCouplesSolo

Why it's Wildland

6.3

Built by Inigo Jones and standing in Covent Garden since 1633, St Paul’s is known as the Actors’ Church.

This is a compact piece of London history with a distinctive theatrical identity: an Inigo Jones church at the heart of Covent Garden, still hosting worship, music and performances. It is worth a thoughtful pause, though it is a historic urban visit rather than a wild landscape.

Atmospheric · Historic

Find your way

Open map

Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9ED

Opening map…

Explore around here Get directions

Know this place a little better?

Add photos Add video Add a waypoint Improve information Report a change

The experience

Visit the church as a brief architectural and historical pause in Covent Garden. If a suitable concert or performance is scheduled, make that the centrepiece of a longer visit.

Things to do

See the East Front portico

Take in the church’s East Front portico looking towards the piazza, a distinctive feature shown in the church’s official visitor information.

Check the church’s events programme

The church reports hosting more than 400 events a year, including chamber and choral music. Check the official programme for current listings.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Under 1 hour

Quick pause at the Actors’ Church

01
Check the church’s current visitor information before setting out.
02
Visit St Paul’s Church and take in its East Front portico facing the piazza.
03
Look for the red-brick end wall and reflect on the church’s connection with Covent Garden and the theatre.

Half day · Half day, depending on the event

Church visit and a performance

01
Check the official events programme and choose a concert or performance that interests you.
02
Visit the church when open to visitors, allowing time to look at the building before the event.
03
Attend the event at the church; confirm its time, access and any booking requirements on the official listing.

Verified history

St Paul’s Church describes itself as built by Inigo Jones and says it has been at the heart of Covent Garden since 1633. It is affectionately known as the Actors’ Church. The church’s current programme includes regular services and a range of events, including chamber and choral music.

Hidden details

A church with an active performance life — Beyond its historic identity, the church says it hosts more than 400 events a year. Check its official programme for current concerts and performances.

When to go

· Check current visitor opening information or plan around a listed service or event.

The church is an indoor historic destination and the official site describes a year-round programme. No season-specific advantage is established by the supplied evidence.

Weather is not a material factor for the church visit; check current access arrangements before travelling.

What to look for

Look for the church’s East Front portico facing the piazza and its red-brick end wall. The supplied official source identifies the building as designed by Inigo Jones and dating from 1633.