how long to visit st paul's cathedral

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting St. Paul's Cathedral

St. paul's cathedral ultimate guide.

Its glowing blue dome can be seen for miles, and it’s also been a focal point for many important historical events in London; but once you tour the inside of St. Paul’s Cathedral, you’ll see why it has such an important place in London’s history.

Away from the ritz and glitz of London’s West End, St. Paul’s Cathedral and its surrounding streets feel as if they’ve been trapped in time. Not only is St. Paul’s perched on the highest point of the City of London, it’s also the second largest church building in the UK, and one of the oldest landmarks in London.

St. Paul’s Cathedral was built on the former location of a church, which had dated back to 604 AD. Legend has it that King Ethelbert of Kent built this wooden church in dedication to the apostle Paul, but the church suffered massive damage in two separate fires, as well as in The Great Fire of London in 1666. The Cathedral as it is seen today was built between 1675 and 1710, and was designed by architect Sir Christopher Wren (who was influenced by Michelangelo’s dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome).

Throughout its history, St. Paul’s has served as a key location for several important events in British history, such as the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1981, and the funerals of Lord Nelson, Winston Churchill, the Duke of Wellington and Margaret Thatcher. It's no surprise that many guides consider this stunning church the highlight of any free tour in the City of London!

St. Paul's Cathedral Highlights

From chapels and monuments, to religious art, statues and galleries, it seems like every nook and cranny of St. Paul’s offers some kind of surprise or historical delight any visitor will appreciate. Make sure to visit the church after a free tour in the area so you can make the most of this wonderful landmark!

Upon entering, visitors will be greeted with the eight scenes of life of St. Paul (which were painted by Thornhill), as well as the Nave (the large, ceremonial and public space which also contains the Great West Door). At the northern section of the aisle stands the famous Duke of Wellington monument, as well as a group of statues representing valor, cowardice, truth and falsehood.

No visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral would be complete without walking up the 560 steps to the top of the Dome and the Whispering Gallery. This massive circular enclosure provides visitors with magnificent views of the interior of the Cathedral from up above, and it is said that even the slightest whisper can be heard throughout the cathedral thanks to the Gallery’s impressive acoustics.

If you have the stamina, you can also walk a further 117 steps to view the Stone Gallery, and another 166 steps for the Golden Gallery.

Another famous area inside St. Paul’s Cathedral would be the crypt, which is located on the bottom floor. Here you will see the final resting places of several notable people in London’s history, such as the tombs of The Duke of Wellington, Christopher Wren, and Admiral Nelson, just to name a few.

Visitors can also visit Oculus inside a theatre in the crypt, which provides visitors with a 270-degree film experience highlighting the extensive history of St. Paul’s Cathedral. During the film viewers will learn about everything from The Great Fire of London to the Blitz, as well as more information on the architectural design of the cathedral.

There are also several chapels located within St. Paul’s Cathedral such as the All Soul’s Chapel (dedicated to Field Marshal Lord Kitchener), and St Dunstan’s Chapel (which is reserved only for private prayer). There is also a chapel dedicated to St. Michael and St. George, the Middlesex Chapel, and the American Memorial Chapel (commemorating the 28,000 Americans who were killed in Britain during World War II).

Special Tips

Getting There

Visiting st. paul's cathedral.

Included in the admission ticket is an audio tour guide which is available in several different languages. The audio tour features a touch-screen multimedia guide with headphones, so you can listen to the tour and walk at your own pace throughout the cathedral.

Be forewarned that photography inside the cathedral is forbidden, and if you plan on walking up the 257 steps to the Whispering Gallery, make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes.

Visitors can attend church services for free, and there is also a cafeteria and gift shop inside the cathedral as well.

Ticket prices and Opening Hours

St. Paul’s Cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (with last admission at 4:15 p.m.), and the recommended visiting time is approximately two hours.

Tickets at the door cost £18 for adults, £16 for students and seniors, and £8 for children (ages six to 17). If you purchase your ticket online beforehand, you can save up to £2 per ticket, and also get fast-track entry.

The admission ticket includes entry into the cathedral floor and crypt, as well as the three galleries in the dome. Be aware that the cathedral may be closed on selected dates for events, so it may be a good idea to check the official website before you visit.

Visitors will not be allowed to bring any large bags or luggage with them upon entry, and all bags will be searched by security personnel.

There is a cafe and restaurant on the lower floor of the cathedral.

If you are checking out St Paul’s Cathedral you might also want to join any of the  free tours in London  that are available on offer.

Free Tours in Your Language

Visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral In London, The Ultimate Guide

St. Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic landmark in London that’s likely on your London bucket list. It’s the largest and most famous of London’s many churches. It’s the seat of the Bishop of London and parish church of the British Commonwealth.

In this St. Paul’s guide, I give you an overview of the cathedral and tell you what to see inside. I also give you tips for visiting and climbing the magnificent dome, which is a must do.

Here’s a snapshot of what you can see on a visit:

• cupola frescos
• crypt & tombs
• Harry Potter staircase

Tickets & Tours For St. Paul’s Cathedral

Click  here  to purchase a ticket to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral. You also have free skip the line entry to the cathedral if you purchased the London Pass .

You may want to book a guided tour of the cathedral because there is so much to see inside — mosaics, funerary tombs, sculptures, and artworks.

You can book a  2.5 hour guided tour  of St. Paul’s and other London viewpoints. You can also book a 3 hour private tour of St. Paul’s .

You can customize this private tour and may see some of St. Paul’s secret spots (like the triforium and spiral staircase) that aren’t on a standard tour.

A Short History of St. Paul’s Cathedral

A cathedral dedicated to St. Paul has stood on Ludgate Hill for 1,400 years. The first church was built around 604 A.D.

A guide may tell you that it was built on a Roman temple. But that tale has been debunked.

The cathedral has a colorful history. It’s been looted, burned, and destroyed.

The St. Paul’s Cathedral you see today is actually the fifth to be built on this site. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, England’s foremost architect.

Wren planned a mosaicked and colorful cathedral interior. But this idea found an unreceptive audience and was deemed too “Rome-ish.”

The Anglican clergy wanted to distance St. Paul’s from the over-the-top Baroque decoration of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The result was an austere cathedral without colorful decoration.

To try to brighten up the place, the Victorians later added glittering mosaics around the apse, choir, and inside the dome.

St. Paul’s miraculously survived the Blitz during WWII, with only minor damage.

The dome stood courageously in the fire and smoke from the incendiary bombs. It became a symbol of Nazi resistance and renewal.

The dark Victorian glass was blown out and beautiful stained glass replaced it. The pink marble Victorian high altar was also smashed to bits.

It was replaced with the current baldachin, which was originally designed by Wren.

If you head to the west end of the nave, you can see a large white diamond shaped floor tile. It’s a memorial to the volunteers of the St. Paul’s Watch, the team responsible for defending the cathedral from attack.

St. Paul’s has been the site of royal funerals and weddings and events of international importance.

The cathedral hosted the funerals for Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher.

Martin Luther King stopped here to preach on his way to pick up his Nobel Prize. This was where Princess Diana and Prince Charles were married.

The cathedral hosted the Thanksgiving services for the Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilees and the 80th and 90th birthdays of Queen Elizabeth II.

Guide To St. Paul’s Cathedral: What To See

Here are the highlights and best things to see at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

1. Exterior Facade

The cathedral has the scale and classicism of St. Peters Basilica in Rome. It’s a church of spectacular dimensions: 515 feet long and 227 feet wide across the transepts.

There are two 212 foot high towers on the west facade and a magnificent 365 foot dome.

The west front is dominated by a triangular pediment. It depicts Saint Paul’s conversion to Christianity.

Various statues surround the cathedral. You’ll see a statue of Queen Anne, a statute of Saint Paul, and The Fearless Girl sculpture.

Heading inside, the first thing you see is the grand nave. Wren keep the medieval concept of a nave with side aisles. But rather than use cross vaults, he substituted saucer dome vaults.

The west end of the nave is dominated by the great West Doors. This is the ceremonial entrance used for VIPs. The white marble font used for baptisms is placed in front of that door.

The nave is a space of a dual nature. Part of it has the classic architectural ornamentation designed by Wren. But the character changes from the dome up to the apse.

Two centuries after Wren’s building was completed, it was decided that the cathedral needed some brightening up. So, colorful mosaics were added in the Victoria era giving the cathedral a more ornate feel.

3. Nave Monuments

The nave is scattered with many monuments and sculptures.

The most spectacular monument is the Duke of Wellington memorial in the central bay. Wellington was best known for defeating Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815.

The monument was created in 1818 by Neo-Classical sculptor John Flaxman. It’s considered one of the most important sculptures from the 19th century.

