Westminster Cathedral, not to be confused with Westminster Abbey is a beautiful Cathedral and the mother Church of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. As in the name, it is located in the City of Westminster in the British capital, London. It can be seen from the "Victoria" end of Victoria Street, fairly close to Victoria Station as well as places to shop, eat and bank on the street and in Cardinal Place. It should of course not be confused with the nearby and similarly named Abbey. 284 feet high including the cross, it is pretty tall and magnificent in structure, although it was partly covered for refurbishment on the date of my recent visit, which was a shame. Inside the church, it was huge, it was beautiful and incredible and it definitely was an amazing sight, one of the things I hated about the Notre Dame was how they seemed more interested in making a profit, charging people to admire the beauty rather than having respect for what it is, a church, this is where Westminster Cathedral differs for the better, after admiring the church for a moment or two, I was approached by a friendly gentleman, I presume to be the priest telling me about their upcoming services for Lent and Easter, with my visit of course coming during April 2019. Since being built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it is a Grade I listed building also. There was a small seating area outside to admire the structure of the building where you can take photos outside, albeit sadly mobile phones and photography are banned inside and there are people who make sure you don't do it (a real shame, I wanted to take photos for myself and for you guys on Yelp!) 4* read more

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I want to extend my gratitude to everyone at Westminster Cathedral through whom it turned out to be a landmark cloaked in epiphany for me: that is, not all churches are equal (by grace). Marvellousely, there cohabit prayer and taxation in equal measure - underprivileged communities who serve as the mob (MAFIA) run by the priests ( and who would gladly suck up to anyone) will shake you well a couple of times before you leave. I have noticed people running for the restrooms when they see them approaching with their clanking donation vessels. You would think that the priestly grandeur of the ministers offsets this minor blooper. Well, they definitely add up to the impression upon a visitor - for myself I can say I have never been objectified so good since the feminism thing arose. On the one hand, there is this competition between the dean and one of the priests about who is going to get the most girls (their attention supposedly). The said priest, who was a nurse in another life, dully upholding his part in the rivalry, would seek me out in the crowd and keep an eye contact until my eyes fall out; on a lucky days he would feed me the communion with such a longing that would make my shoes give in. On the other hand stands alone this elderly priest, who would simply look at my legs until he goes weak and leave no doubt that we had indelible moments, which in turn made me glad to meet his alb and cincture, too. However, the intrigues were the best part there - the assiduous handmaids collecting the money would report you to the priests if you haven't donated and you would find yourself a part of the mass' homily when the priests usually "throw stones". As a finance graduate degree holder, I would suggest that the church manage her money more effectively, instead. I can't decide which of these examples appeal to me but surely I made my mind that not all churches are equal. -- K.D.-- read more

Another of the most iconic buildings in London, but also one that many tourists don't know about. They go to the Westminster Abbey at the other end of Victoria Street and miss this fantastic marvel. Built in the late 1890's and though not consecrated until 1910, the Cathedral is an interesting and "foreign" look. Red brick with white bands is in a Byzantine style that makes it very unusual and it stands out from the boring concrete and glass office structures in the vicinity. The massive 285 tower literally towers over the area and is open to climb for viewing. Inside the Cathedral is also impressive with mosaics all around and under a ceiling that defies description. It's important to note that this is an active and working Cathedral, so show some respect, eh? No flashes! And your donations are appreciated. Interestingly, Mass has been celebrated at this Cathedral by both Pope John Paul II (in 1982) and by Pope Benedict XVI (in 2010). Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1977 (though not for a religious ceremony), the first visit of a reigning monarch to a Catholic Church since the Reformation of the 15th Century. read more

Westminster Cathedral was a find for my catholic longing in an anglical land. The cathedral has a neo-byzantine arquitecture. The nave has marbles and stone of green and white with the ceilings full of mosaics with different styles and designs. One of the chapels is being restored. I was drawn by the beauty of the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. A place of infinite peace. The Cathedral suffers in the shadow of the Abbey, like a poorer stepsister. Nonetheless, it has a unique setting in the heart of England for the catholic faithful. A place of worship and spirituality. read more

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A beautiful church. The many naves inside are worth a look. A visit to the top of the bell tower is a must. Very nice city views from this part of town. At 5 pounds, it is a very good value. You see the London Eye and many other sights. There is a cafeteria in the basement serving very good food. The staff is very friendly. read more

