Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile, London
A historic London landmark blending Alfred Waterhouse’s architecture with vibrant Ukrainian Catholic heritage and art.
Located on Duke Street in London’s West End, the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile is a striking red brick and terracotta church designed by Alfred Waterhouse. Originally built in 1891 as the King’s Weigh House Congregational Church, it became the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in 1968, serving a growing Ukrainian community. The cathedral features an oval nave, an impressive iconostasis by a Ukrainian monk, and a rich history shaped by migration, war damage, and architectural heritage.
A brief summary to Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
- Duke St, London, W1K 5BQ, GB
- +442076291534
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate iconostasis and stained glass windows.
- Take time to read the guide next to the iconostasis to understand the religious symbolism.
- Attend a service if possible to experience the cathedral’s unique Byzantine Rite worship.
- Explore the surrounding Mayfair area for a blend of historic and modern London.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
Take the London Underground to Bond Street station on the Central or Jubilee lines; from there, it is a 7 to 10-minute walk through flat, paved streets. The station is well-served and accessible, with frequent trains and no additional cost beyond standard fares.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Duke Street, including routes 6, 98, and 390. Travel times vary between 15 and 25 minutes from central London locations. Buses run frequently during the day but can be slower during peak traffic hours.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
A taxi or ride-hailing service from central London typically takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Fares generally range from £8 to £15. This option offers door-to-door convenience but may be affected by congestion during peak times.
Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral 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 Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
Architectural Heritage and Origins
The Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile stands as a remarkable example of late 19th-century ecclesiastical architecture in London. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, famed for the Natural History Museum, the building was completed in 1891 as the King’s Weigh House Congregational Church. Its distinctive red brick and buff terracotta Romanesque style, with round-arched Italianate classical details, reflects Waterhouse’s signature aesthetic. The cathedral’s oval nave and gallery provide seating for around 900 worshippers, showcasing a compact but grand design. The terracotta framework at the east end, adorned with figures of the Four Beasts of the Apocalypse, was crafted by Sir John Burnet, who also adapted the chancel and designed the now-lost towering organ.Transformation into a Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
After decades of serving Protestant congregations and suffering bomb damage during World War II, the church’s congregation dwindled and it closed in 1966. In 1968, the building was acquired by the Ukrainian Catholic Church to serve as their cathedral, marking a new chapter in its history. Modifications were made to accommodate Byzantine Rite worship, including the installation of a magnificent iconostasis created by Ukrainian monk Juvenalij Mokrytsky. This iconostasis, a wall of icons and religious paintings, separates the nave from the sanctuary and is a focal point for visitors and worshippers alike.The Ukrainian Community and Spiritual Significance
The cathedral’s establishment reflects the waves of Ukrainian migration to London and the UK, particularly in the 19th century and post-World War II. The Ukrainian Catholic Church in Great Britain was formally established as a separate ecclesiastical entity in 1957, with the cathedral becoming its spiritual heart. It serves as a vital cultural and religious center for the Ukrainian diaspora, offering a place of worship, community gathering, and cultural preservation. The cathedral also houses a large stone carving of the Holy Family, salvaged from the original Saffron Hill Church, the first Ukrainian Catholic place of worship in the UK.Architectural and Artistic Features
Inside, the cathedral balances its architectural simplicity with rich decorative elements. The ceiling, once damaged during the war, has been carefully restored, blending old and new seamlessly. The interior’s eye-level decoration, including the iconostasis and stained glass windows by Robert Anning Bell, invites contemplation. Confessional boxes, not present in the original church, were added to suit the Ukrainian Catholic liturgical tradition. The building’s warm red brick apse glows with a nostalgic charm, making it a welcoming sanctuary amid the bustle of Oxford Street nearby.Historical Context and Resilience
The cathedral’s history is intertwined with London’s urban development and wartime challenges. Originally, the King’s Weigh House congregation was displaced from its City of London site to make way for the construction of Monument tube station, leading to the building of this church on Duke Street. The building sustained serious bomb damage during World War II and was used as a fire-watching and rest center. Its restoration in the 1950s preserved its architectural integrity. The transition from a Protestant chapel to a Ukrainian Catholic cathedral symbolizes resilience and adaptation, reflecting the evolving religious landscape of London.Present-Day Role and Visitor Experience
Today, the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral remains open and active, welcoming worshippers and visitors who seek to explore its rich heritage and spiritual atmosphere. It is a rare opportunity to see inside a building that combines British architectural tradition with Eastern European religious art and culture. The cathedral’s location near Bond Street tube station makes it accessible, offering a peaceful retreat from the surrounding commercial energy. Visitors can admire the iconostasis, stained glass, and historic stone carvings, while appreciating the cathedral’s role as a beacon of faith and cultural identity for the Ukrainian community in London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
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
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