The arched sculpture recalls a classical Roman triumphal arch. Beneath it is a recumbent bronze effigy of the duke.

Above it is an equestrian statue. The statue sits on a plinth decorated with a group of allegorical figures known as Valour and Cowardice and Truth and Falsehood . They are strongly influenced by Michelangelo .

I also liked the Henry Moore statue, Mother and Child . Moore was one of Britain’s foremost sculptors, practically inventing the genre of modern sculpture.

He received the commission for the statue in 1983 and even chose the location for his work.

Close to Moore’s sculpture are two pairs of beautiful wrought iron gates. They were made by Jean Bijou around 1700.

The quire was the first part of the cathedral to be built and is its most sacred space. Originally, it was walled off with an elaborate rood screen. But that was removed in the 1860s.

Both sides of the quire have exquisitely carved wooden stalls with canopies. They were created by the Dutch sculptor Grinling Gibbons.

The quire bays and aisles have hundreds of mosaics. They depicts narrative scenes from the Old Testament.

The quire is still used for its original purpose. It’s where the choir, clergy, and people sit for Evensong, a service that thanks god for the day.

St. Paul’s is also home to a number of interesting chapels, most of them accessible from the nave.

St. Dunstan’s Chapel was consecrated in 1699. It was dedicated to St. Dunstan, an Archbishop of Canterbury.

The chapel is important because the sacrament hangs above the altar. You can light a candle here. There are also beautiful mosaics on the west and east walls.

The Chapel of St. Michael and St. George is filled with banners. The banners are for the current knight and officers of the Order.

The Chapel of Saints Erkenwald and Ethelburga has a beautiful altarpiece painted by the Pre-Raphaelite artist William Holden Hunt called the Light of the World . 

It depicts Christ in a dark wood, holding a lantern and knocking at an overgrown door with no handle. The painting traveled the world in 1905 and achieved cult status.

READ : Pre-Raphaelite Paintings In London

Consecrated in 1958, the American Memorial Chapel is behind the high altar at the east end of the cathedral. The chapel commemorates Americans who were stationed in Britain during WWII.

At the heart of the chapel is a leather bound book, an honor role to the 28,000 Americans who served and gave their lives. The stained glass windows contain the symbols of all states.

6. Cupola Frescos

The cupola of the dome was painted by James Thornhill. The guards will encourage you to lay down on the sundial beneath it to get the best photo. 

In June 1715, Thornhill was officially awarded the much-coveted commission to decorate the dome, for which he had been competing since 1709.

Thornhill worked on the dome from 1715-19. The frescos depict eight scenes from the life of St. Paul.

The terms of the commission required Thornhill to use a muted palette of stone like browns. Wren reputedly hated the gloomy murals. He had wanted mosaics in the dome. But that proved to be too expensive and showy.

Unfortunately, the Thornhill originals deteriorated over time. So the monochromatic designs were repainted in 1853-56 and again restored in 2003-05.

Queen Victoria famously though St. Paul’s was “dull and dingy.” In response to that remark, over 6 million mosaics were installed in 1896-1904.

The ceiling mosaics illustrate the story of creation from the Old Testament, with Adam and Eve being tempted and expelled from paradise.

The wall mosaics tell the story of the annunciation, when the angel Gabriel tells Mary she will give birth to Jesus.

The mosaics have a twin inspiration — ancient Byzantine mosaics from Ravenna Italy and designs from the British Arts and Crafts era.

READ : Guide To the Mosaics of Ravenna

The mosaic designs were created by the painter William Black Richmond, a pupil of John Ruskin.

The artist Edward Burne-Jones had turned down the job, not wanting to mess with Wren’s creation. Richmond, on the other hand, saw it as the opportunity of a lifetime.

His plan was ambitious. The ceilings of the quire, its walls and aisles were to be encrusted with millions of tesserae made of colored glass and gold leaf.

Richmond also designed stained glass windows to accompany his mosaic work, but these designs were lost in WWII.

The mosaics are dazzling and vividly colored. A risen Christ in judgment presides over all, high in the apse above the high altar.

Taking his inspiration from the Book of Revelation, Richmond depicts Christ triumphant, his arms raised in blessing. He is flanked by recording angels who have lists of the actions and prayers of each individual.

Richmond was most proud of The Creation of the Fishes in the central saucer dome. He used the mosaics to masterful effect creating a turbulent, frothing sea populated with lithe and fearsome fishes.

Eight mosaics were also added under the main dome. The V-shaped spandrel mosaics depict prophets and evangelists against a gold background.

8. Baldachin

The cathedral’s baldachin, or high altar, was added in 1958. It was designed to reflect Wren’s original intent. There’s a gilded statue of Jesus on the top.

To me, it resembles the baldachin designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The crypt is the cathedral’s burial chamber. It’s largest of its kind in Europe. Three death heads mark the entrance.

The crypt is the final resting place of a number of famous Brits, including Admiral Horatio Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, and Sir Christopher Wren himself.

Nelson’s black marble sarcophagus is one of the oldest things inside the cathedral.

It was made in the 1520s for Cardinal Wolsey, Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor. When Henry and Wolsey fell out over Henry’s divorce plans, the sarcophagus was never used.

The wooden coffin inside the sarcophagus was made from the timber of the French flagship,  L’Orient , which Nelson defeated in battle.

Wren is buried in the south aisle of the crypt’s Chapel of St. Faith. Fittingly, the tomb inscribed with the words “if you seek his monument, look around you.”

Lord Wellington is buried in a simple but imposing granite casket. It’s surrounded by banners that were used in his funeral procession.

Surrounding the chapel are memorials to figures from the arts and sciences, including the famous British painters Joshua Reynolds, John Everett Millais, William Blake, and J.M.W. Tuner.

READ : Guide To the Tate Britain Museum

St. Paul’s renowned dome crowns the intersection of its arms. It’s one of the largest cathedral domes in the world, weighing in at 65,000 tons. It may have been inspired by Bramante’s Tempietto in Rome.

St. Paul’s dome is actually several domes. It has a three dome structure: the exterior dome, a middle dome, and the inner dome.

The middle dome has an unseen brick core that supports the stone lantern. An iron belt prevents the dome from bulging outward.

The best place to see and get a shot of the dome is from the One New Change shopping center. Head to the 6th floor for a free view.

11. Dome Climb

The cathedral admission includes access to climb to the top of the dome. The entrance is to your right after you enter the cathedral.

I highly recommend this, if you’re able to ascend the 528 steps.

But be forewarned, it’s a steep spiral climb and a hard slog. The stairway is dimly lit and not for the faint of heart. You may have to mind your head. In some parts, there are no hand rails.

12. Dome Galleries

Within the dome’s structure, there are three galleries — the famous Whispering Gallery, the Stone Gallery, and the Golden Gallery. 

You reach the Whispering Gallery by climbing 259 steps. From here, visitors can see Thornhill’s paintings up close and gain a breathtaking impression of the size and proportions of the nave below.

The Whispering Gallery has unique acoustics. Sounds travels around the circular hall. So a whisper on one side can be heard on the other side.

To test it out, enter the gallery with a travel partner, stand on opposite sides, and face the wall. If you whisper facing the wall, the sound of your voice will travel around the curved edge and reach your friend.

Unfortunately, the Whispering Gallery was closed when I visited, so I didn’t get to try this experiment.

Two higher galleries encircle the outside of the dome. It’s another 119 steps up is the Stone Gallery. From there, there are   great views, as it’s an outside area around the dome.

The Golden Gallery is the third gallery. It encircles the highest point of the outer dome and is the smallest gallery.

You can inspect the iconic dome at closer range.The views from the gallery are spectacular and take in many London landmarks including the River Thames, Tate Modern, and the Globe Theater.

13. Secret Spiral Staircase

There’s also a secret spiral staircase in the southwest bell tower. The staircase was used in the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban . It was the Divination Staircase used to gain access to Professor Trelawney’s Divination classroom. 

In real life, the staircase is known as the Dean’s Stairs. It was designed by Christopher Wren in 1705 and built by William Kempster.

You can’t access the staircase on a standard visit to St. Paul’s. It’s under lock and key.

You will only see it on a guided Harry Potter tour, a private tour, or a Triforium tour. If you’re on a private tour, your guide can ask for the key at the guide desk. The key to unlock the staircase is massive and clunky, something you’d expect to see in the Harry Potter movies.

At the top of the staircase, you’ll have a beautiful view of the nave, sometimes dubbed the “BBC View.”

READ : Guide To Harry Potter Places in London

14. Triforium

Like every major cathedral, St. Paul’s has a “Triforium.” It’s a gallery above the arches of the nave within the thickness of an inner wall. Triforiums are usually closed off to the public.

