Facilities and features
Accessibility
These are available downstairs in the undercroft.
These are available in the accessible toilet, which is downstairs in the undercroft.
There are a few bike stands outside the church (left hand side) available for people to use at their own risk.
Parking is free in Hampstead on a Sunday although it can get very busy when the weather is nice. We strongly recommend that people use public transport (tube, rail or the many local buses) if they're planning on visiting or coming to one of our services. Outside of Sunday, parking is severely restricted although there is a public car park near the Heath (East Heath Car Park) that has 110 parking spaces and a dedicated disabled parking area. (Parking with a valid Blue Badge is free, or call 020 7110 0000 and quote location number 79453.)
Our accessible toilet is available downstairs in the undercroft and there is also a lift available for wheelchair users and those who find stairs difficult.
East Heath Car Park has 110 parking spaces and a dedicated disabled parking area. Parking with a valid Blue Badge is free, or call 020 7110 0000 and quote location number 79453.
We have a number of large print bibles and printed service sheets that are available on request from the Welcome Desk when you arrive.
Our Building
The church building is Grade I listed and has a Regency stuccoed, cream-painted facade. Its notable features include a Doric porch, portico and cupola and a double-staircased vestibule. The original wooden box pews are still present at the sides of the church. The east window features an eagle, a symbol of St John and the biblical gospel. The clock on the front of the building was made in 1823 by John Moore and Son of Clerkenwell. The reredos frames the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Apostles' Creed. During the 2003-4 renovations, the foundations were underpinned and an undercroft constructed.
Music and Worship
We hold occasional concerts and live music events at St John's. We are also a venue for the annual Hampstead Arts Festival. More information on these and other events can be found on our website.
The organ in the west gallery was built by Bevington & Sons in 1873 but was actually installed in 1880. It was a two-manual and pedal organ and cost £235. A third manual was added in 1896.
Groups, Courses and Activities
Our two midweek groups for teens meet on Friday evenings during term time from 7:30-9:00pm for snacks, games, and a short bible talk:
i) Engage is for those in Years 6-8
ii) Engage+ is for those in Years 9-13
Please contact our Associate Minister for Families - David Rue (email: [email protected]) if you have any questions or are interested in reserving a place(s) in either group.
Awesome is our after school club for all those in Reception to Year 5 that meets 3:45-5:15pm on a Friday in term-time for snacks, games, crafts, and a short bible story.
Please contact our Associate Minister for Families - David Rue (email: [email protected]) if you have any questions or are interested in reserving a place(s).
We have a number of small groups that meet both during the day and in the evenings in church members' homes. There is a daytime group for women as well as a Saturday men’s breakfast for those who find midweek or evenings difficult. Please contact our Senior Minister, Tom Watts ([email protected]) for more information about our small groups and how to join one.
Christianity Explored is an opportunity to investigate the heart of the Christian faith. It is a short foundations course and many have found it helpful. It looks at some key questions and the Bible’s answers to them. There is plenty of opportunity for asking questions and discussion, and no obligation to read aloud or pray. We welcome all to join, from those entirely new to the Christian faith to those who would welcome a refresher course. Please contact our Senior Minister, Tom Watts ([email protected]), to find out when the next course will run.
Mini Mischief is our group for babies and pre-schoolers plus their carers that meets 9:45am-11:00am on a Thursday in term-time. Please contact our Assistant Minister for Families - David Rue ([email protected]) for more information.
Help for Visitors
'A short History of St John's Downshire Hill, Hampstead' is available on request from the church office.
The church building is normally closed to visitors unless they have made a prior appointment (email: [email protected]).
Other Features
Contact [email protected] if you are interested in hiring our hall. More information about our hall hire can be found on our website: https://sjdh.org/contact/hall-hire/