St Clement Danes Religious Site

Address: St Clement Danes, Strand, London WC2R 1DH, United Kingdom

Website: https://www.stclementdanes.org.uk

Hours: Open for services; visitor access typically during weekday mornings and afternoons-check parish schedule

Admission: Free (service times open to public)

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.

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.

• 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.