St. Paul’s Triforium is only open on a very limited basis, so check the website to book tickets .

Public tours are £10 and leave at 12:30 pm. To get to the Triforium, you climb the Dean’s Staircase I mentioned above.

Usually, triforiums are used to store extra artifacts. But St. Paul’s has a secret treasure inside the Triforium’s Trophy Room — the original model for St. Paul’s created by Wren.

Wren struggled with the St. Paul’s design. He went through many iterations trying to please his patrons. Finally, Wren built a massive wooden model for King Charles II so he could see the architect’s vision.

The king was convinced and construction began. But many design changes from the original were made during construction. Some historians say the original model was, architecturally speaking, Wren’s finest work.

15. Library

The Cathedral Library is a secret space in St. Paul’s. It has a gorgeous 18th century interior that was recently renovated.

The library is undergoing an extensive conservation to enhance environmental condition for the books and conserve the room. The library will re-open to the public in July 2022.

The library houses St. Paul’s superb collection of more than 21,000 books and manuscripts dating from 1690. When it’s reopened, you can see it if you book the Triforium tour.

Practical Guide & Tips For St. Paul’s Cathedral

Address : St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4

Hours : The Cathedral is open to visitors every day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. However, on Sunday, the cathedral is open for worship only and there is no sightseeing. The dome galleries don’t open until 9:30 am.

Services : There are services Monday to Saturday at 7:30 am, 12:30 pm, and evensong at 5:00 pm.

Note : The Whispering Gallery is temporarily closed, with no estimate of when it will reopen.

Ticket Price : £20.50 or free with the London Pass . The admission price includes use of excellent high resolution touch screen guides that feature film footage, images, interviews, and commentary relating to the cathedral.

Free Tours : Introductory talks about the architecture and history are given throughout the day. These free talks last from 15 to 20 minutes. Ask about the next one at the guide desk when you arrive.

Tube Stops : The nearest stops are St. Paul’s, Mansion House, and Blackfriars.

Museum Shop : If you need a souvenir or a guide book, there’s a large museum shop in the crypt. There are also restrooms and a cafe.

Where To Stay Near St. Paul’s Cathedral

Want to stay near the cathedral? It’s close to plenty of London’s other must visit attractions.

You can check out the Vintry & Mercer , a new luxury hotel with bespoke rooms. Cheval Calico House offers up luxury apartment suites.

And the Bankside Hotel Autograph Collection is an intimate six story hotel with a beautiful art collection.

Is St. Paul’s Cathedral Worth Visiting?

Yes the cathedral is definitely worth visiting and going inside. It’s one of London’s most iconic landmarks, a national treasure, and Wren’s defining masterpiece. The architecture, mosaics, and monuments are all stunning.

If the ticket price is too steep, try to attend a service to at least get a sense of the interior.

In the crypt, you can watch  Oculus . It’s fascinating film experience that narrates the cathedral’s 1,400 years of history. The film allows you to virtually climb the many steps to the dome galleries, if you didn’t make it up there yourself.

Another way to see St. Paul’s is to visit the mall next to the cathedral, the One New Change shopping center. From the 6th floor, which you can access for free, you’ll have great close up views of the dome. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to St. Paul’s Cathedral. You may enjoy these other England travel guides and resources:

• 5 Days in London Itinerary
• One Day In Bath Itinerary
• Guide To Free Museums in London
• Guide To the National Gallery of Art
• Harry Potter Places in London
• Guide To the Churchill War Rooms
• Guide To The Wallace Collection
• Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
• Guide To the Tower of London
• Guide To Hampton Court Palace
• Guide To Hatfield House
• Guide To The Henry VII Chapel

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Last Updated on November 14, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Visiting St Paul’s Cathedral – Tickets, Tours + FAQs

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: May 1, 2023

• Everything you need to know to plan and book your visit to St Pauls Cathedral

Visiting St Pauls Cathedral – Tickets & Tours

St paul’s cathedral facts and figures, st paul’s opening times, when is the best time to visit st paul’s, art at st paul’s, services at st paul’s, what other uk attractions are located near st paul’s, tips for planning your visit to st paul’s, more to see in london.

Nearest Tube station – St Paul’s (Central line)

How long to set aside for your visit?

It will take about two to three hours to fully explore the cathedral, the crypt, the dome and the artwork. 

Entry Tickets 

• St Paul’s Cathedral ticket

Good to know – St Paul’s Cathedral entry is included with The London Pass and the Go City  London Explorer Pass  

Combi tours 

• Westminster walking tour with St Paul’s Cathedral entry
• Top 30 London landmarks walking tour plus St Paul’s entry  
• Royalty and St Paul’s Cathedral combined tour with entry
• Total London Experience with Tower of London, London Eye and St Paul’s

Private Combi Tours

• Private City of London and St Paul’s Cathedral walking tour
• Private tour of Kensington Palace and St Paul’s Cathedral
• Private tour of the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral

Visiting St Pauls Cathedral FAQs

• St Paul’s isn’t only a cathedral, it’s also an art gallery. There are artworks on display here from various periods – and there are more than mere paintings. These include a Henry Moore sculpture, modern art, Victorian mosaics and many more. 
• Nowadays, St Paul’s displays various art installations at the cathedral. Recent ones have included works by Angel of the North sculptor Antony Gormley and a Swarovski scientific collaboration. 
• The cathedral is also something of a movie star, and has also inspired various works. It’s been seen on screen in the Harry Potter films, Lawrence of Arabia , Sherlock Holmes and more. The church has also been reproduced by various artists throughout history within their works. 
• St Paul’s isn’t the original church to stand on this site. In fact it isn’t even the second or third, but rather the fourth. The one before was ruined by the Great Fire of London, and the current building is architect Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece.
• The location was chosen because Ludgate Hill is the City of London’s highest point. Before London became as built-up as it is today, this meant the large church literally loomed over the city.  
• In fact Sir Christopher Wren was the first person to be buried at St Paul’s. He died in 1723, and his tomb is inscribed in Latin. ‘Lector, si monumentum requiris, circumspice’ translates as ‘If you seek my monument, look around you’. 

• The crypts at St Paul’s were also constructed for a reason other than housing the dead. The position close to the Thames meant the ground was marshy, so the crypts were built to hold up the structure. As well as to provide a final resting place. 
• The Whispering Gallery really does exactly what it claims to. At 30 feet (or 10 metres) above ground level, the walkway really does have the power to transmit even a whisper across the area under the dome. Why not see – or rather, hear – the magic for yourself when you visit?
• St Paul’s has one of the world’s biggest domes, and is up there with the likes of the Pantheon in Rome. The dome is around 1,200 feet high – or 366 metres. You’ll have to ascend hundreds of stairs to reach the top, but can stop for a rest en route at the Whispering Gallery. 
• Martin Luther King once gave a sermon at St Paul’s Cathedral. This took place in 1964, four years before his assassination. There were over 3,000 people in the congregation. The famous Baptist minister and civil rights movement activist addressed the crowd with a sermon called Three Dimensions to a Complete Life
• Being interred, celebrated or remembered at St Pauls is a great honour. A number of prominent British figures have been honoured here via a monument or funeral service. The list of luminaries includes wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill, whose funeral was held here. Poets William Blake and John Donne, trailblazing nurse Florence Nightingale and the man who discovered penicillin – Sir Alexander Fleming – are all interred at the cathedral. 
• Suffragettes fighting for women having the right to vote once plotted to blast the cathedral to smithereens. Fortunately the battery-powered bomb they planted in 1913 was faulty, so it was all to no avail. Equal rights to vote were introduced around 15 years later, in 1928.
• St Paul’s was also bombed by the German Luftwaffe during the Blitz of the Second World War. Luckily the cathedral escaped relatively unscathed. 

• Typically the doors open at 8.30 am on these days, except for Wednesdays when they open a little later, at 10 am.
• The last entry is usually at 4 pm. 
• Opening times can vary, especially when special services are planned. You can check the cathedral’s What’s On page to make sure it will be open when you visit. 

• St Paul’s is open to visitors daily, except for Sunday. It normally opens at 8.30 am, or 10 am on Wednesdays, with the last entry at 4 pm. 
• If you can, visit on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday. You can also visit on Wednesdays but do bear in mind the later opening time. The cathedral is less busy before midday, so visit in the morning if you can.
• Unless you have no choice, Fridays and Saturdays are best avoided. This is because these are the busiest days. 
• The summer season also tends to be busier. In the UK, summer school holidays take place between mid-July and early September. You can expect St Paul’s to be busy during this period. Tourists from other countries often visit the UK in summer for better weather, and European school holidays also take place at a similar time. 

