Temple

Temple station sits in one of London's most historically concentrated corners - a Zone 1 District and Circle line station surrounded by the ancient legal district that has housed lawyers and the courts for centuries. The Temple itself (encompassing Middle Temple and Inner Temple, two of the four Inns of Court) begins immediately north of the station and is one of the most extraordinary surviving medieval complexes in central London. The round church of Temple Church, built by the Knights Templar in 1185, sits within the gardens and is free to visit on selected days.

The station is the point where the City meets the Strand and Embankment - Somerset House (the 18th-century government building turned arts complex with its great neoclassical courtyard) is a 5-minute walk east. The Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand are a few minutes further. On the south bank, Waterloo Bridge is a 5-minute walk with access to the South Bank, the National Theatre and the BFI.

One practical note: Temple station closes on Sundays. On Sundays, City Thameslink or Chancery Lane may serve as alternatives depending on your destination.

Station Overview

Temple opened in 1870 and serves Zone 1 on the District and Circle lines. It is not step-free. The station is closed on Sundays - plan accordingly.

Lines and Connectivity

The District line (green) and Circle line (yellow) both stop at Temple. Eastbound trains run toward Blackfriars, Mansion House and the City. Westbound trains run toward Embankment, Westminster and Sloane Square. Journey to Westminster is approximately 3 minutes westbound.

Facilities

Temple has an information point. Limited immediate facilities - the Strand and Aldwych have cafes and restaurants within a short walk.

Accessibility

Temple is not step-free and is closed on Sundays. Blackfriars (one stop east) is step-free on the Circle and District lines.

Travel Tips

• Temple station is CLOSED ON SUNDAYS - use Blackfriars or Embankment as alternatives on Sundays
• The Inner and Middle Temple gardens are open on weekday lunchtimes in summer - one of the most tranquil spots in central London
• Temple Church (round Norman church, 1185) is open for visitors on selected weekday mornings - check opening times
• Somerset House (5 minutes walk east) has galleries, restaurants and the famous courtyard ice rink in winter

Nearby Attractions

The Temple (Inner and Middle Temple) - Immediately adjacent. Two of the four Inns of Court with medieval halls, gardens and Temple Church. Open weekday lunchtimes in summer.

Somerset House - 5 minutes walk east. An 18th-century neoclassical building with galleries, cafes and outdoor spaces including a winter ice rink. Free to enter the courtyard.

Royal Courts of Justice - 5 minutes walk east on the Strand. The main civil courts building. Public galleries open on court sitting days; the great hall is open to visitors.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Temple is open Monday to Saturday only - closed Sundays. Rush hours 08:00-09:30 and 17:30-19:30 on weekdays. The legal district is quietest at weekends (when the station is also closed).