St. Stephen Walbrook, London

St. Stephen Walbrook, the parish church of the Lord Mayor, is the kind of building that hides genius behind modesty. Designed by none other than Sir Christopher Wren himself between 1672 and 1679, this church is often considered the crown jewel of his many City creations. In fact, its splendid dome鈥攚ith its intricate plasterwork and elegant coffering鈥攚as something of a dress rehearsal for his later hit, St. Paul鈥檚 Cathedral.

From the outside, you might think you鈥檝e stumbled upon just another old London church. But step inside and鈥攂am!鈥攖he space opens up into a light-filled, domed wonder, ringed by graceful columns. It's the architectural equivalent of a surprise party. Look closer and you鈥檒l spot beautifully carved figures decorating the font cover and pulpit canopy, which seem to float in artistic conversation with a massive, minimalist white stone altar by Henry Moore鈥攁 modernist touch that somehow feels perfectly at home in this classical space.

And then there鈥檚 the telephone in a glass case鈥攜es, that's right鈥攁 touching tribute to Rector Chad Varah, who, in 1953, picked up that phone and founded the Samaritans鈥攁 now world-famous helpline offering a listening ear to anyone in emotional distress. Sometimes, a simple call can change everything...

St. Stephen鈥檚 is also home to the London Internet Church鈥攜es, church meets Wi-Fi. It brings together believers from across the globe for worship and spirited discussions, all in the digital realm.

And if music is your thing, you鈥檙e in luck. The church runs a vibrant program of free concerts, including Tuesday lunchtime performances at 1 pm and Friday organ recitals at 12:30 pm.

Tip:
Bring a sandwich鈥攜es, lunch and Bach are totally encouraged here.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 黑料吃瓜网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: St. Stephen Walbrook
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

City of London Walking Tour

Walking Tours in London, England

Create Your Own Walk in London

Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

South Bank Walking Tour

London鈥檚 South Bank, stretching along the southern side of the River Thames, roughly between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, is one of the most interesting and liveliest parts of the British capital. Here, London鈥檚 old soul and modern edge shake hands... and then probably go grab a pint together. Famous for its arts, culture, food, and scenic riverside walks, the area has a long and... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles

London's Historic Pubs Walk

If there鈥檚 any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.

With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles

City of London Walking Tour

The City of London, often referred to simply as the City (with the capital C), is the historic and financial core of the British capital. Despite being just over one square mile in area (for which reason it is also lovingly dubbed the Square Mile), it holds immense importance as the original site of Londinium, the Roman settlement founded circa 43 AD. Over the centuries, this small patch of land... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles

Jane Austen鈥檚 London

The celebrated English novelist Jane Austen primarily lived between Bath and Hampshire. However, London also held a special significance in Austen's life. Many of her novels drew inspiration from the capital, like Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham鈥檚 elopement in 鈥淧ride & Prejudice.鈥�

One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles

Walk around Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, the British monarch's official residence, is a must-see for anyone visiting London, but so are the adjacent royal establishments that give a unique window into the royal way of life. On this self-guided walking tour, along with Buckingham Palace and its memorable fountain, you will visit the St. James's private royal residence, the wonderful Queen's Gallery, and... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

London Introduction Walking Tour

London: the capital of England, heart of the UK, and international heavyweight in history, culture, and sheer charm. Its name comes straight out of Rome. Londinium was founded circa 43 AD as a trading post. Then came Queen Boudica in 61 AD, who, let鈥檚 say, didn鈥檛 care much for Roman urban planning and burnt it to the ground. But Londinium wasn鈥檛 one to stay down鈥攊t bounced back,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles

View all walking tours in London, England

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip

London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers

Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...