What to see at St Paul’s

Though it’s a notable landmark and an iconic part of the London skyline, there’s more to St Paul’s than its famous dome.

During a visit, people will typically explore the main cathedral area, discover the secrets of the crypt and scale the dome – via the Whispering Gallery. 

As mentioned above, there’s a large collection of classic and contemporary art at St Paul’s. This spans various eras and genres. As you might expect, the artworks displayed here tend to have a spiritual theme. 

Notable works include William Holman Hunt’s The Light of the World painting and the modern Henry Moore Mother and Child sculpture.  

You can also attend services and special events at St Paul’s. By doing so you can see this London icon as a working cathedral. You can also hear the choir sing and listen to other musicians. Services are free to attend and are open to people of all beliefs. 

Members of the public are also welcome to pray in St Dunstan’s chapel whenever it is open. You can find the current St Paul’s programme of services here , which includes those for morning prayer, Eucharist, Choral Evensong and more. Do note that some special events and services are ticketed.

If you are visiting St Pauls Cathedral why not include some other attractions located in the vicinity?

• The Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• Great Fire of London monument
• HMS Belfast
• Millenium Bridge
• Tate Modern
• Shakespeare’s Globe
• Borough Market
• The Clink Prison Museum
• Buy tickets for St Paul’s in advance if you can. This means you can avoid queueing up – or waiting in line – to get in. It’s often very busy, especially on weekends and in summer. 
• Ideally, try to visit on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday before noon. On these days you can usually enter the cathedral from 8.30 am.  
• Do allow extra time for the artworks if these interest you. They’re one of the hidden treasures of St Paul’s, which acts as a prominent gallery as well as a church. 
• If you can and want to, attend a church service at the cathedral free of charge. This will give you an insight into how the famous building works as a house of worship. Services are open to people of all faiths and beliefs, and you may get to hear the choir sing. 
• Wear decent footwear if you plan to scale the mighty dome. There are hundreds of steps to climb before reaching the top – though it is well worth the effort. Don’t forget to stop on the way up (or down) at the Whispering Gallery. 
• Oculus – or the ‘eye to St Paul’s’ – is capable of delivering a quick history lesson. Stop by if you want a whistle-stop tour of the cathedral’s past. 
• If you’re in the vicinity on a Sunday, you cannot enter the cathedral for sightseeing. But what you can do is hear the church bells ringing out across London’s rooftops. It’s music to the ears of locals and tourists alike. 
• There’s a City Thameslink station almost as close to St Paul’s as the tube station named after it. Walking from here only takes a minute or so longer than from the underground, and it may be more convenient depending on where you’re coming from. 
• An audio guide is included with your entry ticket and is available in a number of languages. By using this, you can take a self-guided tour of the cathedral. 
• The cathedral has a cafe and a gift shop. Ideal for taking a break, refuelling or picking up souvenirs of your time in London. 

Finally, do check the What’s On calendar before you go. As a working church, opening times for sightseeing here can vary.

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St. Paul’s Cathedral – tickets, prices, hours, dress code, free entry

St Paul’s Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the most famous sights you’ll come across in London. 

With a dome dominating the London skyline since 1710, and a Crypt spanning the entire cathedral’s footprint, this Anglican church is synonymous with Britain’s identity and culture

St. Paul’s Cathedral started as a small 7th century church in AD 604, and the edifice you see today was built by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666.

With more than 1.5 million tourists visiting this attraction every year, here’s everything you need to know before booking your St Paul’s Cathedral tickets.

Top St. Paul’s Cathedral Tickets

# St Paul’s fast-track entrance ticket # Welcome to London Tour # Walking tour + St Pauls Cathedral entry

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What to expect at st paul’s cathedral, where to buy tickets, how do online tickets work, st paul’s cathedral ticket prices, st paul’s fast-track entrance tickets, welcome to london tour, walking tour + st paul’s cathedral entry, st paul’s cathedral, tower of london & river cruise, how to reach st paul’s cathedral, st paul’s cathedral hours, best time to visit st paul cathedral, how long does st paul cathedral take, st paul cathedral free entry, st paul’s cathedral mass timings, dress code for st paul’s cathedral, st paul’s cathedral faqs.

When you visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the first thing you notice is how the church captivates visitors with a respectable blend of history, art, and spirituality.

The dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral is a marvel of engineering and a defining feature of London’s skyline.

The Stone Gallery and the Golden Gallery, both situated in the Dome, offer breathtaking 360-degree views of London.

The Whispering Gallery creates a fascinating auditory experience by allowing whispers to travel along the Dome’s curved walls.

St. Paul’s Crypt , which happens to be the final resting place for many of England’s heroes, houses the tombs of Sir Christopher Wren, Admiral Nelson, and the Duke of Wellington.

Works by William Holman Hunt and William Blake adorn the walls of the Cathedral and stained glass windows by William Morris add a touch of vibrancy to this 17th century church.

As you explore the Cathedral, experience the unbelievable craftsmanship and massiveness of its Grand Nave and Quire.

St. Paul’s Cathedral holds services throughout the day and visitors are welcome to attend these services while maintaining decorum and reverence.

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St Paul’s Cathedral entry tickets are available online or at the attraction.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Go to the St Paul’s Cathedral ticket booking page .

Select the number of tickets, preferred date, and guide language, and buy the tickets.

Once you purchase the tickets, they get delivered to your email address.

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.

St Paul’s Cathedral tickets cost £20 for visitors between 18 and 64 years old. Tickets for children between six and 17 years cost £9. Senior citizens aged 65 years and older and students with valid IDs qualify for a £2 discount and pay only £18 for entry. Children five years and younger can enter for free.

The fast track admission is the cheapest and most popular St Paul’s cathedral ticket.

You skip the long lines at the ticketing counter and walk right in to explore the cathedral floor and the crypt and go up the galleries.

It includes the multimedia guide, which you can pick up at the entrance.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (18 to 64 years):  £20 Student Ticket (with valid ID card):  £18 Senior Ticket (65+ years):  £18 Child Ticket (6 to 17 years):  £9 Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free

The Welcome to London Tour starts at 7.45 am and lasts nine hours. 

You drive around the city of London to see the significant landmarks and stop by at various places.

During the day, you also experience a scenic private cruise on the River Thames, a private tour of the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels, and a tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

This ticket can be canceled 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Adult Ticket (17 to 59 years):  £123 Senior Ticket (60+ years):  £120 Student Ticket (with a valid ID): £120 Child Ticket (3 to 16 years):  £113 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free

This six-hour tour starts at 10 am and is the fastest way to explore 30 London attractions in a day.

At the end of the tour, you get to step into St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (14+ years):  £66 Child Ticket (3 to 13 years):  £10 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free

If you want to keep it simple, we recommend this  Old London walking tour  in which you get to explore St Paul Cathedral from the outside.

In this popular combination ticket, you get whisked around London’s landmarks and cruise along the Thames.

A local guide gives you a guided tour of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, after which you can go on a River Thames cruise to Westminster Pier.

The four-and-a-half-hour tour happens in an air-conditioned coach with a personal audio headset so that you can always hear the guide.

Kids two years and below join the tour for free. Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (17+ years):  £92 Child Ticket (3 to 16 years):  £82 Student Ticket (with valid ID):  £82 Senior Ticket (60+ years):  £87 Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children): £338

Are you up for some adventure? Buy the London Outdoor Escape Game: The Great Fire ticket and follow the path of the 1666 Great Fire of London that razed some of the city’s most iconic attractions to ashes. Unlock clues and solve puzzles on your phone while reenacting the story of amateur fireman Gregory Grail on this self-guided tour.

St Paul’s Cathedral sits on Ludgate Hill, the highest point of London city.

Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, UK. Get directions .

You can reach the Cathedral via public or private transportation.

St Paul’s Cathedral bus stop (Bus No: 15, 17, 26, 76, N15, N21, N26, N199, N550) is just a few steps away from the attraction.

The most convenient way to reach St Paul’s Cathedral is by metro.

St Paul’s metro station is a 2-minute walk from the cathedral.

The other metro stations nearest to the Cathedral are Mansion House , Blackfriars , and Bank .

If you plan to take the train, the nearest stop is the City Thameslink station , a brisk 3-minute walk to St Paul’s Cathedral.

If you’re traveling by car, turn on your Google Maps and get started.

There are enough parking garages around the attraction.

St Paul’s Cathedral opens at 7.30 am from Monday to Saturday with a prayer.

Visitors who want to explore the Cathedral can enter from 8.30 am onward. The last entry is scheduled at 4 pm.

All tourists sightseeing the Cathedral must exit the premises by 4.30 pm.

