Union Chapel

The chapel sits tucked away on Compton Terrace in Islington, a Victorian building that stops you dead with its sheer unexpected beauty. Gothic revival arches soar overhead, and the light pours through stained glass in a way that makes you forget you're in North London. This is a working church, but it's not a stuffy one - the congregation has always been liberal-minded, which is reflected in the spaces they host beyond Sunday services.

You'll find yourself in here for concerts and theatre shows more often than hymn singing these days. The acoustics are genuinely excellent, which explains why musicians favour it. The interior is intimate without being cramped - high ceilings, proper galleries, and that rare quality of feeling both grand and personal at once.

If you're staying at Lovat Parks nearby and fancy wandering into Islington for the day, this warrants an hour of your time. Architecture enthusiasts will linger; families with restless kids might find it a bit static unless there's an event on. Check what's happening before you visit - the building comes alive during performances in a way a quiet tour simply cannot match.

Admission is free for visitors when it's open, though donation boxes sit about. It's a proper working space, so opening hours are irregular outside of scheduled events. Ring ahead or check their website if you're planning a specific trip.