St Clement Danes Church
A historic church and national shrine to the Royal Air Force, where the bells chime 'Oranges and Lemons' and the walls echo with stories of sacrifice and service.
St Clement Danes Church stands as the Central Church of the Royal Air Force, a historic landmark on London’s Strand. Originally built in the 9th century and rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren in 1682, the church was destroyed during the Blitz and restored in 1958 as a national shrine to RAF personnel. Its serene interior features over 1,000 RAF badges, memorials, and the famous bells that chime the 'Oranges and Lemons' nursery rhyme. The church is a place of reflection, remembrance, and architectural beauty.
A brief summary to St Clement Danes Church
- Central Church of the Royal Air Force, Strand, London, Temple, WC2R 1DH, GB
- +442072422380
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the church’s website before visiting, as special events or services may affect opening hours.
- Take time to explore the crypt, which has been transformed into a bright and peaceful chapel.
- Look for the anchor crest by the entrance, a symbol of St Clement, the patron saint of mariners.
- Listen for the bells chiming the 'Oranges and Lemons' nursery rhyme, a tradition that dates back centuries.
- Visit the Books of Remembrance and memorials to pay respects to those who served in the RAF and allied air forces.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the Underground to Temple or Charing Cross station, both about a 5-minute walk from the church. Buses 1, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 59, 68, 76, 77, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, and 521 stop nearby, with a 2-5 minute walk to the church.
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Walking
From Trafalgar Square, walk east along the Strand for about 10 minutes. The church is on your right, set back from the road on a small island.
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Taxi
A taxi from central London will take about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The church is clearly visible from the Strand.
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Cycling
Cycle lanes run along the Strand, with bike racks available nearby. The church is about 15 minutes from most central London locations by bike.
St Clement Danes Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St Clement Danes Church
A Living Memorial to the RAF
St Clement Danes Church is more than a place of worship; it is a national shrine dedicated to the men and women of the Royal Air Force who have given their lives in service. After being gutted by bombing during the Second World War, the church was restored and reconsecrated in 1958 as the RAF’s central church. The interior is adorned with Books of Remembrance listing over 150,000 names, alongside memorials to the United States Air Force and Polish Air Force. The atmosphere is one of solemn reverence, with the quiet hum of history and sacrifice filling every corner.Architectural Legacy and Wren’s Vision
The current structure is the work of Sir Christopher Wren, completed in 1682 after the previous medieval church was deemed beyond repair. The church’s distinctive steeple, added by James Gibbs in 1719, survived the Blitz and remains a striking feature. The interior, rebuilt after the war, blends Wren’s original design with modern touches, including a floor of Welsh slate carved with more than 1,000 RAF badges. The original wooden pulpit by Grinling Gibbons, removed for safekeeping during the war, is also present.Legends, Bells, and the 'Oranges and Lemons' Connection
The church is famously linked to the nursery rhyme 'Oranges and Lemons,' with its bells chiming the tune at set times each day. The name 'Danes' comes from the belief that Danish settlers built the original church in the 9th century, and the church became a burial place for King Harold Harefoot. The legend of St Clement, patron saint of mariners, is reflected in the anchor crest by the entrance. The crypt, now a bright chapel, adds another layer to the church’s rich history.A Place of Peace Amidst the City
Despite its central location on the Strand, St Clement Danes offers a sanctuary of peace and quiet. The church is open to the public, with regular services and a welcoming atmosphere for all. Special events and services may affect visiting hours, so it is advisable to check in advance. The church’s role as a place of remembrance and reflection makes it a unique destination for visitors seeking both historical insight and spiritual solace.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Clement Danes Church
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
