St Cuthbert’s Church

Overview

St Cuthbert’s Church is a beautiful church in West London that’s free to visit. The church offers a programme of worship, as well as community events, and is a parish within the Catholic tradition of the Church of England.

Outside, you’ll find an imposing exterior with a narrow spire, while inside, its décor is dark and atmospheric. There’s a welcoming, peaceful feeling, and everyone is welcome to join a prayer service or just visit to take a look around.

It’s an interesting place to visit for anyone interested in architecture or religion, or if you’re simply looking for a few moments of peace in central London.

Can I visit St Cuthbert’s Church?

Yes, visitors are welcome at St Cuthbert’s Church. You can join one of the worship services or visit by yourself. Regular services, including morning prayer, evening prayer, and low mass, take place Tuesday to Saturday. On Sunday, there is a mass service.

The church is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm.

Is St Cuthbert’s Church accessible?

There is level access to the main areas of the church. There are toilets, however, these can only be accessed via a staircase.

Architecture and history of St Cuthbert’s Church

St Cuthbert’s Church is a Grade I listed building and a fantastic example of late Victorian architecture with an interior inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. It’s one of the largest 19th-century churches in London, and its proportions were inspired by Tintern Abbey, a ruined Medieval abbey in Wales.

The building was designed by architect Hugh Roumieu Gough and was constructed during the late 19th century from red brick with Bath stone dressings. It is built in the style of the monastic churches of the Middle Ages and is a focal point between the Victorian terraces of Philbeach Gardens, along with the adjacent clergy house and Philbeach Hall.

Exterior features include:

Lancet windows
Tall clerestory windows
Narrow spire
No traditional east window

The church’s roof was damaged during bombing in World War 2, and it was reclad with copper sheets. During the 1990s, the church was awarded a National Lottery Grant for a new roof, which was made from Westmorland slate.

Inside St Cuthbert’s Church

Originally, the inside of the church was left plain, for future generations to add their own decoration. The church’s first vicar, Henry Westall, oversaw a lot of the interior enrichment, introducing decorative works from the late Victorian and inter-war periods.

The parishioners at the time formed art and craft guilds to create the interior décor, with women playing a significant role in this endeavour. It’s this community involvement that helps make the church so special today.

The interior now includes:

Stone and wood carvings
Mosaics
Embroidery
Stained glass windows
Large reredos
Extraordinary clock
Metalwork by William Bainbridge Reynolds
Huge pulpit
Marble decoration

Other things to do nearby

St Cuthbert’s Church would make for a great stop off on a walking tour of Earl’s Court and the wider West London area. Other stops could include the Earl’s Court TARDIS, The Boltons, and Brompton Cemetery.

Just a few minutes’ walk away, you’ll find some cosy cafes and inviting restaurants where you can grab a bit to eat or a hot drink. Choose from all-day breakfasts at Café du Coin, Middle Eastern flavours at Maroush Bakehouse, or visit chain Caffe Nero for a coffee and cake.

How to get to St Cuthbert’s Church from YHA London Earl’s Court

St Cuthbert’s Church is less than a mile from YHA London Earl’s Court. The easiest ways to get there are by walking or cycling.

On foot: It takes around 13 minutes to walk from the Youth Hostel to St Cuthbert’s Church. As you leave the hostel, turn left onto Bolton Gardens and then right onto Earl’s Court Road. Turn left and walk around the crescent of Philbeach Gardens, and you’ll soon arrive at the church.

Cycling: It’s a quick cycle from YHA London Earl’s Court to St Cuthbert’s Church, which should take about five minutes.

Public transport: Catch the C1 bus to White City from Redcliffe Gardens and alight at Earl’s Court Station. From here, it’s about a five-minute walk to the church. The whole journey should take just over 10 minutes.

If you’re travelling from elsewhere in London, the nearest tube station to St Cuthbert’s Church is Earl’s Court.

By car: It’s about a five-minute drive from the hostel to the church. On-street parking is available nearby for Blue Badge holders.