A local’s guide to visiting Lincoln’s Inn Chapel in London and surrounding hidden gems and photo spots, like the Old Square, Fleet Street and Clifford’s Inn!
There are plenty of historical sites located in the City of London and nearby neighborhoods like Smithfield, Chancery Lane, Holborn and Barbican – and I’m always hunting for new ones to discover.
Amongst them all, Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, nestled at the heart of London’s legal quarter (and close to Temple and the secret Elm Court), is one of my favorites.
From 17th century Gothic architecture to Victorian grandeur, you’ll find around Lincoln’s Inn Chapel plenty of historic streets, aesthetic buildings, and a unique glimpse into London’s old-and-new balance.
Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, London: 5 Hidden Gems to See Nearby
When the time of the year comes that I live in London, I make it a point to get off the couch as much as I can to discover new layers of London.
From Roman ruins to medieval sites, secret City of London churches and other industrial neighborhoods, I’ll try and find all the links to London’s past that can be found at seemingly every corner.
I recently told you about several secret gardens and churches like St Pancras Church gardens in the City of London and the St Pancras New Church caryatids closer to King’s Cross.
Well, today, I’ll be giving my full focus to Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, one of the best hidden gems you could come across while in town.
What to See Near Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, London: Fleet Street
The first time I came across Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, I was trying to find new hidden gems on Fleet Street, London’s historic newspaper area.
From historic shops like the 18th-century Twinings Tea Shop and Museum and Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese rebuilt in 1667, and secret spots like St Bride’s Church and its crypt, Fleet Street really is one of the best spots to visit in the city.
I’d recommend you take the same road I took, walking from St Paul’s Cathedral down Fleet Street to The Strand (and the Milford Lane female sculptures), to really enjoy all that this beautiful street has to offer.
Don’t miss out on a little visit to Temple Church somewhere on your left, and the gorgeous photo spots such as Elm Court and Fountain Court.
What to See Near Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, London: Maughan Library
As you walk down Fleet Street towards The Strand and Trafalgar Square, you’ll find, at some point on your right, the historic Chancery Lane, located just minutes from Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
On Chancery Lane sits a super aesthetic building, the Maughan Library: it really is one of the most striking sites in London.
It belongs to King’s College London (like the striking Norfolk Building farther down on Surrey Street) and makes for one of he most beautiful examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in the city.
Constructed between 1851 and 1858, the Maughan Library has everything an architecture lover might want to photograph: tall pointed windows, decorative stonework – a vibe of the old in the heart of London.
Since the Maughan Library is part of King’s College London, it’s not generally open to the public, but you can book a tour with the uni or visit the gorgeous interior on Heritage Open Days.
Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, London: Through Clifford’s Inn
Although Clifford’s Inn itself was demolished in 1934, you’ll find, off Fleet Street, its gateway and secret passageway, which leads to Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
Clifford’s Inn was founded in 1344 as an Inn of Chancery affiliated with Inner Temple nearby – it served as a preparatory training ground for students before admission to the Inns of Court.
Through the entrance arch at 202 Fleet Street/Fetter Lane corner, you will reach the beautiful gardens; look up to see the name Clifford’s Inn Passage and snap a pic or two.
Walk around, and you’ll see you’re surrounded with historical buildings that look like secret palaces right in the heart of the city – somewhere on your left, a manicured lawn and passage lead to Lincoln’s Inn Chapel.
Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, London and its Secret Columns
Lincoln’s Inn Chapel is one of London’s most secret photo spots; I can never believe just how little known it is, despite being located only minutes from the Strand.
Built between 1620 and 1623 to replace an older chapel on the site, Lincoln’s Inn Chapel houses an undercroft that makes for a wonderful sight.
The vaulted space is impressive and gives the illusion that the chapel stands on the arches – you can also spot gravestones set into the floor; Dark Academia aesthetic lovers, by any means, don’t miss this spot.
The chapel itself is open Monday to Friday: go up the stairs to step into this wonderful place.
It’s empty most of the time aside from the odd tourist and history enthusiast, and you’ll be able to see some of the most beautiful stained glass in London, with Lincoln’s Inn Chapel former treasurers’ names set into the glass.
Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, London: Old Square
Right outside Lincoln’s Inn Chapel is located the Old Square, accessible from Carey Street and Chancery Lane; it’s another instagrammable place perfect to use for vintage-style pictures.
Originally, the Old Square was made of terraced buildings with private courtyards and was later redeveloped, in the 18th and 19th century.
Today, you can still spot a few of the original Georgian buildings around the square, where many members of Lincoln’s Inn historically lived or worked, and attended services at the Chapel.
When you’re done snapping shots and admiring the Old Square, take a walk through the tranquil Lincoln’s Inn Gardens, or visit the nearby Royal Courts of Justice or Staple Inn.
Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, London: Six Clerks Restaurant Architecture and Stained Glass
I wanted to focus on only free historical sites in this guide, but here’s a beautiful restaurant located in a Grade II-listed Georgian/early Victorian building close to Lincoln’s Inn Chapel – Six Clerks on Chancery Lane.
High vaulted ceilings, natural light, a gilded gallery and cornices; Six Clerks restaurant is absolutely stunning inside, but even if you just want to admire its exterior, you’ll find features of Neoclassical architecture with incredible sculptures.
If you’re visiting London on a budget and have already planned your lunch/dinner but would like to have a snack, you’ll also find a rustic coffee shop, Press Coffee, closer to Fleet Street, with delicious banana breads and colorful lattes.
Close to Six Clerks Restaurant is also located the building pictures above, with engraved words that read ‘Lloyds Bank Limited Law Courts Branch’, also a Grade II-listed building.
The building was originally built in 1882-83 as the Palsgrave Restaurant for the nearby Royal Courts of Justice, and from 1894 onward, was converted into a Lloyds Bank branch.
The facade is Baroque, with pink granite, Corinthian columns and classical details, moulded cornices and balustrades: the relief decoration is consistent with late-Victorian bank architecture, which was designed to evoke prestige and durability.
Lincoln’s Inn Chapel, London: 5 Hidden Gems to See Nearby
Hopefully, this short guide to Lincoln’s Inn Chapel and its surroundings will have taught you a little bit more about the historical hidden gems you can find beyond Oxford Street and Soho.
From the Chapel’s secret columns and stained glass to the neo-Gothic Maughan Library and the Georgian facades of Old Square, the area feels like it’s stuck in time.
When you want to take a slow walk through London’s secrets, know that Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Chapel, and the beautiful architecture that dots the area will allow you to feel history, design, and everyday London life – even if it feels like you’ve taken a step back in London.
When you’re done visiting the gardens and admiring the buildings, these are a few other hidden spots you may love to discover: