Experiences
The 6 Best Candlelight Concerts in London
Vivaldi and film scores by the glow of a thousand candles, in London's most atmospheric churches and halls.
In short: our top picks are Southwark Cathedral, St Martin-in-the-Fields and Union Chapel. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Candlelight concerts have quietly become one of London’s most reliable good nights out: a string quartet or ensemble, a programme running from the Four Seasons to Hans Zimmer, and a room lit by hundreds of flameless candles. The magic is as much the setting as the music, so the venue matters. The best are the Gothic cathedrals and Wren churches that turn a 70-minute concert into something genuinely moving. Book the room as much as the programme.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Southwark Cathedral | Southwark | |
| St Martin-in-the-Fields | Trafalgar Square | |
| Union Chapel | Islington | ££ |
| St Mary-le-Strand | Strand | |
| Central Hall Westminster | Westminster | |
| St James's Church Piccadilly | Piccadilly |
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Editor’s choice
Southwark Cathedral
Why we pick itVivaldi and film scores by flameless candlelight under the Gothic vaults of London's oldest cathedral church.
cathedral concert venue
-
St Martin-in-the-Fields
Why we pick itString quartets by candlelight in the famous Trafalgar Square church, a regular host of the Candlelight series.
church concert venue
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Union Chapel
Why we pick itA working Victorian chapel and Grade I gig venue in Islington, atmospheric for candlelit classical and neoclassical nights.
chapel concert venue
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St Mary-le-Strand
Why we pick itA jewel-box baroque church marooned on the Strand, intimate for the Four Seasons by candlelight.
baroque church venue
-
Central Hall Westminster
Why we pick itA grand domed hall beside the Abbey hosting larger candlelit ensembles and orchestral tributes.
grand hall venue
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St James's Church Piccadilly
Why we pick itA Wren church just off Piccadilly, a frequent Candlelight host for classical and film-score programmes.
Wren church venue
Before you book
Most concerts run around 60 to 75 minutes with no interval, and tickets sell through Fever, often weeks ahead for the popular programmes. Seating is usually unallocated by tier, so arrive early for the best view of the players. The cathedrals and chapels can be cold, so take a layer even in summer.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Southwark Cathedral is our editor's choice: Vivaldi and film scores by flameless candlelight under the Gothic vaults of London's oldest cathedral church. Southwark Cathedral, St Martin-in-the-Fields and Union Chapel lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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