Description
St Margaret Pattens Church is one of the most intriguing medieval foundations in the City of London, offering a unique step back into British heritage. Situated at the corner of Eastcheap and Rood Lane, this stunning landmark stands out as a beautiful Christopher Wren creation that survived the Blitz. 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, offering a historic church experience that combines fascinating trade history with timeless architecture.
Visiting this historic landmark is incredibly budget-friendly, as entry to the church is completely free for all visitors. While regular parish donations are warmly welcomed to help maintain 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 lines.
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 centuries of city history, from old London street trades to the Great Fire, 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 a 12th-century stone site was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666.
- Storytelling Experience: Rich with unique narratives, from the martyrdom of Saint Margaret of Antioch to the ancient Londoners who wore special overshoes.
- Sensory Play of Old and New: The visual juxtaposition of a 200-foot medieval-style lead spire towering against the modern glass office buildings of the financial district.
- Quiet Zone: Offers a calm, peaceful environment, making it a fantastic sanctuary for families needing a quick break from the busy London streets.
Highlights
- The Historical Pattens Display: Provided by the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers, this display showcases ancient wooden and metal undershoes. Kids can learn how medieval Londoners raised their regular shoes out of the thick street mud.
- The "Leave Your Pattens" Notice: An authentic historic sign inside the building that requested women to take off their noisy wooden overshoes before stepping inside. It provides a funny and tangible link to real daily life centuries ago.
- The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers Display: A remarkable exhibition of traditional woven baskets. This display celebrates the craft of a livery company that has been connected to the City since 1569.
- The London Churchwarden Canopied Pews: These are the only canopied pews left in London, dating back to the 17th century. Kids can look for the initials "CW" carved into the dark wood.
- The Devil’s Head Punishment Box: A unique, historic box pew carved with a distinctive Devil's head. Children will be fascinated to hear how misbehaving parishioners were made to sit inside it during long historic services.
Beyond the Main Attraction: After exploring the church, families can easily wander down the street to see the Monument to the Great Fire of London, where older kids can climb the steps for a panoramic city view. The surrounding lanes feature Plantation Lane, famous for its architectural public art and striking views of the church spire. Families can also walk a short distance to Leadenhall Market to enjoy the stunning Victorian roof structure and find a family-friendly spot for lunch.
0.06 miles
