St Paul’s Church Covent Garden: The Historic Actors’ Church of London
Historic neo-classical church in Covent Garden, famed as the Actors’ Church with deep theatrical roots and an iconic classical portico.
St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, London, is a historic Anglican church designed by Inigo Jones in the 1630s. Known as the Actors’ Church, it has deep ties to London’s theatrical heritage and features a striking classical portico facing Covent Garden Piazza. Despite a major fire in 1795, the church was restored to its original design and remains a vibrant venue for worship, memorials, and performances in the heart of London’s West End.
A brief summary to St Paul’s Church Covent Garden
- Bedford St, London, WC2E 9ED, GB
- +442078365221
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the churchyard to see the graves of notable figures like JMW Turner and the first victim of the Great Plague.
- Look for the hundreds of memorial plaques inside commemorating famous actors, playwrights, and theatre professionals.
- Admire the classical Tuscan portico facing Covent Garden Piazza, a famous but false entrance due to altar placement.
- Check the church’s event schedule for concerts and theatrical performances held in this historic venue.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Piccadilly Line to Covent Garden station, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to St Paul’s Church. The station is well-serviced but can be crowded during peak hours. Single fares cost around £2.50-£5.00 depending on the time and ticket type.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Covent Garden, including routes 9, 15, and 242. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Bus fares start at £1.75 with contactless payment or Oyster card.
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Walking
If you are nearby in central London, walking to St Paul’s Church offers a pleasant experience through historic streets. Walking times range from 10 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point, with mostly flat and paved terrain.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you directly at Bedford Street. Travel times depend on traffic, typically 10-20 minutes from central London areas. Expect fares to start around £8-£15.
St Paul’s Church Covent Garden 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 Paul’s Church Covent Garden
A Visionary Design by Inigo Jones in a New London Square
St Paul’s Church was commissioned in 1631 by Francis Russell, the 4th Earl of Bedford, as part of his grand redevelopment of the Covent Garden area, transforming what was once a convent garden into London’s first planned residential square. The renowned architect Inigo Jones, a pioneer of neo-classical architecture in England, designed the church between 1631 and 1633. Jones modeled the building on classical Roman temples, featuring a distinctive Tuscan portico with two square and two round columns facing Covent Garden Piazza. Although originally intended as the main entrance, this portico is a false front because church tradition required the altar to be at the east end, leading to the real entrance being placed at the west side through the churchyard.Historical Challenges and Restoration
The church was consecrated in 1638 but faced early disputes over its independence from the nearby St Martin-in-the-Fields. By the late 18th century, St Paul’s had fallen into disrepair, prompting a major restoration led by architect Thomas Hardwick in the 1780s. Unfortunately, in 1795, a fire caused by plumbers devastated much of the interior, sparing only the walls and some key features like the pulpit attributed to Grinling Gibbons. Hardwick was again commissioned to restore the church, which reopened in 1798 largely faithful to Jones’ original vision. Further Victorian-era modifications altered the interior, including the removal of galleries and raising the altar’s prominence.The Actors’ Church and Its Theatrical Legacy
St Paul’s is famously known as the Actors’ Church due to its long-standing association with London’s theatre community dating back to the 17th century. The nearby Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and Covent Garden Theatre (now the Royal Opera House) have cemented this connection. The church houses hundreds of memorial plaques honoring actors, playwrights, directors, and other theatre professionals, including luminaries such as Charlie Chaplin, Noël Coward, Vivien Leigh, and Ivor Novello. It also played a role in cultural history, being the site of the first recorded Punch and Judy show in 1662, as noted by diarist Samuel Pepys. The church’s portico famously appears in Bernard Shaw’s play "Pygmalion," symbolizing the meeting place of Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins.A Living Church and Cultural Venue
Today, St Paul’s continues to serve as an active place of worship and community gathering. It hosts a variety of events including concerts, weddings, baptisms, and memorials, particularly for those connected to the performing arts. The church’s movable pews accommodate performances and community events, maintaining its role as a vibrant cultural hub in central London. The surrounding churchyard, landscaped with rose bushes and gardens, offers a tranquil contrast to the bustling piazza and commemorates notable figures such as painter JMW Turner and the first victim of the Great Plague.Architectural and Social Significance
St Paul’s stands as one of the earliest neo-classical buildings in England and the first purpose-built Protestant church in London since the Reformation. Its austere yet elegant design reflects the religious and political changes of the Stuart era. The church’s history also touches on the social realities of its time, including parish records documenting abandoned children and the hardships faced by local residents. Despite these challenges, the church has endured as a symbol of resilience and community spirit in Covent Garden.Enduring Symbol of London’s Theatrical Heart
With nearly 400 years of history, St Paul’s Church Covent Garden remains a cherished landmark blending architectural heritage, theatrical tradition, and spiritual life. Its iconic portico continues to welcome visitors, while the church’s interior and grounds preserve stories of London’s cultural past. Whether admired for its classical beauty, theatrical connections, or community role, St Paul’s offers a unique window into the evolving story of London’s West End.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Plaque: David Garrick
0.1 km
Honoring David Garrick, the 18th-century actor and theatre innovator, with a commemorative plaque in London’s historic theatre district.
