London’s not short of beautiful churches each with its own story to tell and its own secrets to share. But St James’s in Piccadilly could really say it qualifies as a ‘hidden gem’, partly because it’s virtually hidden from view by the church’s lovely garden and the street food stalls that line the garden. The church is situated just off Piccadilly, one of the busiest thoroughfares in London’s West End and closer inspection reveals truly a hidden delight.
It was built by London’s most famous architect Sir Christopher Wren in 1684 and was supposed to be one of his favourite churches. Noticeable for its red brick exterior, Portland stone dressings and clear glass windows that flood the open interior with natural light.
Like so many of the city’s churches it was damaged in the Blitz of 1940 and had to be extensively restored.
Today St James’s proudly calls itself a progressive, liberal and campaigning church and just one charming secret I can share: Go lunchtimes, it’s free to enter (though donations are welcome) and very often there is a choir practicing that you can sit and listen to.