Southwark Cathedral

The Basics

A popular inclusion on London sightseeing tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours, Southwark Cathedral lies close to some of the city’s most popular sights. Artisan market and foodie hot spot Borough Market is right next door, as is the legendary London Bridge. The Shard is just a short stroll away, and the ships the Golden Hinde and HMS Belfast are moored along the Thames.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Admission to the cathedral is free, but visiting may be restricted when services or other activities are taking place.

• Visitor facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, and the Refectory Café.

• Southwark Cathedral is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Southwark Cathedral is located at the southern end of London Bridge in central London. The nearest tube station is London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern lines), just a 2-minute walk away.

When to Get There

The Cathedral is open daily to visitors, and worshippers are welcome to attend daily services or hourly prayers. A popular time to visit is for one of the festive carol concerts during the holiday season.

William Shakespeare and Southwark Cathedral

Southwark’s biggest claim to fame is its connection with William Shakespeare, who lived in the parish until 1613. The cathedral houses a monument to the playwright, which depicts characters from his works, and hosts a birthday service for the Bard each year on April 26. Shakespeare’s brother, Edmund, was buried at the cathedral in 1607, and Shakespeare’s famous Globe Theatre is just a short walk away.

Ways to explore

Southwark Cathedral welcomes visitors daily, although some areas may be restricted during services—check its online calendar to see what’s on. Free tours are offered on weekdays, subject to the availability of guides, and typically last for 45 minutes.

Many guided walking tours include a visit to the cathedral, while hop-on hop-off bus tours stop nearby, thanks to its prime location next to Borough Market and London Bridge. The Shard is also just a short walk away, as well as HMS Belfast.

Accessibility

Most areas of the cathedral are wheelchair accessible, although some parts are not fully accessible. It has an accessible restroom, and there is step-free access from the Millennium Courtyard via Montague Close. The cathedral offers an induction loop. Service dogs are welcome.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small bag, coins or contactless payment for donations

What to wear

Respectable clothing (shoulders and arms covered), comfortable clothes

Not allowed

Food and drink brought into the cathedral (apart from water), large bags, photography during services

Amenities

Café, gift shop, restrooms

Address

Southwark Cathedral is close to the River Thames and a 5-minute walk from London Bridge station. Many visitors explore the area on foot.

Driving

Driving to the cathedral isn’t recommended, as it doesn’t have a car park and the area is typically very congested with traffic. Public transport is a much better option.

Public transportation

If traveling by tube, take the Jubilee or Northern lines to London Bridge, or the Circle & District lines to Monument. Bus routes 17, 21, and 35 also stop at London Bridge station.

Best times to visit

The cathedral is open daily. Check the online calendar ahead of your visit for a schedule of services, whether you’d like to attend one or to plan the best time for sightseeing (some areas of the cathedral are restricted during services).

Best days to visit

Attending a Sunday service can be atmospheric. Alternatively, weekdays typically offer fewer crowds.

Best months to visit

December is a lovely time, when the cathedral is decked out in decorations.

Special events

The cathedral hosts exhibitions and events year-round. There are usually Christmas carol concerts and events in December, which are very popular.