St Martin-in-the-Fields Church & Crypt is the perfect stop on a budget family day out in London
If you’re looking for free things to do in London that will keep the kids interested and aren’t completely rammed with crowds, this is one to add to your list immediately.
It’s a bit daft really but I commuted into London for almost over a decade, arriving into Charing Cross every morning so I must have walked past St Martin-in-the-Fields thousands of times, rushing from the train to the office, then back again in the evening, never once stopping to see what was inside.
It’s funny how that happens, isn’t it? You can pass something so beautiful every single day and never really notice it because you’re in work mode, rushing around. People always say you should look up when walking around a city (especially true in Rome) and definitely the case here.
So going back as a tourist and finally taking the time to step inside St Martin-in-the-Fields church, and down into the St Martin-in-the-Fields crypt, felt like such a full circle moment. And honestly, it turned out to be one of those hidden gems in London that I wish I’d discovered years ago.
Tucked just off Trafalgar Square, this historic church and its crypt fits perfectly with my Bespoke on a Budget approach. It’s one of those places that feels rich in history and atmosphere, without costing a penny proving that it is possible to have London cheap family days out!
There are steps (22) or a lift to get down into the crypt and cafe area so it’s very accessible, there are toilets free to use down there as well – handy for days out with the kids.
Why St Martin-in-the-Fields is a Must-Visit Hidden Gem in London
From the outside, St Martin-in-the-Fields is already impressive. It’s a beautiful historic church right in the heart of central London, but it’s what’s underneath that really makes it special.
The crypt below the church has been transformed into a really unique space. Think exposed brickwork, vaulted ceilings, and that slightly moody, atmospheric feel that makes it feel far more “hidden gem” than tourist hotspot.
It’s:
- Completely free to enter
- Right in central London (perfect if you’re already sightseeing)
- A great mix of history, architecture, and quiet space to explore
If you’re building a budget-friendly London itinerary, this is exactly the kind of place that elevates your day without adding to the cost.
Exploring the Crypt at St Martin-in-the-Fields
The crypt itself is what makes this place stand out.
Originally used as a burial site, it’s now been sensitively restored into a space that includes:
- A café area (you can sit and soak up the atmosphere without spending much)
- Small gift and book sections
- Occasional exhibitions and events
The lighting, stonework, and layout give it that slightly dramatic, almost cinematic feel. It’s a great spot for a wander, a quiet moment, or even just somewhere different to sit for a break if you’re exploring central London.
From an interiors point of view, it’s such a stunning and impressive building. The ceiling has the most beautiful carvings and mouldings and the lights are spectacular. I love going to places where you see something new at every turn and of course, my favourite wall panelling was everywhere too – always a win!
I think my favourite thing about the amazing building at St Martins-in-the-fields church was the striking and slightly quirky main church window. Here it is from the inside with the light flooding through and illuminating the interesting and unusual design…
And here it is from the outside…
A Perfect Free Stop on a Budget Day Out in London
One of the best things about this find is how easy it is to slot into a wider, cheap day out in London.
Because of its location, you can easily pair it with:
- Trafalgar Square
- Covent Garden
- Leicester Square
- The National Gallery (also free)
This is exactly how I like to plan days out, mixing free attractions with one affordable treat, so you still feel like you’ve had a full experience without overspending. We went to Forbidden Planet comics and collectables on Shaftesbury Avenue as it’s one of my eldest’s fave places to go and also to Gosh Comics in Berwick Street (another fave!) and then had a treat of a milkshake in Black Tap in Picadilly Circus, but I wouldn’t actually recommend going there as it was very overpriced and the service was terrible.
How to Turn This Into a Full ‘Bespoke on a Budget’ Day Out
If you’re following my Bespoke on a Budget approach, this is where it gets really good.
After exploring St Martin-in-the-Fields, you’re perfectly placed to head to one of my favourite money-saving finds:
👉 Read my full review of the Pizza Express £5 After School Club here
It’s genuinely one of the best cheap family meals in London, where you can get proper sit-down food without the usual central London prices. We’ve done it twice now and it fits so well into a budget-friendly day out like this. They also do a £10 power lunch at PizzaExpress as Mr D and I tested that offer out on the way back from the Ideal Home show the other week.
Combining:
- Free cultural spots like St Martin-in-the-Fields
- With low-cost dining deals like Pizza Express
…is exactly how you create those high-end feeling days on a budget that I’m always talking about.
Why This Fits My Bespoke on a Budget Approach
For me, it’s never about cutting back on experiences, it’s about being smarter with where you spend.
Places like St Martin-in-the-Fields crypt prove that:
- Some of the best things in London are completely free
- You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a memorable day
- With a bit of planning, you can create a day that feels curated and considered
It’s exactly the same mindset I use in my home styling and DIY, just applied to days out.