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Dragged my cousin here to mass when I visited him in London. I was surprised to find such a large Filipino population there, I had no idea that a lot of Filipinos lived in London. The parishoners were friendly and introduced themselves to us after mass. The cathedral was beautiful on the outside, the inside as well although the ceiling was plain, I would have liked to see some mosaic on it. The front is Neo-Byzantine Architecture and it looks like bricks, although I'm not sure what material was used. read more

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Westminster Cathedral s the mother church of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. The site on which the cathedral stands in the City of Westminster was purchased by the Archdiocese of Westminster in 1885. Westminster Cathedral is the largest Catholic church in England and Wales and the seat of the Archbishop of Westminster. John Betjeman called it "a masterpiece in striped brick and stone in an intricate pattern of bonding, the domes being all-brick. In the late 19th century, the Catholic Church's hierarchy had only recently been restored in England and Wales, and it was in memory of Cardinal Wiseman (who died in 1865, and was the first Archbishop of Westminster from 1850) that the first substantial sum of money was raised for the new cathedral. The land was acquired in 1884 by Wiseman's successor, Cardinal Manning, having previously been occupied by the second Tothill Fields Bridewell prison read more

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Still don't know why tourists are doing O_O when I'm asking "have you been to Westminster Cathedral?", and trying to correct me saying that's Abbey, and for sure they've been, wtf I'm talking about. Cathedral is just spellbinding and impressive... I'm a fan of mosaics, so I was so in love with inside design.. And Westminster's Cathedral is a working one, so all the donations will be appreciated and will be used for the netter run of the Cathedral :) read more

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Rather overshadowed in tourist guides by its more venerable and famous namesake (Westminster Abbey) just down the road, Westminster Cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic faith in the UK. The church is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Originally the site of the infamous Bridewell children's prison, the Cathedral Church of Westminster was designed in a red-brick version of the Byzantine style by the architect John Francis Bentley. The foundation stone was laid in 1895 and the building was completed eight years later. It is probably the foremost Victorian Byzantine building in Britain, and its 83m (273ft) tower of alternating bands of orange-red brick and Portland stone forms a distinctive landmark in Victoria - or at least it would, were it not quite so hemmed in by uninspiring office blocks, and the dull piazza at the main entrance. But it is still a fascinating building, the more so because it isn't actually finished: although the exterior is bright and pristine, the interior is dark and gloomy. This is because the enormous arches and vaults of the nave are constructed in brick, darkened by the accumulated grime of the last century. In fact, it's quite hard to see the ceiling, resulting in the weird impression of the cathedral being open to the night sky. But it also helps to give it a uniquely spiritual feel. The aim was - and still is - to cover the interior with mosaics. An impression of what this may ultimately look like can be gained from observing the completed schemes in the chapels and shrines around the cathedral, particularly the Lady Chapel and Blessed Sacrement Chapel. These are very impressive indeed, and recent work, if anything, is more attractive than the Edwardian originals. A nice feature of the cathedral is that every element is comprehensively described with explanatory panels. There's also a small shop and cafe. The web-site is excellent and gives lots of information, as well as times of Masses (there are plenty to choose from). Two things not to miss: recitals by the superb Cathdedral choir (there's a permanent Choir School attached to the cathedral) and a trip up the tower: for £5, it provides an excellent view over this part of London, without feeling too giddy (the viewing platforms are well enclosed) and without the queues of the London Eye. There's a lift - so you won't feel exhausted! read more

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WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL,the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood is the main Roman Catholic church in London and the whole of England. The structure as we know it today was designed by John Francis Bentley in 1839 and was completed in 1903 for Cardinal Herbert Vaughan. The land the present building stands on was purchased by Cardinal Manning, Vaughan's predecessor. It used to be a prison site before it changed hands and use. The building of Westminster Cathedral was fraught with financial difficulties because although Manning approved of Bentley's innovative Gothic design for the cathedral raising finance was a major problem. The first foundation stone was laid in 1895 and the entire structure was completed within a span of eight years. By the time all the finishing touches in every minute detail had been added it was 1910 and luckily the financial debt had been cleared. Cardinal Vaughan died and the first service held in this Cathedral was his funeral. When this project was first planned Vaughan had wanted the cathedral to be leaning more towards the Italianate style,but Bentley persuaded him that the Byzantine theme was more appropriate. The architect Bentley drew his inspiration from Santa Sophia in Constantinople,one of the most famous Byzantine Churches of the time. Many of the interior features are influenced by the Italianate style though:-especially the Pulpit,the Cross and the cover over the high altar. The Pulpit was created in early Christian style by CA Leoniri,dating as far back as 1899 and was raised on the columns in 1934. To the east of the Pulpit is the magnificent 15th century statue of the Virgin and the Child known as Our Lady of Westminster. The Cathedral interior really needs to be seen to appreciated. read more

