Visit Southwark Cathedral — explore over 1,000 years of faith, music, and history near London Bridge in the heart of the South Bank.

Visit Southwark Cathedral London

Tucked beside London Bridge and the bustling Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral is a peaceful sanctuary with a history stretching back over a millennium. It’s London’s oldest Gothic church and one of the city’s most beautiful places of worship — a space where faith, architecture, and community have met for centuries.

Step inside, and you’ll find soaring stone arches, medieval tombs, and connections to some of Britain’s greatest writers.

From Monastery to Cathedral

The story of Southwark Cathedral begins around AD 606, when a small convent stood on this riverside site. By the 12th century, it had grown into an Augustinian priory known as St Mary Overie — “St Mary over the river.”

After the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, the priory became a parish church, serving the growing community of Southwark. In 1905, it was elevated to cathedral status, becoming the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Southwark.

Its long history mirrors the changing face of London itself — from medieval trade hub to modern metropolis.

Architecture and Atmosphere
Gothic Grandeur

The cathedral’s striking Early English Gothic design features pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and tall stained-glass windows that fill the nave with colour and light. The calm beauty of its architecture contrasts beautifully with the lively energy of the South Bank outside.

The Retrochoir and Lady Chapel

Built in the 13th century, these serene spaces contain medieval stonework and memorials to local families and clergy. Their quiet atmosphere invites reflection and prayer.

A Church of Writers and Pilgrims

Southwark Cathedral has long been linked to literature and theatre. The Shakespeare family worshipped here — and a memorial to William Shakespeare stands in the south aisle, complete with a quill and laurel wreath.

Other notable figures connected to the cathedral include:

John Harvard, founder of Harvard University, baptised here in 1607.

Chaucer’s pilgrims, who began their fictional journey to Canterbury from nearby Tabard Inn.

Because of these ties, the cathedral is often described as “the spiritual home of London’s storytellers.”

The River and the City

Southwark’s location beside the River Thames shaped its identity. For centuries, it served dockworkers, merchants, and travellers crossing into the City of London. The nearby London Bridge, Borough Market, and Globe Theatre all have deep historical links to the cathedral’s community.

Today, the building continues its ancient role — welcoming locals, visitors, and pilgrims alike.

Music and Worship

Music lies at the heart of cathedral life. The Southwark Cathedral Choir performs daily services, evensong, and concerts throughout the year. Visitors can attend regular worship or simply sit and enjoy the peace and sound of sacred music filling the nave.

The cathedral also hosts art installations, lectures, and community events — blending spiritual tradition with contemporary culture.

Things to Do Nearby

Southwark Cathedral sits in one of London’s liveliest districts. Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as:

Borough Market – London’s oldest food market, packed with gourmet stalls.

The Globe Theatre – Reconstructed Elizabethan playhouse dedicated to Shakespeare.

The Shard – Panoramic views of the city from Western Europe’s tallest building.

The Clink Prison Museum – Explore a notorious medieval jail.

Tower Bridge – Iconic Victorian bascule bridge, just a riverside walk away.

Plan Your Visit

Managed by: The Chapter of Southwark Cathedral

Entry: Free; donations welcome.

Location: London Bridge, SE1 9DA.

Transport: Nearest station – London Bridge (rail and Underground).

Opening Hours: Daily, 8am–6pm (hours may vary for services).

Facilities: Café, shop, restrooms, and accessible routes.

Guided Tours: Available daily; check on-site schedule.

For more information, please visit Official Southwark Cathedral website

Why Visit Southwark Cathedral?

The Southwark Cathedral London experience combines history, faith, and culture in one unforgettable visit. Here, ancient stone walls tell stories of kings, pilgrims, and poets, while music and worship continue traditions nearly 1,000 years old.

Whether you come for quiet reflection, architectural beauty, or literary history, Southwark Cathedral offers a serene counterpoint to London’s vibrant South Bank.

Step inside this riverside sanctuary — and discover one of the city’s most soulful historic treasures.