Church Entry: A Medieval Passage Through London's Blackfriars Heritage
Discover Church Entry, a narrow medieval alley in Blackfriars tracing the ancient Blackfriars Priory’s sacred church line beneath modern London.
Church Entry is a narrow historic alleyway in London's Blackfriars district, tracing the line of the ancient Blackfriars Priory church's nave and choir junction. This atmospheric passageway follows the footprint of a 13th-century monastic church, offering a glimpse into medieval London’s religious past amidst a modern cityscape. It leads south from Carter Lane and passes through what was once cloisters and monastic grounds, now a quiet, evocative urban lane.
A brief summary to Church Entry
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the alley’s historic atmosphere and subtle architectural details.
- Combine your visit with nearby Blackfriars landmarks like Southwark Cathedral and Apothecaries’ Hall for a richer historical experience.
- Bring a camera to capture the narrow passageway’s evocative medieval charm and the surrounding garden spaces.
- Look for the raised garden entrance along Church Entry, a remnant of the priory’s preaching nave area.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Blackfriars Station, served by the Circle and District lines, then walk approximately 5 minutes to Church Entry. The station is well connected with frequent services; a single journey costs £2.50–£4.90 with an Oyster or contactless card.
-
Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Blackfriars, including routes 45, 63, and 388. From the nearest stop, it is a 5–7 minute walk to Church Entry. Bus fares are £1.75 per journey with an Oyster or contactless card.
-
Walking
If staying nearby in the City of London, Church Entry is accessible on foot via Carter Lane. The walk involves flat, paved streets suitable for most walkers and takes about 10–15 minutes from St. Paul's Cathedral area.
Church Entry location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Church Entry
Tracing the Footsteps of a Medieval Friary
Church Entry is a slender, historic alleyway nestled in the heart of London's Blackfriars district. It marks the exact line where the nave and choir of the ancient Blackfriars Priory church once met, a rare surviving footprint of a 13th-century Dominican friary. The passageway begins at Carter Lane and runs southward, following the original alignment of the monastic church's internal divisions. Though the original structures have long vanished, the alley preserves the memory of the friary’s sacred spaces and their architectural layout.Monastic Life and Architectural Remnants
The Blackfriars church was notable for its cloisters situated to the south of the nave, a design choice intended to maximize sunlight in the cloister gardens during cold days. Church Entry itself was originally an entryway from the cloisters into the church, located beneath the towering central tower where the nave and choir met. While no physical doorway remains today, the alley’s name commemorates this historic function. Nearby, the former cloister grounds and monastic buildings once included a refectory, chapter house, and guest halls, all integral to the friars’ daily life.The Transformation into a Quiet Urban Passage
Following the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century, Blackfriars Priory was dismantled, and Church Entry evolved into a narrow city lane. Today, it offers a tranquil contrast to the bustling City of London streets nearby. Along the alley, visitors can glimpse remnants of the priory’s footprint, including access to a raised garden that was once part of the preaching nave. The surrounding area also contains historic burial grounds and pocket parks that recall the religious and community life that once thrived here.Historic Layers and Hidden Stories
Church Entry is more than just a passage; it is a doorway to stories of medieval London’s spiritual and social fabric. The adjacent St Ann Blackfriars parish church, long demolished, once served the local community, and its churchyard remains a peaceful green space. Nearby, fragments like ancient tombstones and relocated architectural elements whisper of the past. The alley’s proximity to sites like Apothecaries’ Hall and the former friary gatehouses enriches its historical context, making it a compelling destination for those interested in London's layered heritage.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Walking down Church Entry, you are enveloped in a sense of quiet history, with the narrowness of the alley and the surrounding buildings evoking the medieval streetscape. The area is ideal for contemplative strolls, photography, and appreciating the subtle interplay between London's ancient and modern identities. The alley’s intimate scale and historical significance offer a unique experience, distinct from the grander tourist landmarks nearby.Preserving a Medieval Legacy in Modern London
Though much of Blackfriars’ original fabric has disappeared, Church Entry stands as a rare surviving link to London's medieval ecclesiastical past. It reflects the city’s capacity to preserve and celebrate its history within the evolving urban environment. The alleyway invites visitors to pause and reflect on centuries of religious devotion, architectural ingenuity, and community life that shaped this part of London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Queen Anne Statue
0.2 km
Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
Ludgate Circus
0.2 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
Temple Bar London
0.2 km
Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
Victoria Embankment
0.3 km
A historic riverside promenade in London blending Victorian engineering, scenic gardens, iconic monuments, and stunning Thames views.
The National Firefighters Memorial
0.3 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
3 Gunpowder Square
0.4 km
A modern square in London’s financial district commemorating the dramatic history of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes’ daring conspiracy.
Blackfriars Bridge
0.4 km
Historic and widest Thames crossing in London, blending Victorian engineering with medieval heritage and stunning river views.
Holborn Viaduct
0.5 km
A grand Victorian bridge spanning London's hidden Fleet valley, blending engineering innovation with ornate artistry and rich history.
Hare Pl
0.5 km
Discover Hare Place in Temple, London—a serene historic enclave steeped in centuries of legal tradition and architectural charm.
Sir William Wallace Memorial
0.6 km
A solemn 1956 memorial to Scotland's greatest patriot, executed here in 1305 for resisting English rule.
Prince Henry's Room
0.6 km
Discover a rare Jacobean timber-framed treasure on Fleet Street, rich with history, ornate plasterwork, and tales from London's past.
South Bank Community Area
0.7 km
A vibrant riverside cultural and historic district in central London, home to iconic landmarks, arts venues, and scenic Thames views.
London City Wall - Bastion 14
0.7 km
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
0.7 km
Historic riverside memorial honoring King George V’s Silver Jubilee and the naming of London’s Thames stretch as 'King’s Reach'.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
0.7 km
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
0.1 km
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
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
Discover the historic heart of Fleet Street, where journalism, printing, and London’s past converge in a stunning Wren-designed church.
College of Arms
0.3 km
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
1.0 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
The Royal Exchange
1.0 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.1 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
Borough Yards
1.1 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
not just a shop
1.1 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
1.3 km
Discover creative gifts, sustainable homewares, and arts-inspired souvenirs on vibrant Mandela Walk, opposite Royal Festival Hall—a stylish treat amid South Bank's cultural heartbeat.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Parrot
0.2 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
0.5 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
Lyaness
0.6 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
The Chocolate Cocktail Club
1.0 km
London’s intimate chocolate cocktail bar blending rich flavors, stylish ambiance, and over 20 unique chocolate-infused drinks.
The Understudy
1.0 km
Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.1 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
1.2 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
1.2 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Plume Wine Bar
1.2 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
honestfolk Cocktail Bar (Southbank Centre Food Market)
1.3 km
Seasonal cocktails and classics from a cozy mobile bar at Southbank Centre Food Market, where Thames breezes mingle with market buzz and craft libations.
Southbank Centre, Members Bar
1.3 km
Elevated wine bar with Thames panoramas and cultured calm atop Royal Festival Hall—perfect for drinks amid London's arts heartbeat.
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
1.3 km
Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
American Bar
1.3 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
The Bootlegger
1.3 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- 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
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Nature Escape
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
