St Mary Le Strand Church

Walk along the Strand, by Aldwych, and you’ll notice the traffic lanes split away from each other and a small island appear in between. This is where you’ll find St Mary Le Strand Church. The second church of this name (the first used to be located where Somerset House now stands) was completed in 1717 and the building was consecrated in 1723.

Designed by architect James Gibbs, the Baroque-style church near Covent Garden is small but beautiful. High windows help keep the traffic noise to a minimum indoors, and the impressive ceiling design alone is worth a quick visit. Since 1982, this has also been the official church of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (nicknamed The Wrens).