Discover the fascinating history of one of the finest Gothic Revival churches in the country.
Guided Tours of St Mary Magdalene’s
Join our friendly and knowledgeable Heritage Guides for a variety of building and walking tours and learn about St Mary Magdalene’s rich Victorian heritage.
Duration:
Approximately 60 minutes
No. of people:
1-20 (Limited to 4 spaces per booking)
Accessibility:
Step-free access to all levels
(exc. Chancel)
Cost: £5
Grand Junction is run by the local charity Paddington Development Trust. By buying a ticket for our guided heritage tours, you help keep our doors open and support the delivery of arts and heritage-focused activities for the local community.
Upcoming tours:
St Mary Magdalene’s Church Tour
Stone, Light & Colour: Explore the Arts at St Mary Magdalene’s
Saturday 25 July, 14.00 – 15.00 BOOK HERE
Join our friendly and knowledgeable Heritage Guides for a guided tour that reveals the wonders of the breathtaking Gothic Revival building. Discover how this extraordinary Victorian church became a canvas for some of the era’s finest artists and craftspeople, brought together under the creative vision of architect George Edmund Street.
Chapel & Undercroft tour:
Beneath the Stones: A Subterranean Tour of St Mary Magdalene’s Church
Wednesday 6 May, 11.00 – 12.00 – BOOK HERE
Wednesday 10 June , 11.00 – 12.00 – BOOK HERE
Wednesday 8 July, 11.00 – 12.00 – BOOK HERE
Located in the Undercroft of St Mary Magdalene’s Church, The Chapel of St Sepulchre, created in 1893, is a memorial to the church’s founder, Fr Richard West. It was an early work by the architect Sir Ninian Comper, its carved stone, stained glass, gilding, and ornamental paintwork take us back in time to the 15th century. Join us to learn about the heritage of this hidden gem and its recent restoration
Walking Tours:
Westbourne’s Hidden Histories
Our walking tours will return in Spring 2026 – sign up to our newsletter to hear first.
Discover the untold stories behind Westbourne’s historic streets. From the famous figures honoured with blue plaques to the area’s industrial past, canal history, and its redevelopments. This tour reveals the hidden gems and surprising significance of places you pass every day. This is a local’s guide to Paddington – the one they don’t tell you about in the travel books!
Windrush in Westbourne
Our walking tours will return in Spring 2026 – sign up to our newsletter to hear first.
Uncover the rich and often overlooked Black history of Westbourne, from the Windrush generation to the activists, artists, and everyday people who shaped the area. This tour explores the lives behind the blue plaques, cultural landmarks, and hidden histories of Black communities in Paddington.
Exploring the Grand Union Canal
Our walking tours will return in Spring 2026 – sign up to our newsletter to hear first.
On this immersive walk, uncover the canal’s rich economic and social history while passing intriguing buildings and landmarks. Discover how this waterway shaped the communities along its route for over 200 years.
Private Tours
Discover the rich Victorian heritage of St Mary Magdalene Church and the Chapel of St Sepulchre with a private tour tailored to your group. Led by our friendly and knowledgeable Volunteer Guides, enjoy an exclusive, in-depth experience of these beautiful Grade I listed buildings.
Our group tours cover the church’s art, architecture, and social history. If you have a particular area of interest, we will do our best to tailor the tour to suit your preferences.
Duration:
Approximately 60 minutes
No. of people:
10-25
Accessibility:
Step-free access to all levels
(exc. Chancel)
Cost: £8pp + VAT
(Minimum of 10 people)
An extra £50 + VAT fee is added for out of hours tours, after 5pm on a weekday or anytime Saturday. St Mary Magdalene’s is a working church so we do not have access to the building on Sundays.
To book:
To discuss your requirements and availability, please contact: alan@grandjunction.org.uk or call 020 7266 8261
Complement your tour with a visit to Grand Junction’s Community Café, and enjoy 15% off coffee, a cake, or try one of our delicious hot meals, overlooking the canal.
Self-Led Tours
St Mary Magdalene Church welcomes visitors to independently explore the building at the following times, but please confirm by calling 020 7266 8261 ahead of your visit:
- Mondays, 11:00am–4pm
- Wednesdays, 10:00am–4pm
* Please note that this excludes Bank Holidays.
Our Digital Visitor Guide can now be viewed online in advance of your trip or accessed onsite on mobile phones via scanning a QR code on arrival.
For groups of eight people or more please book your visit in advance by email: info@grandjunction.org.uk or telephone: 020 7266 8261.
EXPLORE THE CHURCH
Discover more about the history and heritage.
VISITING:
St Mary Magdalene Church is open for Self Led Tours at the following times:
Mondays: 10am–4pm
Wednesdays: 10am–4pm
Please confirm by calling 020-7266-8261 ahead of your visit
“It is most necessary to avoid rusticity in any way, whether in material, design, or execution.”
George Edmund Street
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