Description
St Mary-le-Bow Church is one of the most famous medieval foundations in the City of London, offering families a peaceful step back into British heritage. Located grandly on Cheapside, one of the city's oldest thoroughfares, this architectural masterpiece serves as a vital historical symbol of London's endurance. If you are exploring the capital with your family, discovering this ancient building is one of the best things to do with kids in the City of London, providing a historic church experience that connects children to centuries of legendary folklore and stunning design.
Visiting this historic landmark is incredibly budget-friendly, as entry to the main church building is completely free for all visitors. While donations are always welcome to support the upkeep of the building, families can walk straight in during standard opening hours to explore the history at no cost. This makes it an ideal, stress-free stop to add to your day out without worrying about booking fees or ticket prices.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines captivating British history, unique artifacts, and a quiet space to reset, this landmark is a perfect choice. It allows children to step through a thousand years of city history, from Norman conquerors to the Second World War Blitz, making it both an educational and visually engaging spot for curious young minds.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Top Features
- Educational Day Out: A brilliant way for kids to track structural history, seeing how an 11th-century Norman site was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren and later restored after the Blitz.
- Storytelling Experience: Rich with famous folklore narratives, from the childhood legend of Dick Whittington to the traditional definition of a true London "Cockney".
- Sensory Play of Old and New: The striking visual contrast of a 68-metre historic stone spire topped by a giant golden dragon soaring above modern city offices.
- Quiet Zone: Offers a calm, peaceful environment, making it a fantastic sanctuary for families needing a quiet break from the busy London streets.
Highlights
- The Legendary Bow Bells: These world-famous bells are renowned for defining Cockney culture, as tradition states you must be born within earshot to be a true Cockney. Kids will love hearing how these very bells supposedly called Dick Whittington back to London to become Lord Mayor.
- The Giant Golden Dragon: Perched proudly at the very top of the 68-metre spire sits a spectacular nine-foot-tall golden dragon cast in copper. Children can look up to spot the red cross of the City of London painted beneath its wings.
- The 11th-Century Norman Crypt: Beneath the church floor lies an atmospheric undercroft dating back to 1080. It features the sturdy round stone arches that gave the church its name, "le-Bow," from the Old English word for arch.
- The Majestic Wren Architecture: Rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666, the church features a spectacular tower built of Portland stone. It stands as the third highest of all Wren spires in London, surpassed only by St Paul's and St Bride's.
- The Modern Stained-Glass Windows: After being severely damaged by bombs during the Second World War, the interior was beautifully restored. Families can admire the bright, colorful modern stained-glass windows that replaced the glass lost in the Blitz.
Beyond the Main Attraction: After exploring the church, families can easily wander down the street to visit St Paul's Cathedral or take a short walk to the Guildhall Art Gallery to see London's ancient Roman Amphitheatre. The nearby One New Change shopping centre features a free roof terrace elevator ride, providing spectacular close-up views of the city skyline. Families can also explore the historic lanes of Bow Lane and Watling Street, which are packed with independent sandwich shops and family-friendly places for a lunch break.
0.22 miles
