The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
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It is believed that there has been a church on the Southwark Cathedral site since AD 606 making it the oldest cathedral church building in London. Having been around for at least 1,400 years, there’s plenty of history and architecture to learn about and appreciate.
Any and all are welcome to attend acts of worship but visitor restrictions may apply due to services or other activities taking place. Tours are available for groups as well as individuals.
You can find Southwark Cathedral on the South Bank close to London Bridge and very close to Borough Market.
Writers from Chaucer to Charles Dickens and virtually everyone in between including, of course, Shakespeare attended this church making it a must-see attraction for any English Literature lovers. Shakespeare even has a monument in the cathedral. Budding writers might find this a good place to pray for inspiration if they have writer’s block.
The Cathedral has excellent accessibility for both young and old making it perfect for multi-generational days out.
London Bridge
London
SE1 9DA
(+44) 20 7367 6700
Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 8.30 am to 6 pm. Main visiting times are 10 am to 5 pm.
I’m not really a churchy person but I came here with my family because we heard that it is likely the oldest church in London which is pretty cool. Visiting a church wouldn’t be my first choice of things to do but it was interesting hearing about the people who attended the church, like Shakespeare. We went to Southbank afterwards which I definitely preferred but if you’re into historical churches or London history then give it a visit.
You can find loads more information by Laura Porter at aboutlondonlaura.com
This afternoon I went to Southwark Cathedral with a group of students but we were turned away.
This Cathedral is my favorite both for its beauty and for a sentimental reason, my mother loved it. We would come here with all the family for midnight Mass at Christmas.
Anyway I suggested to the lady who turned us away that we could take it in turns to enter in small groups of five and that the others would wait outside until that group came out. We were still refused entry because she said that they knew we were part of a group!!!
How sad! No flexibility or willingness to find a solution.
I was really upset and felt so sad.
I will be back with my students as they are so keen to see it.