Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile, London
A historic London landmark blending Alfred Waterhouse’s architecture with vibrant Ukrainian Catholic tradition in the heart of Mayfair.
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 building 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 the vibrant Ukrainian community in the UK. Its oval nave, restored domed ceiling, and impressive iconostasis by Ukrainian monk Juvenalij Mokrytsky create a unique blend of architectural heritage and Eastern Catholic spirituality.
A brief summary to Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
- Duke St, London, W1K 5BQ, GB
- +442076291534
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate terracotta details and the stunning iconostasis inside.
- Take time to study the guide next to the iconostasis to understand the religious symbolism in the paintings.
- Look for the large stone carving of the Holy Family salvaged from the original Saffron Hill Church.
- Attend a service or special event to experience the cathedral’s vibrant Ukrainian Catholic liturgy and community spirit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central Line to Bond Street station, then walk approximately 10 minutes through Mayfair’s streets to Duke Street. The station is served frequently, and the walk is on flat, paved roads suitable for most travelers.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Oxford Street, including routes 7, 98, and 390. From the bus stop, it is a 5-10 minute walk to the cathedral. Buses run regularly throughout the day with standard Transport for London fares.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you directly at Duke Street. Travel times vary from 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. This option is more comfortable for those with mobility needs or carrying luggage.
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
A Storied Architectural Legacy in London's West End
The Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile stands proudly on Duke Street, Mayfair, as a testament to London's rich religious and architectural history. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, famed for the Natural History Museum, the building was originally constructed in 1891 as the King’s Weigh House Congregational Church. This imposing structure features red brick and buff terracotta in a Romanesque style, with a distinctive oval nave and gallery seating for 900. The church’s round-arched Italianate classical design and terracotta detailing reflect Waterhouse’s signature style, while the terracotta framework at the east end includes figures symbolizing the Four Beasts of the Apocalypse, crafted under the direction of architect Sir John Burnet.Transformation into a Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
In 1968, after the original Congregational congregation had diminished and merged with another church, the building was acquired by the Ukrainian Catholic Church to serve as their cathedral. This marked a new chapter, adapting the space to Byzantine Catholic worship while preserving much of its original architectural character. The cathedral was renamed the Holy Family in Exile, symbolizing the Ukrainian diaspora’s spiritual home in Britain. Modifications included the installation of a striking iconostasis—a wall of icons and religious paintings—created by Ukrainian monk Juvenalij Mokrytsky, which separates the nave from the sanctuary and enriches the interior with Eastern Christian artistry.Historical Resilience and Restoration
The cathedral’s history is marked by resilience. During World War II, the building suffered bomb damage, including the loss of its original domed ceiling. It was requisitioned as a fire-watching and rest center, and restoration efforts continued into the 1950s. The ceiling has since been carefully restored, blending old and new elements seamlessly. In 2007, a section of the ceiling collapsed but was promptly repaired, maintaining the cathedral’s structural and aesthetic integrity. Inside, visitors can also find a large stone carving of the Holy Family salvaged from the Saffron Hill Church, the original worship place for the Ukrainian Catholic community in the UK.A Cultural and Spiritual Beacon for the Ukrainian Community
The cathedral serves as the spiritual heart for Ukrainian Catholics in Great Britain, reflecting the community’s history of migration and faith. Established formally as an ecclesiastical entity in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the UK found in this cathedral a fitting home. It welcomes worshippers and visitors alike, offering a peaceful refuge near the bustling Oxford Street. The cathedral’s interior, with its vibrant iconography and sacred atmosphere, invites contemplation and connection to Ukrainian heritage and Eastern Catholic traditions.Architectural Details and Visitor Experience
Visitors are often struck by the cathedral’s compact yet grand design, with an oval nave that enhances acoustics and sightlines. The terracotta columns and stained glass windows by Robert Anning Bell add artistic richness. Though the original towering organ no longer exists, the space retains a solemn dignity. The cathedral’s location near Bond Street tube station makes it accessible, and its welcoming atmosphere encourages quiet reflection amid the busy city. The blend of Western architectural heritage and Eastern liturgical elements creates a unique and memorable experience.Preservation and Community Significance
The cathedral, along with its former church school, hall, and minister’s house—all designed by Waterhouse—contributes positively to the Mayfair conservation area. It stands as a protected historic site that honors both its Protestant origins and its current role as a vibrant center of Ukrainian Catholic worship. The building’s conservation ensures that future generations can appreciate its architectural beauty and cultural significance, maintaining its role as a symbol of faith, resilience, and community identity in London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
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- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
