Church Entry: A Medieval Passage Through Blackfriars’ History
Discover Church Entry, a narrow medieval alley in Blackfriars tracing the vanished priory church’s sacred junction beneath its ancient tower.
Church Entry is a narrow historic alleyway in London’s Blackfriars area, tracing the line where the ancient Blackfriars priory church’s nave met its choir. This atmospheric passageway follows the footprint of a medieval monastic complex, with connections to the cloisters and the tower that once rose above the church. Today, it offers a rare glimpse into London’s monastic past amid a quiet, tucked-away urban setting.
A brief summary to Church Entry
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the alley’s atmospheric shadows and historic setting.
- Explore the nearby pocket gardens along Church Entry for a peaceful break amid the City’s bustle.
- Look for subtle architectural details and plaques that hint at the site’s monastic past.
- Combine your visit with nearby historic sites like Apothecaries’ Hall and St Paul’s Cathedral.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
Take the London Underground to Blackfriars Station, approximately a 5-minute walk to Church Entry. The station is served by the Circle and District lines. Expect a short urban walk on paved streets with some steps near the entrance.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Blackfriars, including routes 45 and 63. From the bus stop, it is a 5-10 minute walk to Church Entry along mostly flat, paved roads. Buses run frequently throughout the day with standard Transport for London fares.
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Walking
If you are exploring central London, Church Entry is accessible on foot from St Paul’s Cathedral in about 10-15 minutes. The route involves navigating narrow city lanes and some cobbled surfaces, suitable for most walkers but may be uneven in places.
Church Entry location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Church Entry
Echoes of a Lost Monastic World
Church Entry is a unique surviving feature of the Blackfriars priory, a Dominican monastic complex established in the late 13th century. The alleyway marks the exact line where the nave and choir of the priory church joined, with the tower once standing above this junction. The name 'Church Entry' derives from a doorway that led from the cloisters into the church beneath the tower, a passage used by the friars for their daily rituals. Although no physical traces of the original doorway remain, the alley preserves the spatial memory of this medieval religious site.Monastic Architecture and Urban Layout
The Blackfriars church was designed with cloisters on the south side of the nave, allowing the friars to enjoy sunlight during cold days, as the tall nave cast shadows to the north. Church Entry runs south from Carter Lane, crossing what was once part of the church and the monastic property, including cloisters and other buildings like the refectory and guest halls. The narrowing of Carter Lane near Church Entry reflects the original priory boundaries, with monastic buildings and graveyards once lining the route.Transformation Through Time
After the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, the priory church and its cloisters were dismantled, and much of the site was redeveloped. The parish church of St Ann Blackfriars once stood nearby but was destroyed and never rebuilt; its churchyard survives as a small public garden. Despite the loss of original structures, Church Entry remains a tangible link to the medieval ecclesiastical landscape, surrounded today by modern offices and historic remnants like Apothecaries’ Hall.Hidden Gardens and Quiet Corners
Along Church Entry, visitors can find access to a raised garden and pocket parks that offer peaceful green spaces in the dense City of London. These gardens occupy former monastic grounds and churchyards, providing tranquil spots for reflection amid the urban bustle. The area’s layered history is echoed in surviving tombstones and architectural fragments relocated elsewhere, preserving the story of Blackfriars’ spiritual and social life.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Walking down Church Entry is like stepping back into Medieval London, with narrow, twisting lanes that evoke the city’s monastic past. The alley’s quiet, shadowed path contrasts with the surrounding modernity, inviting visitors to imagine the daily lives of friars entering the church through this very route. It is a place of subtle historical resonance, perfect for contemplative exploration and appreciating London's hidden heritage.Modern Context and Preservation
Today, Church Entry lies within a conservation area near St Paul’s Cathedral, surrounded by a mix of period office buildings and historic sites. While the original priory structures have vanished, the alley’s alignment and name preserve its ecclesiastical origins. The site benefits from careful urban management that balances preservation with contemporary use, allowing this medieval passageway to remain a distinctive feature of London’s rich historical tapestry.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Queen Anne Statue
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Ludgate Circus
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Temple Bar London
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Victoria Embankment
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The National Firefighters Memorial
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3 Gunpowder Square
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Blackfriars Bridge
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Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.
Holborn Viaduct
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A grand Victorian bridge spanning London's hidden Fleet valley, blending engineering innovation with ornate artistry and rich history.
