Just moments from London Bridge and the soaring skyline of The Shard, Southwark Cathedral stands in the heart of Bankside, an area closely tied to Shakespeare’s London. With more than 800 years of history, this Gothic landmark offers a quick escape from the bustle of Borough Market and the South Bank, with soaring arches and centuries of stories within its walls.
After dark, Candlelight at Southwark Cathedral gives this remarkable London venue a new glow. Thousands of flickering candles light up live tribute concerts performed on strings, making for an evening that’s a little more out of the ordinary than your usual night out in London.
Inside London’s oldest Gothic cathedral
Southwark Cathedral’s history is every bit as striking as its architecture. Often described as London’s oldest Gothic cathedral, it stands on a site that has been used for Christian worship since at least 606 AD. Its connections to literary London run deep too: poet John Gower is buried here, while Geoffrey Chaucer set the opening of The Canterbury Tales in Southwark.
Inside, look out for medieval stone carvings, soaring rib-vaulted ceilings and the 13th-century retrochoir, as well as a stained-glass window honouring Shakespeare—an especially fitting detail given the cathedral’s connection to his actor brother, Edmund, who was buried here in 1607. In fact, His funeral included the costly tolling of the great bell—an honour widely believed to have been paid for by William.
What can you do at Southwark Cathedral?
Southwark Cathedral is an active place of worship, with regular services alongside exhibitions—including its rotating Mudlarking: Treasures from the Thames display. Guided tours currently last around one hour, and the on-site Cathedral Café is a handy stop for coffee, cake or a light bite.
Candlelight concerts at Southwark Cathedral bring a different atmosphere under the grand arches, with thousands of candles illuminating live string performances of songs by a variety of artists, including Adele, Olivia Dean and Fleetwood Mac. This season, a special run of Candlelight concerts is also celebrating Disney’s most beloved film scores, with string-led renditions of music from Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King.
28 November 2026 21:00 + more dates
Southwark Cathedral
27 November 2026 19:00 + more dates
Southwark Cathedral
27 November 2026 21:00 + more dates
Southwark Cathedral
17 December 2026 19:00 + more dates
Southwark Cathedral
17 December 2026 21:00 + more dates
Southwark Cathedral
30 January 2027 19:00
Southwark Cathedral
19 February 2027 19:00
Southwark Cathedral
28 November 2026 19:00 + more dates
Southwark Cathedral
FAQs
Where is Southwark Cathedral and how to get there?
The cathedral is located in the Bankside area of southeast London. London Bridge is the closest tube station to the cathedral, and you can arrive at the venue from this stop in less than a 10-minute walk.
📍Address: 1 London Bridge, Montague Close, London SE1 9DA
What are the Southwark Cathedral opening times?
The cathedral is generally open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm and Sunday from 8.30am to 5pm, although access to some areas can be limited during services and events.
Southwark Cathedral tickets – is entry free?
There’s no need to purchase Southwark Cathedral tickets if you’re planning a visit — entry is free, with donations gladly accepted on arrival.
Who is buried in Southwark Cathedral?
The poet John Gower and William Shakespeare’s brother Edmund Shakespeare are buried in the cathedral.
When was Southwark Cathedral built?
The cathedral was built mainly between 1220 and 1420.
Nearby Venues in London
Located on the south bank of the River Thames, this Bankside cathedral is a historic building surrounded by several iconic London landmarks including The Shard, London Bridge, Tate Modern and Borough Market. Other Candlelight venues in London including Glaziers Hall are located just a stone’s throw from this cathedral too.