Bow St
0.2 km
Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
John Adam St & Adam St
0.2 km
Explore John Adam Street & Adam Street, heart of the Adam brothers’ neoclassical Adelphi development, blending Georgian elegance with modern London vibrancy.
Agatha Christie memorial
0.3 km
A captivating bronze tribute to Agatha Christie, celebrating her literary genius and theatrical legacy in London's vibrant theatre district.
Strand
0.3 km
Historic London thoroughfare linking Westminster and the City, famed for grand hotels, cultural landmarks, and hidden historical treasures.
St Martin-in-the-Fields Church Path
0.3 km
Georgian masterpiece and spiritual anchor of Trafalgar Square, influencing church architecture worldwide.
Historic Seven Dials
0.3 km
Discover Seven Dials, a historic London quarter where seven streets meet at a unique sundial pillar, blending rich heritage with vibrant culture.
Richard D’Oyly Carte Monument
0.4 km
A sculptural homage to Richard D’Oyly Carte’s theatrical and hospitality legacy, nestled in the serene Victoria Embankment Gardens.
Henry Fawcett Monument
0.4 km
A serene Victorian fountain memorializing Henry Fawcett’s pioneering spirit in social reform and women’s suffrage, nestled in tranquil Embankment Gardens.
Eleanor Cross
0.4 km
A Victorian Gothic Revival monument marking the final resting place of Queen Eleanor’s funeral procession, blending medieval legacy with London’s historic heart.
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
0.4 km
Discover Neal’s Yard, a colorful hidden courtyard in Covent Garden transformed from dereliction into a thriving hub of community, sustainability, and alternative culture.
Major-General Lord Cheylesmore Monument
0.4 km
A serene stone tribute in Victoria Embankment Gardens honoring Major-General Lord Cheylesmore’s military and civic legacy.
Michael Faraday Statue
0.4 km
Discover the legacy of science at the Michael Faraday Statue in London, a stunning tribute to innovation and discovery in the heart of the city.
York Watergate
0.4 km
Discover the York Watergate, a rare 17th-century gateway marking the old Thames riverside and London's vanished aristocratic waterfront.
Charing Cross
0.4 km
Explore the vibrant Charing Cross station in London, a historic transport hub surrounded by iconic attractions and rich culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Covent Garden
0.0 km
Discover Covent Garden’s lively markets, iconic theatres, vibrant street performances, and charming hidden courtyards in the heart of London’s West End.
Covent Garden, street shows
0.0 km
Experience the vibrant legacy of Covent Garden’s world-famous street performers, bringing daily magic and artistry to London’s historic piazza.
Huntfun Covent Garden
0.0 km
Explore Covent Garden through an engaging self-guided treasure hunt blending history, artisan markets, and lively street performances.
Punch & Judy
0.1 km
Historic Covent Garden pub named after iconic puppet shows, blending lively atmosphere, traditional fare, and vibrant street views.
Floral Street
0.1 km
Discover Floral Street’s vibrant, sustainable floral fragrances in London’s stylish Covent Garden flagship store.
Music at Covent Garden
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant live music and rich cultural heritage at Covent Garden, London's iconic West End soundscape.
Jubilee Market
0.1 km
Historic Covent Garden market with antiques, crafts, and vibrant food stalls in a lively, iconic London setting.
London Transport Museum
0.2 km
Explore over 200 years of London’s transport history through iconic vehicles, interactive exhibits, and hidden underground tours in Covent Garden.
