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Catholic Church in London--ASH Wednesday

On a RS tour 15-21 Feb 2026. 18 Feb is Ash Wednesday.

Not only am I a fervent, non-proselytizing Catholic, but also as a Euro traveler, I look to respectfully visit all denomination churches/religious institutions, especially if they contain my special interest, religious/spiritual art.

(Ex., In Europe, I have 14 kippah from Jewish synagogues, reveled in Mosques large & small, & attended services in numerous Protestant churches.) I grew up Methodist, but have been a Catholic convert for nearly 34 years. I value the Rites and traditions of my Catholic Church.

Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation, rather, as the beginning of the Easter Season leading to the veneration of Christ's Passion, Ash Wednesday is a Holy Day of Invitation. I am invited.

Any suggestions for an accessible Catholic Church in Anglican London?

Posted by
13 posts

Westminster Cathedral in Francis St, Westminster is the Mother Church for RCs in England and Wales. There is a website which lists the locations of Catholic Churches in London, which isn’t quite as Anglican as it used to be.

Posted by
928 posts

For me, Westminster Cathedral (note- NOT abbey- this is a different house of worship) is the most beautiful Catholic church in London. Even for those who are not religious there are lovely mosaic tiles to enjoy.

Posted by
6831 posts

Westminster Cathedral is accessible. And while Ash Wednesday is not a day of Obligation, the Cathedral website cautions that attendance is high for all Masses that day. So plan to go early to get a seat. Schedules should be posted a couple of weeks in advance .

Posted by
16347 posts

It looks like from the itinerary the Wednesday is Day 4. You are in the Westminster area doing a walk, a tour of Westminster Abbey and then later the Churchill War Rooms which are near the Abbey.

I’d recommend you call the RS Europe office to check on timings. They will have reservations for Westminster Abbey and the War Rooms so should be able to tell you the basic breakdown on this day. Someone mentioned Westminster Cathedral which is also in this area so perhaps their schedule of times for mass that day will line up with your free time.

Posted by
9962 posts

Lapsed Catholic who always lights a candle in a different Catholic Church for my mother . Must say I remember liking the Catholic Church of Immaculate Confession in Mayfair. If memory serves its near ritzy Connaught Hotel. Lots to see inside.

https://www.farmstreet.org.uk/It’s

Posted by
6862 posts

AlanBush, your hotel will be able to help you find a Catholic church in the neighborhood. There is also an app that I have found helpful: Catholic Mass Times. It's not infallible (heh, heh,) but it has helped me find Catholic churches and services more often than not.

Or the suggestion of Westminster Cathedral is a good one.

Posted by
4861 posts

I attended Sunday Mass at St Anselm Church. It is near the British Museum. We stayed at the Hilton West End and it was just one block away.

Posted by
1106 posts

Any suggestions for an accessible Catholic Church in Anglican London?

Can you specify what you mean by “accessible”? In UK English, “accessible” tends to relate to ramps, wide doorways, disability needs etc. Or do you mean “accessible” in terms of being friendly? Or easy to get to from where you’re staying? (Which is where?)

London is really not what I’d call Anglican - it’s one of the most diverse cities on the planet!

My suggestion would be Brompton Oratory, which is a beautiful big church in Knightsbridge (near Harrods & Harvey Nicks) but you will find a nearby RC church wherever you’re based.