On Sundays, prayers start at 8 am and go on till 7 pm. 

Note: Tourists aren’t allowed inside the Cathedral on Sundays.

When do St Paul’s Cathedral galleries open

The St Paul’s Cathedral has three galleries—Whispering Gallery, Stone Gallery, and Golden Gallery. 

These open at 9.30 am.

The galleries, just like other sections of the Cathedral, have a detailed weekly schedule .

Image:  Stpauls.co.uk

The best time to visit St Paul’s Cathedral is before noon on a weekday – preferably Monday to Thursday. 

For a peaceful visit, it is best to be at the cathedral as soon as the morning prayer ends at 8.30 am.

St Paul’s Cathedral is most crowded between 12 noon and 5 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Since the Cathedral opens for sightseeing much before the other London attractions, some tourists plan this visit as their first activity.

Visitors who want to explore St Paul Cathedral’s main floor, crypt, and climb the dome, will need around two and a half hours. 

You can enter the Cathedral for free if you want to attend the service. 

Since it is a  highly rated  attraction, it draws a lot of tourists and can get crowded. 

To save time and avoid the queue, we recommend booking your tickets in advance .

Save money & time! For a flat fee gain free ‘skip the line’ access to 60 London attractions. Buy The London Pass

It is possible to enter St Paul’s Cathedral for free.

On Sundays, the service begins at 8 am and on other days at 7.30 am.

If you want to attend the service, you can enter the Cathedral for free.

You won’t be allowed inside after the prayer begins – so it is best to land up 15 minutes earlier.

However, it will only be a limited experience because you will be sitting down for the service.

When you enter the Cathedral for prayers, you can’t walk around and explore.

Besides, all the other areas are blocked off during the service.

Free with London Passes

Yet another way to enter St Paul’s Cathedral for free (well, almost) is by buying one of the London discount Passes.

These passes help you save money and time because you can skip the line at most places.

Our two favorites are  London iVenture Pass  and  London Explorer Pass .

At St Paul’s Cathedral, from Monday to Saturday, the morning prayer starts at 7.30 am, followed by Eucharist at 8 am and 12.30 pm.

Music is integral to the prayer, and everybody can join in for free. 

At 5 pm, there is a Choral Evensong, and around this time, there is an occasional evening prayer as well.

On Sundays, the day begins with holy communion at 8 am, followed by Mattins at 10.15 am, and a sung Eucharist at 11.30 am.

A Choral Evensong is conducted at 3.15 pm and finally Eucharist at 6 pm.

You can find the full schedule of the St Paul’s mass  here .

There is no obligatory dress code for St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

However, since it is a religious place, visitors are expected to dress moderately.

Even though nobody will stop you from entering the Cathedral, low-neck t-shirts and mini-skirts are not advised for women.

It is a common practice for visitors in doubt to throw a scarf over their shoulders.

Visitors to this London Cathedral have lots of questions.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the St Paul’s Cathedral

The ticket includes access to the cathedral floor, crypt, and galleries, as well as the option to use a multimedia guide available in multiple languages. You can also join guided tours and talks based on availability.

There is no cloakroom, so bags or items larger than 45cm x 30cm x 25cm are prohibited.

Flashlights, Video recording, selfie sticks, tripods, and monopods are prohibited during your visit.

Yes, St. Paul’s Cathedral is an active Anglican cathedral that holds regular services. Visitors are welcome to attend these services. You do not require a ticket to participate in a service.

St. Paul’s Cathedral aims to provide accessibility for visitors with disabilities. Accessible entrances and facilities are often available.

Parking can be limited and expensive near the attraction. It’s often more convenient to use public transportation, such as the London Underground, buses, or taxis, to reach the cathedral.

Source # Stpauls.co.uk # Wikipedia.org # Britannica.com # Tripadvisor.com The travel specialists  at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Vrinda Bhatia

She loves to explore new destinations and places at every opportunity available, but she loves to do so with proper planning and according to set schedules. She doesn’t prefer well-known destinations and clichéd touristy activities. Once back, she regales her friends with exciting stories from far off destinations. During her travels, she loves to dress up like the locals. Favorite Cities: Quebec City, Nice, Dodoma, Marrakech

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

1 thought on “St. Paul’s Cathedral – tickets, prices, hours, dress code, free entry”

Wonderful. I live in Slovenia. Access to all churches is free. Access to the main museum in Ljubljana is 50p Rip off Britain again !

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Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral

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St. Paul’s Cathedral looks down on London from the highest point in the city. Not only does its familiar dome dominate the skyline, but also the cathedral itself carries so much history of London. This august cathedral has witnessed royal weddings, funerals of the famous, fires and destruction, wartime bombs, and the birth of new worldly ideas.

A visit to this stately cathedral is one of the top pleasures of London. Whether you are a fan of architecture, a student of history, a follower of the British royal family, or simply someone who seeks out the best views of a city, St. Paul’s should be on your itinerary.

Here is what you will want to know before you visit, including the cathedral background, events that have taken place here, and the areas of the cathedral you won’t want to miss.

How Old Is St. Paul’s Cathedral?

A cathedral dedicated to St. Paul of the New Testament has occupied this site for 1,400 years. The Catholic church built in 1087 survived for about 600 years. This was the third of the churches on this hill and was known for its medieval splendor. It fell into disrepair when King Henry VIII broke with the Catholic church during the English Reformation. The Great Fire of London in 1666 caused further damage, making a complete overhaul necessary.

The present cathedral, built between 1675 and 1710, was designed by Britain’s most famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren. Services in today’s cathedral first took place in 1697 and are still held regularly.

Relish This Superb Example Of Architecture

The cathedral is designed in the English Baroque style favored and made popular by Christopher Wren. Elements of classicism are combined with continental baroque style to result in cleaner lines. Construction fell under the program to rebuild the city after the Great Fire of London. Wren worked on 53 churches, and St. Paul’s Cathedral is his masterpiece. This cathedral can compare favorably with well-known domed churches in France and Italy.

What Famous Events Have Taken Place Here?

Millions watched the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer at St. Paul’s Cathedral on July 29, 1981. The cathedral’s magnificence proved a suitable venue for this world-famous ceremony.

Another major event held at St. Paul’s was the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill. During World War II, Prime Minister Churchill was well aware of the place the cathedral holds in the hearts of the British. He declared during the Blitz: “St. Paul’s must be saved at all costs.” Rescued from fires and repaired after bombings, St. Paul’s is forever associated with British resilience. It was fitting to have the service honoring Churchill in this place.

You can see the bronze memorial plaque commemorating Churchill inside the cathedral. It marks the spot where his coffin rested during the state funeral on January 30, 1965. His service was attended by Queen Elizabeth and dignitaries from around the world.

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What To See When You Enter The Cathedral

At the entrance to the cathedral at the west end of the nave are the Great West Doors, which stand 30 feet tall and are used for special services and the arrival of visitors such as HM The Queen and the Lord Mayor of London.

St. Paul’s offers many areas you can explore once you are inside. The ground floor is wide and open, with a central aisle called the nave running down the middle. Take a seat and remain quiet and respectful as you soak up the elegant atmosphere.

As the nave reaches toward the High Altar, a Grand Organ stands. Installed in 1695, the organ has 7,189 pipes, five keyboards, and 138 organ stops.

The High Altar is made of marble and oak. Note the canopy, which is based on a sketch made by Wren but not built until 1958. The older altar suffered damage during a WWII bomb strike, so Wren’s design was finally used.

Visit The American Memorial Chapel And Book Of Names

Somewhat hidden behind the High Altar is the American Memorial Chapel , a lovely part of the cathedral built after this section’s destruction during the Blitz. The people of Britain opted to use this space to commemorate the Americans stationed in the UK during World War II. Notice the images decorating the wood, metal, and stained glass. These include flora and fauna of North America.

Most striking in this memorial based on the friendship of the British and Americans is the oversize leather-bound book open on a stand. The 500 pages of the book list the roll of honor: The 28,000 Americans who gave their lives during the war. The book opens with this statement: “Defending freedom from the fierce assault of tyranny they shared the honor and the sacrifice. Though they died before the dawn of victory, their names and deed will long be remembered wherever free men live.”

Dwight Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force and later president of the U.S., visited this memorial. He spoke these words: “Fittingly, this roll of honor has been enshrined by the Mother Country of all English-speaking democracies in this special chapel of St. Paul’s, once a target of barbaric attack.”

Pro Tip: This area is not visible from the main floor or nave. A priest heard us speaking with our American accent and invited us behind the altar to this small chapel. He was already ushering another American there. The priest helped him find his family member’s name in the heavy leather book. It was quite an emotional experience. If you are from the U.S., be sure to go on your own to seek out this moving tribute that I almost missed.

