Westminster Cathedral Reviews Summary

Accessibility

Pros:

• "Easily accessible from either Westminster or Victoria tube although we took a 24 bus which was just as convenient."
• "Just a 5 min walk from Victoria Station."
• "Very close to Victoria National Rail & Underground stations."
• "Accessible for all, there is ramp for the disable, comfortable toilettes."
• "There is wheel chair accessible."
• "Also we found free parking on the street outside cathedral. It’s free only on weekends."
• "Easiest way to get to the cathedral is by tube and getting off at Victoria Station, less then 5 minute walk."

Cons:

• "The volunteers are very friendly, but there is no wheelchair access to the side chapels."
• "Visited this place for a rite of ceremony mass. Did not see any signs for directions from the station."
• "Unfortunately the viewing tower was closed the day we went but they had a service running which was nice to see instead."
• "The gallery used to be accessible by stairs but is now only accessible by lift."
• "Very crowded. A little bit of false advertising in that you can no longer see, much less visit, the tomb of Edward the Confessor."
• "Ok so I just stood outside the gate entrance to the walk way coz the lines were super long and I had no time to wait."
• "Although, we got told off by the altar clergy as we were in the way as the end of the mass procession."

Architecture & Design

Pros:

• "A Stunning Architectural Gem."
• "This cathedral is architecturally stunning outside, but oh my inside is really beyond words."
• "Westminster Cathedral is a breathtaking testament to architectural grandeur and religious significance."
• "Lovely big windows let the light in and the ambience within is one of total serenity and peace."
• "It's a beautiful cathedral. If you look at it you'll be amazed. The details and the color are great."
• "Beautiful catholic church with an impressive architecture and surroundings."
• "The vast interior is adorned with awe-inspiring mosaics, intricate marble columns, and delicate stained glass windows that bathe the space in a kaleidoscope of colours."

Cons:

• "This is the first church of the English Catholics. It was designed as a Byzantine church but unfortunately they did not have the money to finish it completely."
• "The cathedral didn't look that big though but maybe because from where I was standing."
• "It is very strange looking and despite its huge size, it's not imposing or serious like gothic architecture."
• "The church is weird looking with Victorian ‘Byzantine’ architecture."
• "The marble does nothing for me and the unfinished appearance, (in fact a true ism,) means that it also quite dark."
• "It's pale colour scheme doesn't help it stand out and it's unusual design doesn't let it blend in with anything either."
• "Although the mosaics work hasn’t been completed yet, it’s still very impressive. In fact, the black brick walls and ceilings make it more dramatic."

Atmosphere & Spirituality

Pros:

• "A very spiritual place."
• "When you enter the Cathedral you will quickly notice the silent and peaceful atmosphere."
• "Once inside it is a place of beauty, peace and spirituality."
• "It's deceptive to think another random Catholic cathedral would be good but wow this one blows you away."
• "The atmosphere was brilliant. We had confessions all day. The Eucharistic Adoration was awesome."
• "As one of the most iconic Catholic landmarks in London, its intricate Byzantine-style design and majestic dome draw visitors into a serene and spiritual atmosphere."
• "An absolutely beautiful building and irrespective of your faith, it is a place where you can be calm and reflect."

Cons:

• "Service: Religious Service: interrupted by tourists and children crying."
• "I was however Very Sad at how uninspiring the Mass was."
• "The 6 pm mass on Saturday too much singing so I did not enjoy it."
• "Very crowded. A little bit of false advertising in that you can no longer see, much less visit, the tomb of Edward the Confessor."
• "Often largely empty, and even on important occasions, you'll find that very few people attend."
• "Disappointed re heat, a lot of draughts and got a chill as found it extremely cold unacceptable."
• "I was rather disappointed with this Cathedral... I considered it to be underwhelming."

Facilities & Services

Pros:

• "The Cathedral has put in an excellent new toilet block with access from the Cathedral itself."
• "The toilet facilities are easily accessed and well maintained."
• "Toilets are open to the public during the mass but they close 20 minute before mass ends."
• "There is a lovely cafe in the basement. The staff are so friendly and it has such a relaxing atmosphere."
• "If you need a cheap lunch or just a cuppa there a cafe in the crypt, access via staircase by the baptismal font. V friendly staff."
• "They have a clean set of toilets on the right side."
• "They also serve nice warm food! (Soup, toast eggs beans, coffee, tea and more)."

Cons:

• "Beautiful church but.. We were asked to go out because we had a cup of coffee each and with all due respect we headed out only to see that there was a coffee shop within the church!"
• "The rudeness and unprofessional actions of the volunteers."
• "Shaun Stewart says the facilities are poor."
• "I was sad that the little shop and cafe were closed. They seem to have very restricted opening hours now since the lock down."
• "Shop Service: Overpriced (cheaper on-line) with rude staff."
• "Mass at 6pm. People being confirmed by Bishop Nicholas. Re wikipedia. Johnson and Carrie Symonds married there. Third time lucky for Johnson. Poor judgement by catholic church."
• "Today I took two visitors from Tanzania into the church... some officious woman told us it was a private group and we had to leave."