Hare Pl
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Sir William Wallace Memorial
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A solemn 1956 memorial to Scotland's greatest patriot, executed here in 1305 for resisting English rule.
Prince Henry's Room
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South Bank Community Area
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London City Wall - Bastion 14
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Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
King's Reach commemoration memorial
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St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
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Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
Unmissable attractions to see
Apothecaries' Hall
0.1 km
Historic 17th-century livery hall near St Paul’s, blending rich heritage with elegant event spaces and timeless charm.
St Martin Ludgate
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Discover St Martin Ludgate, a serene Wren church blending Roman history and 17th-century elegance in the heart of London’s ancient city.
The Blackfriar
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A Grade II* listed Art Nouveau pub on the site of a medieval Dominican friary, packed with friar-themed carvings, mosaics, and stained glass in the heart of London.
Stationers' Hall
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Historic Grade I listed venue near St Paul’s Cathedral offering elegant event spaces and a secluded garden for weddings and corporate events.
Shakespeare in the City Walk
0.2 km
Discover Shakespeare’s London through hidden alleys, historic sites, and live performances on this immersive two-hour walking tour starting at Blackfriars Station.
City of London Distillery & Bar
0.2 km
Discover London’s historic gin distillery and cocktail bar, blending tradition, innovation, and over 130 gins in a stylish subterranean setting.
Punch Tavern
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Discover The Punch Tavern, a historic pub on Fleet Street, serving traditional British fare and a vast selection of drinks in a charming atmosphere.
St Bride's Church, Fleet Street
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Discover the historic heart of Fleet Street, where journalism, printing, and London’s past converge in a stunning Wren-designed church.
College of Arms
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Explore centuries of heraldic tradition at the historic College of Arms, London's official authority on coats of arms and genealogy.
St. Paul's Cathedral
0.3 km
Explore the architectural beauty and spiritual significance of St. Paul's Cathedral, a must-visit landmark in the heart of London, offering stunning views and rich history.
The Viaduct Tavern, EC1
0.4 km
Step into a lavish Victorian gin palace where London’s legal history and ghostly tales converge beneath ornate ceilings and historic cellars.
Holy Sepulchre Church
0.4 km
Discover Holy Sepulchre London, the largest City parish church, famed as the National Musicians’ Church with centuries of history and vibrant worship.
Queen Victoria St
0.4 km
A historic and vital City of London street linking iconic landmarks with Victorian-era urban vision and modern financial life.
Fleet St
0.4 km
Historic London street famed as the traditional home of British journalism, rich in literary heritage and hidden urban secrets.
Hodge The Cat Statue
0.4 km
Discover the charming bronze statue of Hodge, Samuel Johnson's beloved cat, perched on a dictionary in historic Gough Square, London.
Essential places to dine
Madison
0.5 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Sea Containers Restaurant
0.6 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
0.8 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
St. John
0.8 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Ikoyi Restaurant
0.9 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
0.9 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Wahaca Southbank
1.2 km
Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
1.2 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Sarastro
1.2 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.3 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Southbank Centre Food Market
1.3 km
A lively weekend street food market on London’s South Bank offering diverse global cuisines in a vibrant riverside setting.
George
1.3 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Strada Southbank
1.3 km
Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
The Archduke
1.3 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Ping Pong Southbank
1.3 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Bankside Arches Boutique
0.5 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
0.7 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
0.7 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
j-me original design ltd
0.7 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Twinings - The Strand
0.7 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
Sugar And Style
0.8 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
1 Poultry
0.8 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
London Silver Vaults
0.8 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
The Store X
0.9 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Barbican Shop
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The Royal Exchange
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The Old Curiosity Shop
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Borough Yards
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not just a shop
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Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Parrot
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Doggett's Coat and Badge
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Lyaness
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The Chocolate Cocktail Club
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The Understudy
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Demon, Wise & Partners
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
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Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
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Plume Wine Bar
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honestfolk Cocktail Bar (Southbank Centre Food Market)
1.3 km
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Southbank Centre, Members Bar
1.3 km
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Be At One - Russell Street
1.3 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
Beaufort Bar
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American Bar
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The Bootlegger
1.3 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
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London Best Night Clubs
1.1 km
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Proud Late
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Carwash Nightclub
1.3 km
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Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
1.4 km
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Cirque Du Soul
1.5 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
1.5 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
1.6 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Heaven
1.6 km
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Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.6 km
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The Roxy
1.6 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
1.7 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Ministry of Sound
1.7 km
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Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.7 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
XOYO LONDON
1.8 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