Nicol Nicolson / Shutterstock

Climb The Dome And Take In The View

St. Paul’s Cathedral dome is one of the most recognizable sights of London. And you can wind your way up the stairs, stopping at a couple of viewpoints (also known as resting stops) to end up high above the streets below.

At 365 feet high, the dome made the cathedral the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1963. It’s just 528 steps to the Golden Gallery, the highest point inside, where you can enjoy panoramic views of London. Those iconic red buses look like tiny toys from up here.

The first stop on the way up, after 257 steps, is the well-known Whispering Gallery. It gets its name from the amazing feature that allows a whisper on one side of the round gallery to be heard on the opposite side.

You can then continue climbing and stop at the Stone Gallery, which is 376 steps from the ground floor. After catching your breath, continue to the Golden Gallery and your reward of wonderful views.

Pro Tip: Wear sturdy walking shoes when you visit St. Paul’s. I wore flats that kept falling off as I climbed the steep stone stairs. Now I know better.

Discover The Crypt

In the underground of the cathedral, the crypt is the final resting place for some well-known English people, including Sir Christopher Wren, who designed St. Paul’s. His tomb at the east end of the crypt is marked with a simple stone, and his epitaph says, “Reader, if you seek his monument, look around you.”

Also buried here is Lord Nelson, killed at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. His black marble sarcophagus was first made for Cardinal Wolsey, Lord Chancellor, during Henry VIII’s reign. He fell out of favor, and the sarcophagus sat unused until hero Nelson’s death.

The crypt also contains many tombs and memorials of artists, scientists, and musicians. These include painter Sir Joshua Reynolds and scientist Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin.

Marvel At The Monuments

St. Paul’s is home to about 300 monuments. These can be found in the aisles, the nave, and the crypt.

Many are memorials to military figures in English history. You can also find memorials to honor civilians. The memorial of Randolph Caldecott in the crypt honors the British artist who inspired the literary Caldecott Medal. The memorial carries this inscription: “An artist whose sweet and dainty grace has not been in its kind surpassed: whose humor was as quaint as it was inexhaustible.”

Wander Around The Gardens And Courtyard

In the garden, you will immediately notice a tall column mounted with a gilded statue of St. Paul. This serves to honor the public preaching of the Christian faith here.

At the west entrance to the cathedral, a triangle-shaped relief shows St. Paul’s conversion to the Christian faith. Above that stand St. Paul and other apostles and evangelists.

Also in front of the cathedral is a statue of Queen Anne, who ruled at the time of the cathedral’s completion.

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How To Plan Your Visit

St. Paul’s Cathedral is open daily. Four or five services are held every day. You can visit during these times. Just remember to be quiet and respectful. You can check for organ recitals and other programs you may want to attend during your time in London.

Your entrance ticket includes a 20-minute talk that will introduce you to the cathedral’s history and architecture. Guided tours in English show you some areas not usually open to tourists. These 90-minute tours are also free of charge.

To reach St. Paul’s, you can take the underground to the St. Paul station and walk 130 yards to the cathedral.

One of the best-known photos of London in World War II shows St. Paul’s Cathedral dome wreathed in smoke. A direct bomb hit set the church on fire. Churchill himself telephoned the firefighters to say that the church must not fall or the country’s morale would be sapped. And through heroic efforts, St. Paul’s survived. The dome and the cathedral symbolize strength. When you tour, you will be walking in the footsteps of so many, the famous and the everyday people, and you’ll long remember your time in this imposing cathedral.

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As the owner of the travel blog, Exploring Our World , Sharon enjoys taking her readers on a journey with her. Articles often delve into the history of a place, and by adding in a generous number of photos, she inspires others to explore for themselves. In her early travels, she was most frustrated by coming back home and learning that she had missed a fascinating sight or a hidden gem. Now she helps travelers prepare for a trip by passing along travel tips, pointing out lesser known things to see, and alerting them to enjoyable day trips from major cities.

Her travel articles have been published by Stripes Europe Newsletter and the World War 2 Writing and Research Center. Whether she's discovering more about her hometown of San Diego, California or flying to faraway places, she enjoys sharing with travel lovers around the world.

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Ticket types and prices

Find out the cost of sightseeing tickets to the Cathedral, and what discounts are available. 

The price of admission includes entry to the Cathedral Floor, Crypt and the Dome Galleries. Admission also includes multimedia guides.

Terms and conditions of entry

* Concessions are available to any student with a photo ID issued by their place of study. Please bring ID with you. It should be easily readable by Cathedral staff and not have expired. ISIC full-time student cards are also acceptable.

Complimentary entry can be granted to a disabled visitor and an accompanying carer or companion. These can be pre-booked online or can be requested on arrival.

Child ticket holders must be accompanied and supervised by an adult aged 18 or over when accessing the Dome Galleries. Please read our groups page for the minimum ratio of supervising adults to child ticket holders that we ask applies throughout a group visit.

More on sightseeing

Planning your visit

Find out everything you need to know to get the most out of your visit to St Paul’s, including opening times, ticket types and prices and what's on offer.

Responding to COVID-19

We hold the ‘Good to Go’ industry standard, meaning we are following official COVID guidance and keeping our visitors safe.  

Group visits

For groups, we offer free tickets for leaders and guides, bookable private tours and special equipment to help you lead your own tour. 

How to find us

Find our address and learn how to reach us by different forms of transport.

Why we charge

Although our services are free, we ask our sightseeing visitors to contribute a small entrance fee. Find out how your sightseeing contribution is used to support us. 

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Royal Wedding, Harry Potter, and Epic Views: What You Need To Know Before Visiting London's St. Paul's Cathedral

L ondon is a city celebrated for its excellent museums , great theatre, and superb restaurants . But the English capital is also famous for its iconic and historical landmarks: Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, among many others. No matter your faith or lack thereof, St. Paul, is one religious buildings in London that visitors would be remiss to pass on. The cathedral’s recent and not-so-recent history, its architecture, and the art displayed inside, make it a must-see for any travelers to London.

Where is St. Paul’s Cathedral?

How to get to st. paul’s cathedral, who designed st. paul’s cathedral, when, and why, what denomination is st. paul’s cathedral, who got married at st. paul’s cathedral.

• Who is buried at St. Paul’s Cathedral?

St. Paul’s Cathedral in numbers

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St. Paul’s Cathedral is located on Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London. The City of London is one of 32 boroughs that make up London. Other boroughs include The City of Wesminster, Camden, Islington, etc.

The easiest way to get to St. Paul’s Cathedral is by taking the subway (AKA “the tube”) or the train. The Central Line (depicted in red on subway maps ) will get you straight to the station St. Paul’s which is a two-minute walk to the cathedral. The Thameslink train will get you to the City Thameslink station which is only a five-minute walk to the cathedral.

This magnificent building, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, was built between 1675 and 1711 following the complete destruction of its then very deteriorated predecessor during the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Sir Christopher Wren was the most acclaimed architect of his time. He designed 53 London churches, including St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The site on which St. Paul’s Cathedral stands is believed to have been dedicated to spiritual worship since Roman times, but the first Christian cathedral at this location, also named St. Paul’s, was erected here in the early seventh century.

St Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral. Anglicanism is a form of Christianity that falls under the umbrella of the Church of England.

The most famous recent wedding to take place at St. Paul’s Cathedral was the union of now King Charles III (then Princes Charles) and the late Princess of Wales (then The Honourable Diana Frances Spencer) on July 29, 1981.

Only a small number of weddings take place at St. Paul’s Cathedral every year. Those who wish to get married at the cathedral need to obtain a special license and meet certain conditions. Those conditions are listed on the cathedral’s official website .

Who is buried in St. Paul’s Cathedral?

The crypt of the cathedral is the final resting place of military heroes Admiral Lord Nelson (1805) and Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington (1852); artist J. M. W. Turner (1851); architect Christopher Wren (1723); among many others.

• St Paul’s Cathedral was completed in 1711, making it 312 years old in 2023.
• St Paul’s Cathedral is 365-foot tall. It was the tallest building in London until the 1960s. Today, it is the 79th tallest building in the city.
• The crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral is the largest in Europe and can accommodate up to 350 people
• There are more than a dozen bells at St. Paul Cathedral. The biggest of them is Great Paul which weighs 16.5 tons.
• There were 3,500 guests in St. Paul’s Cathedral for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981.
• The first ever cathedral built on this site was also dedicated to St. Paul and was built in 604 AD.

For those who wish to worship, the first service of the day is at 7:30 AM (Morning Prayers) and the last service of the day is at 5 PM (Choral Evensong) from Monday to Saturday. On Sunday, the first service is at 8:00 AM (Holy Communion) and the last service is at 5:30 PM (Eucharist). There are services throughout the day.

