St Martin in The Fields Church

With the National Gallery, Nelson’s column and the grandeur of Trafalgar Square it is easy to overlook this wonderful marvel. The current building has been here for nearly three hundred years, but has been the site of worship since the thirteenth century. Hard to believe when you stand in the square but this sanctuary garnered its name originally because it did actually reside “in the fields” between the cities of Westminster and London.

The church itself has a subtle beauty that quickly wins you over and their work with the homeless is certainly admirable. You find yourself drawn back here though by the delightful concerts they put on both during lunch and in the evening, the oasis that is the delicious Cafe in the Crypt right below the church and the memorable brass rubbing center. It isn’t hard to disregard this among the many sites of London, but it is a marvel that deserves a spot on your “must see” list.

Try to plan your visit here to coincide with one of their many fantastic concerts. In my experience the performances have always been excellent and its a wonderful way to experience the space.

This was one of our highlights on our trip to London, and we did it on a whim-being whimsical can be wonderful, and this trip to St. Martin-in-the-Fields was all that and more. Our family of four husband, wife, 14 year old son and 10 year old daughter all gave this place a thumbs up and A+++, here is why. It is conveniently located at Trafalgar Square, where you will see the Nelson Memorial with those great lions ( you have to see, sit and take a photo on those-a couple posed for their wedding pictures on the lions while we were there-it was tough for her in the gown, but she did it), the British National Gallery is right there with some of the greatest portraits in the world-and the views from the Square itself are beautiful.

St. Martin has something for everyone, there are MusicalConcerts going on all the time, some are free-check the paper or their website for specifics. They have a Cafe-the food is served cafeteria style with plenty of choices to keep everyone happy, the prices are reasonable and the profits support the Churchs' work with the homeless-it's a win-win. The Brass Rubbing Center is great-we each did our own rubbing-the staff helps you so that even the artistically challenged (like me) can get a pretty result, that beomes a decorative souviner that you made yourself, that when framed is a constant and lovely reminder of the trip, and family memories that will become part of your childs legacy and family legend. The cost for the rubbing is quite reasonable. When we were there there was a grandmother and granddaughter making Christmas gifts for the family-they come in once a month. There is a Gift Shop there where you can purchase Brass Rubbibg Kits and Supplies to bring home, plus all sorts of other interesting gift items.

When we were there (mid April) there was an open air market at the back of the Church-great gift items at tiny prices and all sorts of wonderful things, a much lower prices than any of the stores-plus in the tradition of open air markets you can haggle over the price a bit, which adds to the fun. My daughter got all her gifts ( pencils and inexpensive items like that), learned how to compare prices at different tables, and haggle a bit, for her friends there and still had a bit to spare.

Our children voted to return to St. Martins' on our last day in London to do a family brass rubbing-that was what they wanted to do the most. My advice-GO TO ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS-you won't regret it, and it will become a treasured part of your trip.