Next to Trafalgar Square and all it's tourist glory, St. Martin's in the Fields is a landmark in itself. Though it's still in use as a church, as the site has been since the 1200s, it offers something a little different at lunchtime - free concerts in London.
Be sure to read our complete guide to visiting London on a budget.
Every Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 1pm, rather than choral hymns, an eclectic range of musicians from classical to pop to students at the Royal Academy of Music perform for tourists, students and those on their lunch break. The aim of the programme is to nurture new musical talent so the pieces are not necessarily ones you'd expect to hear in this medieval setting. Check out their schedule at http://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/music/concerts.
While the concerts are free, they do ask for donations to assist in maintaining the church and upkeep in order to keep the programme running.
The concerts lasts about 45 minutes and with ample seating you do not need to arrive much more in advance than 1250pm, unless you wish to visit the church as well prior to the show. You do not need tickets - just come have a seat!
Where is St. Martin's in the Fields?
St. Martin's in the Fields is located in central London adjacent to Trafalgar Square. The closest London Underground stations are Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines), Leicester Square (Northern and Picadilly lines) and Embankment (Circle, District, Northern and Bakerloo lines). We recommend using this link for directions to St. Martin's in the Fields from anywhere in the London area.
Be sure to read our guide to navigating the London Underground as well as our post on purchasing an Oyster card.