For those who want to sightsee, the cathedral is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. On Wednesday, the cathedral is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.

It is free to attend services at St. Paul’s cathedral and worshippers do not need tickets. Note that some special services and concerts are ticketed.

Those who want to sightsee must book a ticket online in advance . Adults pay $24.90 (£20.50); seniors and students pay $22.30 (£18.40); and children between the ages of 6 and 17 pay $10.90 (£9). Children under the age of six enter for free. People with disabilities and their necessary companion enter for free. Other discounts may apply; please check the website to see if you can benefit from them.

There are several free guided tours available for ticket holders.

Ticket holders can visit the cathedral floor, the crypt, and the dome galleries (the Stone and Golden Galleries). You’ll need to climb 371 steps to access the Stone Gallery which is located on the outside of the dome and provides amazing views of London. A further 122 steps take you to the Golden Gallery, a smaller outside gallery where the views of the city skyline are also exceptional. There are no elevators to access the dome galleries. The other two galleries, the Whispering Gallery (below the Stone Gallery) and the Ball and Lantern (at the very top of the dome), are not currently open to the public.

The staircase visitors use to access the Stone Gallery (known as the Geometric Staircase or the Dean’s Staircase) was used as the staircase to and from the Divination Tower at Hogwarts in the movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban .

The beautiful 1709 library will reopen to visitors in the spring of 2023. It was closed since 2018 for extensive restoration work.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend in London! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Leonardo Royal

The Leonardo Royal is a four-star hotel located just steps away from St. Paul’s Cathedral. Prospective guests can request a room with a view on the cathedral and they are unlikely to be disappointed by what they get. The rooms at the Leonardo Royal are elegant, simple, and all fitted with designer toiletries. There is a beautiful indoor pool, as well as a fitness club with a fully equipped gym, personal trainers, and fitness classes. There is also a spa with a sauna, hot tub, and many treatments on offer. Breakfast is included and there is a restaurant and bar on site. The Leonardo Royal is just a five-minute walk from the St. Paul’s subway station.

Club Quarters Hotel

The Club Quarters Hotel is located next door to St. Paul’s Cathedral and close to the City Thameslink station. The City Thameslink connects this area of London to St. Pancras International train station, King’s Cross train station, Luton Airport, and Gatwick airport, making this four-star hotel a very convenient option for visitors. The hotel is modern, clean, and simple. There is a fitness center and breakfast is included.

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A Guide to St. Paul’s Cathedral: Things to See and Do

Structures of Significance

I am quite fond of castles, grand churches, and other similar buildings.

These structures are often the most resilient to the passage of time, and there is always so much history within them. Not only can we explore, but we can also, for a moment, walk through history and marvel at the artifacts and stories of ages long past.

The best part, of course, is when we imagine how life and adventures could have been in such distant times.

S t. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most recognizable sites in London. It features a rich history, a massive and beautiful interior, numerous elaborate statues, ornate displays, and a crypt, among others. It is also one of the largest churches in the world. As a bonus, there is an observation deck that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the London skyline.

I immensely enjoyed visiting St. Paul’s cathedral. Navigating the cathedral was very straight-forward, and there were plenty of beautiful exhibits to admire. And the London skyline was one of the favorite parts of my visit to London.

St. Paul’s Cathedral’s Story

The current cathedral’s construction started in 1675, and it was meant to replace the decaying Old St. Paul’s Cathedral (shown in the photo above).

An Architectural Masterpiece

The interior of this massive Anglican cathedral is striking, leaving one in awe of its unique architectural design and sheer vastness.

Sir Christopher Wren—the man tasked with designing the structure—was inspired by Michelangelo’s dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. St. Paul’s dome was the result.

Toward the back, the apse and high altar offer the most magnificent view of the cathedral.

Servicemen Memorial

The cathedral’s numerous memorials to the British servicemen are both heartfelt and beautiful. Throughout the church, various placards, busts, and elaborate statues commemorate the servicemen’s bravery and sacrifice.

When you enter the crypt, there are engravings on certain parts of the floor. These are actual graves. There are actual bodies interred in the floors of the crypt.

The Cathedral Observation Deck

The observation deck is one of the best and most unexpected parts of St. Paul’s Cathedral. From various vantage points, visitors are greeted by wonderful panoramic views of the London skyline.

It takes about 528 steps to reach the observation deck. The climb is more strenuous and cramped than most people realize. In fact, there are signs discouraging participation from those who are dealing with heart problems, pregnancy, or claustrophobia.

As one of the largest churches in the world, St. Paul’s cathedral is full of history, beautiful architecture, heartfelt memorials, and sheer majesty. Of course, the photos provided here are but a small sample of all the wonderful things to see. I highly recommend that you visit this place and enjoy it for yourself.

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St paul’s cathedral hours + 7 other tips for your visit.

I’m ashamed to say it, but it’s true, despite all the time I’ve spent, lived and studied in London, I’ve never before visited St Paul’s Cathedral!

In fact, I‘d never even thought about visiting it!

That was until, of course, pandemo madness has had been trapped here in London and well, why I was passing my days in this city and not out adventuring on the road, I thought it was about time I checked out some of this capital’s greatest icons.

So, after putting out the word via my Instagram , Facebook and Twitter channels, I discovered that for many of you, your absolute view of London is from the top of St Paul’s Cathedral!

While I was sold!

So just before lockdown 2.0, I scuttled off there and can now bring you my top 8 tips for visiting this amazing place including, crucially St Paul’s Cathedral hours and how to get your hands on tickets the cheapest way.

After all, being one of the top 25 famous buildings to visit in London , intricately desecrated inside and out, home to a famous choir and built by the famous architect Christopher Wren, it turns out this place has quite a lot going for it… even if you’re not religious.

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#1 Cathedral Opening Hours

So first up on this visiting guide, is the number piece of info you all what to know.

That is, what are the St Paul’s Cathedral hours, in other words, what time are they open?

And the answer is that, outside of coronavirus restriction, normally St Paul’s is open Monday through Saturday year-round.

It is open from 8:30 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon.

Within that, it’s worth noting that the galleries do not open until 9:30am and that the last entrance time for visitors is half an hour before closing at 4pm.

Last entrance to the Galleries is a 4:15pm.

Probably worth pointing out too here, that the Galleries are the parts of the Cathedral which are elevated outside – essentially, the Dome areas.

You can still enter the church after visiting hours however, for the 5pm Choral Evensong, which last 45 minutes.

This is when you can experience St Paul’s for free, but of course, you can’t wander around, take photos or visit the Dome at this time.

Visitors after 4:30pm come for the religious service and singing.

This is also true of the daily Eucharist service, which takes place at St Paul’s Monday to Saturday at 12:30pm.

On Sundays the Church is only open for religious services, which take place as follows:

Holy Communion: 8am

Choral Mattins: 8:45am

Sung Eucharist: 11:00am

Choral Evensong: 3pm

Organ Recital: 4:30pm

Eucharist 5:30pm

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#2 How to Get Tickets

There’s 2 places you can buy St Paul’s Cathedral tickets and this keeps things nice and simple.

The first is via the Cathedral’s website.

Booking online offers you a slightly cheaper ticket price (so it’s worth it for us budget travellers) and also allows you to reserve your space – key in these corona times!

You can book tickets online up to 1 month in advance and entry slots are given in 30 minute intervals.

Group tickets of between 10-30 people can also be made online, as can reservations for those with annual passes, which allow them unlimited entries to the Cathedral within a year.

You can also buy annual passes, which essentially count as a donation towards the Cathedral on their website too.

Online adult tickets for a single entry cost £17, with concessions priced at £15 and child tickets at £7.20 Under 5 years old can enter for free, as can disabled visitors.

There are also a range of family tickets (with varying number of adults and children) which may work out more cost-effective for you.

You can also buy tickets at the Cathedral entrance in person if you need.

Here the tickets cost £1 more than the corresponding online tickets.

If you have a London Pass, then it’s very useful to know the entrance to St Paul’s Cathedral is included free in this great tourist companion.

Learn more about the London Pass here .

#3 Tour or Independent Visit?

The good news is that your entrance ticket does come with a free audio guide.

You can collect this just within the entrance, after you have either bought or shown your ticket.

The Audio Guide is both extensive and well put together.

It is very comprehensive and gives you a huge overview of the Cathedral’s history, its modern-day role, its community, its architecture and its journey through the ages.

It’s a fascinating way to learn about St Paul’s and if you listen to every single section you could spend hours in here wandering around and soaking in all the info.

