At the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields is an Anglican church known for its Georgian design, live music and crypt café. Step inside for the light-filled interior, stained glass and historic objects, or check the programme for a choral or classical concert. Below ground, the brick-vaulted crypt has a café and hosts music and other events. The church also supports people experiencing homelessness, giving this central London landmark a community role beyond its architecture and performances.
A church beside Trafalgar Square
St Martin-in-the-Fields stands at the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square, next to the National Gallery. A church has occupied the site since the medieval period; the name recalls a time when the area lay between London and Westminster, surrounded by fields. The current building was designed by James Gibbs and completed in 1726.
Its Georgian exterior is easy to pick out among the square’s landmarks. Look for the classical portico with Corinthian columns, the clock tower and the tall spire. The church’s design influenced later churches in England and North America. Inside, the feeling is quieter than the busy square outside. Stained glass and the east window draw attention to the use of light, while historical objects offer more to look at than the architecture alone.
Music in the church
Music is a central part of St Martin-in-the-Fields’ programme. The church hosts classical and choral performances, including lunchtime concerts and candlelit evening events. Its acoustics are a reason to choose a concert if you want to hear the building as well as see it. The church is also home to the Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields and several choral groups.
Concerts range from free lunchtime performances to ticketed evening events. Check the current programme before you go, since performances and special events vary. Light shows have also used the church interior and its walls as part of the experience. If you are visiting for worship, services take place here too; the church is an active Anglican parish, not only a performance venue.
The crypt café and the church’s community work
The crypt below the church has original brick-vaulted ceilings and is used as a café and social space. It also hosts live music, including jazz evenings, and other events. The underground setting is a contrast to the open square above, and the programme can give you a reason to return after a church visit.
St Martin-in-the-Fields is known for charitable work supporting people experiencing homelessness. That work sits alongside its services, concerts and public events. Outside, the sculpture of baby Jesus offers a small point of reflection amid the movement of Trafalgar Square. You can pause there before heading into the church or continuing across the square.
Häufige Fragen
Where is St Martin-in-the-Fields?
It is at the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square in central London, next to the National Gallery.
Can you hear concerts at St Martin-in-the-Fields?
Yes. The church hosts classical and choral performances, including free lunchtime concerts and evening events. Check its programme for current details.
Is there a café at St Martin-in-the-Fields?
Yes. The café is in the church’s crypt, which has original brick-vaulted ceilings and also hosts events.
What is the church known for?
St Martin-in-the-Fields is known for its Georgian design by James Gibbs, its music programme and its charitable work supporting people experiencing homelessness.
