St Clement Danes
Religious Site London church serving as RAF memorial on the Strand
On the Strand, St Clement Danes contains the Royal Air Force church and memorials; visitors note its Wren-designed architecture, stained glass and location close to the Royal Courts and Covent Garden.
St Clement Danes is an Anglican church on the Strand in central London noted for its association with the Royal Air Force; the present church dates to the late 17th century rebuild by Sir Christopher Wren.
The church interior contains memorials and plaques dedicated to RAF personnel and units, and the building functions as the RAF’s central church for services and commemorations. The exterior and tower are prominent on the Strand and are often photographed by visitors exploring central London.
A medieval parish church originally stood on the site; the current building was constructed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London. The church was badly damaged in the Second World War and subsequently restored and rededicated in the mid-20th century with strong involvement by the Royal Air Force.
Set on the Strand between Aldwych and Temple, the church sits in the heart of the legal and theatre districts of central London.
- Military association: Recognised as the central church of the Royal Air Force and used for regular RAF services and remembrance ceremonies.
- Access: Located on the Strand close to Temple and Covent Garden transport links, making it easy to include as part of a central London walking route.
What to See #
- RAF memorial area: A chapel and memorial space dedicated to the Royal Air Force containing plaques, memorials and commemorative items honoring RAF personnel.
- Tower and bells: The church tower and bells which form a distinctive element of the Strand streetscape and are used in official commemorations.
How to Get to St Clement Danes #
On the Strand between Temple and Covent Garden; nearest Underground stations are Temple (Circle/District lines) and Chancery Lane (Central line), both a short walk. Numerous bus routes serve the Strand.
Tips for Visiting St Clement Danes #
- Arrive for the Sunday choral service if interested in the church's famous organ music and the RAF connections.
- The church is on the Strand; combine with a walk along Fleet Street and the Royal Courts of Justice.
- Security can be tight during events-carry ID and be prepared for bag checks.
Best Time to Visit St Clement Danes #
St Clement Danes is an Anglican church on the Strand in London, famed for its association with the Royal Air Force and its 17th-century Wren-designed rebuilding after the Great Fire.
Weather & Climate near St Clement Danes #
St Clement Danes's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (650 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 65 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.