Vaudeville Theatre
0.2 km
Historic West End theatre with intimate seating, acclaimed productions, and a prime Strand location near London’s cultural landmarks.
Adelphi Theatre
0.2 km
Experience world-class musicals and rich theatrical history in the elegant Art Deco setting of London’s Adelphi Theatre on the iconic Strand.
Slingsby Place
0.2 km
Discover the serene charm of Slingsby Place, a historic pedestrian courtyard in Covent Garden with lush greenery, dining, and cultural flair.
Goodwin’s Court
0.2 km
Step into Goodwin’s Court, a hidden Georgian alley in Covent Garden where history, mystery, and cinematic magic blend in timeless charm.
Royal Ballet and Opera
0.2 km
Experience world-class ballet and opera in the historic and stunning Royal Opera House at London’s vibrant Covent Garden.
London Film Museum
0.2 km
Explore the largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles in London’s vibrant Covent Garden hub.
St Martin's Courtyard
0.2 km
Covent Garden's chic courtyard escape: stylish shops, global eats, and pop-up magic in a reborn urban haven.
Essential places to dine
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.0 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Palm Court Brasserie
0.1 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Clos Maggiore
0.1 km
Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Chez Antoinette
0.1 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.1 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Rules
0.1 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.1 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Balthazar
0.2 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Inamo Covent Garden
0.2 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
0.2 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
0.3 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
J Sheekey
0.3 km
Classic British seafood excellence in Covent Garden’s elegant, theatre-adjacent dining gem.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
0.3 km
Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Circus
0.3 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Sarastro
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Moomin Shop London
0.1 km
Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.1 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.1 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
0.2 km
Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
0.2 km
Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Urban Outfitters
0.3 km
Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Rokit Covent Garden
0.3 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
0.3 km
Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
Good
0.3 km
Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
Pop Boutique
0.3 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Unique Britain
0.4 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and artistic keepsakes in the heart of London’s lively West End on historic Cranbourn Street.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
0.4 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
Gifts of London
0.4 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Forbidden Planet London Megastore
0.5 km
London’s ultimate destination for comics, collectibles, and cult pop culture treasures in the heart of the West End.
Cool Britania
0.5 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mrs Riot
0.1 km
Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
Upstairs At Rules
0.1 km
Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
All Bar One Covent Garden
0.1 km
Stylish Covent Garden wine bar serving shareable plates, extensive wines, and cocktails in a lively West End setting—ideal for pre-theatre drinks or group gatherings.
Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
0.1 km
Dive into Blame Gloria’s neon-lit retro cocktail haven in Covent Garden, where legendary rock vibes and wild themed brunches electrify your night.
Crusting Pipe
0.1 km
Covent Garden wine bar pouring Davy’s finest ports amid live music, British classics and cosy nooks—perfect for pre-theatre indulgence or market rendezvous.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
0.1 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
0.2 km
Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
0.2 km
Step into a Victorian explorer’s world with inventive cocktails, immersive storytelling, and a mechanical mixologist in Covent Garden’s unique speakeasy.
Oriole
0.2 km
Oriole invites you on a captivating global cocktail journey in Covent Garden, blending exotic flavours, elegant ambiance, and live music.
The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
0.2 km
Experience theatrical cocktails and vibrant dining in the heart of Covent Garden’s iconic theatre district.
Blind Spot London
0.2 km
Discover a secretive speakeasy with globally inspired cocktails and intimate ambiance tucked inside St Martin’s Lane Hotel, Covent Garden.
Mr Fogg's Tavern
0.2 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired tavern in Covent Garden, where inventive cocktails meet hearty British fare in an eclectic and lively setting.
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
0.3 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
0.3 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
The Harp, Covent Garden
0.3 km
A historic Covent Garden pub famed for award-winning ales, traditional ciders, and a timeless, welcoming atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.3 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.
The Ivy Club
0.3 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
The Roxy
0.4 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.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.4 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
Heaven
0.4 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Proud Late
0.4 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.4 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
The Penthouse London
0.5 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Carwash Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Club49Soho
0.6 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
La Capannina Club
0.6 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Luxe Club
0.6 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
TSQ Club
0.6 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Tiger Tiger London
0.6 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
Sophisticats Soho
0.7 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
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
- Photowalk
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