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I went to visit for the first time : the singing by the lay clerks of the Cathedral was wonderful (Palestrina 1590) but to see a great church, go to Westminster Abbey nearby, (I think some people confuse the two)or St Paul's or indeed the Russian Orthodox church in Kensington. This one is quite kitsch by comparison read more

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An spectacular Catholic cathedral. Old, charming and spiritual where you feel closer to God and the perfect place to worship the Lord read more

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great tranqual place to go, very good architecture, great views. They haave a gift shop so you can buy a souveniour like a guide book or music or even cuff links. They hold mass six times a day you can check their website for times of the masses if you want to attend. It gets very busy throughout the day with many people visiting and also they have lots of scholl trips so there are many children visting. You can learn about the history and artehcticture of the cathedral which is very interesting. You can even go up to the cathedral tower and visit the many chapels they have. read more

The architecture can be characterised more as interesting or impressive than beautiful. It is certainly more gorgeous than Westminster Community Church or Westminster Chapel in the same neighbourhood; personal tastes would decide how its architecture compares with nearby Westminster Abbey. It is the head church of the Catholic community in England. Beautiful sung masses. read more

Tourist or not, it is a really beautiful place, so why not go check it out? Plus, as Cornelius S. said, they often have music concerts, so try to line up your visit with one of those bad boys! read more

I am not religious or a church goer but my friend from Canada wanted to go here so I went with her. I really liked the place. So quiet and peaceful. Poets corner was just overwhelming and the architecture is beautiful. If you want to do one touristy thing in London then come here read more

All about Westminster Cathedral No visit to London is complete without a visit to some of its quaint and charming historic sites like Westminster Cathedral. Situated within Parliament Square, the cathedral is built between cafes and a broad street leading away from Houses of Parliament. The look of the cathedral is largely in the 'Byzantine' style, the building looks exotic, with several domes and circular towers. It was first opened in 1903 and prior to becoming a cathedral it used to be Tothill Fields Bridewell Prison. Once, you are in then you will be able to take a very relaxed sanctum because it is deep and away from the busy streets of Westminster. Keep in mind that you will have to keep looking up because of the whole of the interior ceilings and full of ornate and distinctive chandeliers. Also, remember that the cathedral is not the same as the abbey which is the larger of the two buildings. The cathedral figured in Queen Elizabeth 11 Jubilee celebrations in 1977. It was the first time that a ruling British monarch visited a Catholic church since the ​Reformation Times. More recently, it was where Prince William and Kate Middleton got married too. read more

This is one of the places why London is so COOL!!!

When I first moved down I honestly wasn't such a huge fan of the architecture - and admittedly down the road from the Abbey it does suffer some. However, at a high mass with the full choir in the evening, the dark walls and ceiling create an amazing feeling of nothingness. Be careful about helping out with bazaars etc - once you do you'll be down for every event on the calendar. read more

If you're into chapels and cathedrals this is the place for you. I am always impressed with the ceilings. The statues, mosaic and art work are just stunning. Here's a little tip for you : for £5 staff in the gift shop will take you to the top of the bell tower where you can enjoy the terrific view of London. read more

Walk quickly by the shops on Victoria Street and you'll miss this gem. A bit hidden and set back from Victoria street at Francis Street rises this red brick cathedral with it's architectural structure inspired by Hagia Sophia and the like. Check open times and/or concerts available. Climb up the tower, for a small fee, for great view of London. Return at night when it's all lit up, especially if a concert is on, or purchase a concert ticket and enjoy the acoustics. read more

Breathtakingly beautiful! I'll have to tell my great grandchildren to go one day so they can see the finished ceiling :) All of the mosaics in the side chapels were gorgeous. Finishing the rest will certainly put it on the map for more tourists! I've read accounts of how the Hagia Sophia used to positively glow during the daytime. This will be the same one day, and what a sight it will be to behold! You should check it out so you can tell everyone that you got to see it 'before it was cool.' read more

Westminster Cathederal is truly breathtaking, The design on the walls and celing are really ture works of art within themselves, however outside the Cathedral is rather disapointing when you have seen the inside, the inside is more traditional whilst the outside is more of an ugly modern building.Nonetheless it is still a magical place to visit, I wouldn't reccomend taking young children though as they will gte bored easily. read more

Amazing architecture and brilliant views! =D