St Clement Danes Church: The Central Church of the Royal Air Force in London
Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.
St Clement Danes Church, located on the Strand in London, is a historic Anglican church designed by Sir Christopher Wren and rebuilt in 1682. It is famed as the Central Church of the Royal Air Force, serving as a memorial shrine to RAF personnel who died in service. The church’s iconic bells play the tune from the nursery rhyme 'Oranges and Lemons,' and its interior features over 1,000 RAF squadron badges carved in Welsh slate. The church was heavily damaged during WWII and restored by the RAF, reopening in 1958.
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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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the official website for any special closures or events before visiting, as RAF ceremonies can affect opening hours.
- Attend a Sunday choral service at 11:00 to experience the church’s renowned Anglican choir and spiritual atmosphere.
- Look for the over 1,000 RAF squadron badges carved into the Welsh slate floor near the altar.
- Observe the visible wartime damage on the church’s exterior walls as a reminder of its WWII history.
- Listen for the bells playing the 'Oranges and Lemons' tune daily at 9 am, noon, 3 pm, and 6 pm.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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London Underground
Access St Clement Danes via Temple station on the Circle and District lines, approximately a 5-7 minute walk. Services run frequently throughout the day; ticket prices range from £2.50 to £6.00 depending on zones and time.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the Strand area, including routes 15, 23, and 139, with stops within 200 meters of the church. Buses operate regularly with single fares around £1.75 using contactless payment.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services can drop you directly on the Strand near the church. Travel times vary with traffic but typically range from 10 to 30 minutes from central London. Expect fares starting around £10.
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Walking
If staying nearby in central London, walking to St Clement Danes is convenient and scenic, with pedestrian-friendly routes from Covent Garden or Trafalgar Square taking 10-20 minutes on mostly flat terrain.
St Clement Danes Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St Clement Danes Church
A Millennium of History Rooted in the Danes
St Clement Danes Church stands on the Strand in London, near the Royal Courts of Justice. Its origins trace back to the 9th century when Danish settlers, granted land by Alfred the Great, founded a church dedicated to St Clement, the patron saint of mariners. The church’s name reflects this Danish heritage, and it became a burial site for notable figures such as King Harold Harefoot in 1040. Over centuries, the church was rebuilt multiple times, with the medieval structure surviving the Great Fire of London in 1666 but eventually falling into disrepair.Architectural Masterpiece by Sir Christopher Wren
Between 1680 and 1682, the church was comprehensively rebuilt by the renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren, incorporating the existing tower which was reclad in Portland stone. The design featured a Baroque style with a distinctive apse at the east end. In 1719, the steeple was added by James Gibbs, completing the iconic silhouette that crowns the building. This structure survived until the Second World War, when it was severely damaged by a Luftwaffe incendiary bomb during the Blitz in 1941, leaving only the outer walls and steeple standing.Transformation into the Royal Air Force’s Central Church
After remaining in ruins for over a decade, the Royal Air Force undertook the restoration of St Clement Danes as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the Allied Air Forces during WWII. The church was fully restored under the supervision of Sam Lloyd and reconsecrated in 1958 in a ceremony attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. It became the Central Church of the Royal Air Force, housing Books of Remembrance listing over 150,000 casualties and displaying RAF memorabilia, including statues of heroes and badges of squadrons hand-carved from Welsh slate embedded in the stone floor.Spiritual and Cultural Significance Today
St Clement Danes continues to serve as a place of worship and remembrance, with a vibrant Anglican choral tradition. Regular services such as Choral Matins and Eucharist are held, open to the public, alongside special ceremonies commemorating RAF events. The church is also home to the RAF Chaplaincy Services, providing pastoral care to the RAF community. Its bells famously chime the tune from the nursery rhyme “Oranges and Lemons” four times daily, connecting visitors to centuries of London’s cultural heritage.Architectural and Historical Features to Discover
Visitors can explore the church’s remarkable features, including the original wooden pulpit by Grinling Gibbons, preserved through the Blitz, and the crypt, now a bright chapel. The exterior bears visible scars from wartime bombings, serving as a poignant reminder of the church’s resilience. The steeple, a landmark added in the early 18th century, is currently under restoration to preserve its historic character for future generations.Setting and Legacy in the Heart of London
Situated on an island in the middle of the bustling Strand, St Clement Danes occupies a unique urban position amidst London’s historic legal and cultural district. The church’s survival and rebirth symbolize both the city’s rich past and its enduring spirit. As the RAF’s family church, it offers a solemn yet inspiring space for reflection, remembrance, and community, bridging centuries of history with contemporary significance.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Clement Danes Church
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Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.
Bomber Harris Memorial
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A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.
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King's College London
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Temple Station
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Store X
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London Transport Museum - Shop
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not just a shop
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The Moomin Shop London
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- 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