For this reason, it’s not necessary to take a guided tour of St Paul’s as the audio guide allows you to wander the Cathedral and learn about its history at your own pace.

That said, if you do want to learn more either about Christopher Wren – the famous architect who designed the Cathedral – or quite why St Pauls is so famous, the role the Cathedral plays in the Church of England or who has been married or remembered here, then you may want to consider a tour.

There are several great London tours that include St Paul’s in their itinerary.

Check out the following top-rated options:

• London Highlight Guided Bike Tour
• Private London Tour by Car
• Changing of the Guard Walking Tour of London
• Hop-On Hop-Off London Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Full Day London Tours including Thames river cruise, London Eye ride, private tour of the Tower of London and professional guide Inside St Paul’s

The Cathedral also run some of their own independent guided tours.

Many of these are free once you have paid the admission, but only run at set times, which aren’t always known in advance.

You can learn more here .

#4 When to Visit

We’ve already discussed opening times, so as long as you visit within them you can go inside St Paul’s and out around the Dome anytime.

That said, there are probably some better times to pick within that wider timeframe.

There’s no question St Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic spot for London tourists to visit and during the peak tourist months of July, August and December, the Cathedral can get incredibly rammed.

In fact, one of the reasons I decided to visit St Paul’s in 2020 was thanks to the pandemic-induced lack of tourists in the city, which basically meant I had St Paul’s all to myself!

This was a great time to visit.

As was the fact I visited in November, later in the afternoon to be precise, when the sunset was happening around 5pm.

This meant that at the end of my visit, when I was up in the Galleries, I was able to witness the views from St Paul’s Dome across London during golden hour!

And what a golden hour!

Honestly, the views where incredible here and certainly the soft orange hues made it even more special.

If you want to capture sunset from the top of St Paul’s over London, then this is definitely one of the best times to visit.

#5 How Long to Allow for Visit

What with the audio guide to listen to from back to front and the epic views to enjoy from the Galleries, there’s no question you should allow at least a few hours for your trip to St Paul’s Cathedral.

And that’s not to mention the choir stalls, the crypt and the other parts of the church too….

#6 Parts of St Paul’s Cathedral to Visit

Which leads me nicely into my next section about the different parts of this Cathedral you can visit.

Yes I didn’t realise before I visited just how huge St Paul’s was and how much there was to see here.

Thankfully the Audio Guide is divided up neatly into nice sections, so you can wander through in an order that makes sense to you.

In general terms, the different parts of the Cathedral comprise of The Nave (the main section of the Church) the 2 wings or side sections known as The North and South Transepts, The Quire, The Crypt and The Galleries.

The Audio Guide covers all these sections in great details and from different points of view – be that historical, architectural, cultural or religious.

The only part the Audio Guide doesn’t cover are the Galleries.

These are essentially the parts of the Cathedral around the outside of the Dome that are elevated and have you looking over London.

#7 Accessing The Dome & Why You Should

So now we’re going to move on to talk about The Gallery or Dome parts of the Cathedral.

And I kinda thought these guys deserved their own section because, if you’re not religious, they are likely to be the most spectacular parts of the Cathedral.

At least they were in my eyes!

When you sit in The Nave, you can gaze up into the centre of the Dome as it arcs out of the ceiling and allows you to admire the incredibly artistic murals that have been crafted onto it.

Honestly, you can sit under this and stare up at it for ages.

Even if you don’t care about the Christian scenes it depicts, there’s no getting away from how impressive this is!

To access the external areas of the Dome you have to climb a lot of steep and winding steps, so do be prepared you need a pretty good level of fitness to get up here!

You have been warned!

That said, this was not as tough as climbing up Strasbourg Cathedral in 30 degree+ heat which I did in the summer!

Anyway, I digress, the point is, once you start climbing stairs you’ll first off reach the Whispering Gallery.

Continue on up to the Stone Gallery where you really come out into the open sky of London and start glimpsing the amazing 360 degrees views St Paul’s gives, albeit through some kinda cement railings.

You can get good snaps here, but you have to go up close to cut off the railings, so you don’t get the full effect, although it is still very nice.

For the full effect, you need to climb up a little more to the Golden Gallery – the real jewel in the crown for the most amazing views over Central London.

Cameras at the ready, this is a winner!

#8 What to Prep for Your Visit

So now we come to my final tip for visiting St Paul’s Cathedral and that is about how to prep for your time here.

Largely this involves, what to bring, as we’ve already touched on the need to be fit to conquer those steep stairs up to the gallery!

So, as I’ve just mentioned in the section above, a camera is a must for your trip to St Paul’s, especially if you want to snap those amazing aerial views over London.

I love my Sony A600 , which was perfect for the job.

I’d also ensure that you bring a good day pack with you, so you can house everything you’re carrying easily, leaving your hands free for either the audio guide or your camera!

A water bottle to help you stayed hydrated is also a good idea.

And don’t forget a lightweight waterproof you can fold up into the daypack if you don’t need it – this is London after all, so there’s always a good chance it could rain when you are around the Dome!

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

And that’s it my guide to St Paul’s Cathedral hours of visiting, along with 7 other top tips for your visit here.

I hope this post has been useful.

Have you visited this amazing London icon?

Have any advice to share?

Please drop it into the comments below and help any fellow travellers out…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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Time to tour Saint Pauls Cathedral

How much time do you need to tour Saint Paul's Cathedral? With a trip to the top.

Rick's London book says 2 hours if you climb the dome, 1 hour if you don't.

there is a lot of detail to see in St Pauls (and Westminster Abbey etc), if English history interests you you could spend many more hours looking at all the inscriptions etc.

I would honestly give yourself a few hours minimum whane seeing St Pauls or Westminster Abbey. We thought htat this would be a good fast visit through St Pauls. The lower level tombs didn't take much time to see, however, the dome? Your breath is taken away and you can just sit in the chairs under it and enjoy the serenity and think. The audio tour is well worth the time and price for the details . Climbing to the top is in stages and it is not easy to just sprint up the spirals. Try to take in the construction details, the iron works , the sound traveling along the walls and of course the views. After acsending to the top and returning to the basement, we chose to rest for a bit and enjoy some snacks and drinks to catch our breath and plan out the next adventure. Westmintser Abbey is the same thing. The history and details to be seen can't be appreciated in a fast stroll. The nice thing about the location is that after you leave, one can walk across the Millenium Bridge to enjoy the Thames, see the Tate Modern, Globe Theater or catch a cruise boat. We planned our day to start off leaving the Hotel by taking a doubel decker bus to the center and walking to St Pauls. Later, we would walk across the Millenium Bridge. The afternoon was based on us seeing Macbeth at the Globe Theater at @ PM. Tremendous performance! We had a leasurely lunch at a nice place down the walk overlooking the Thames. Walking back to the Globe we found that the Tate Modern had free admission and enjoyed that for about a half hour seeing [INVALID] works that interested us. There were plenty of people on the lawn and on the walk enjoying the day as we walked a few minutes to the Globe Theater. After the performance we had the 99p cone from the Ice Cream Truck. There is a dock right there to catch any of the Thames river cruises and that led us to enjoy the late afternoon travelling to the Tower Bridge, turning around and ending up at the Millenium Wheel. Enjoy the history.

My rule of thumb is to plan one major site in the morning and one in the afternoon................................... I keep notes on other sites/activities in the area, if I find myself with extra time available......................................It seems more likely that getting to, through and out of a site takes longer than you expected and you find yourself rushing to keep up with your plan.

Thanks for all of the advice.

My cousin is a guide on Thursdays - ask for Viv. She does a 2 hour tour but the trip to the top is not included. Amazing building. So plan 3 hours.

We make it a habit to see every big cathedral that is nearby. Having seen so many, I couldn't imagine spending more than an hour touring one on the main floor. If you are new to the experience, by all means spend more time. However, the climb to the top between the two layers of the dome is my favorite part. Add an hour for that experience & if you are physically able don't even consider passing it up....

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Time needed to tour St. Paul's and climb its dome - London Forum

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If we arrive at St. Paul's close to its 8:30 opening, I'm wondering if we'd also have time for a quick tour of the nearby Museum of London . We'll be picking up our luggage at a hotel we're staying at behind Victoria Station and then catching the tube back to Heathrow so I'm guessing we need to be on the tube by 12:30. Thanks for the advice.

It's been awhile since I climbed the dome, and it depends on how long you want to stay at the top, but I'd guess about an hour. It goes in stages so there are places to rest. It's up to you if you want to do it in the rain. The view would obviously not be as good, but you get up close to the inside of the dome and can see the Whispering Gallery. It looks like until 2 April 2012 you can only climb as far as the Whispering Gallery.

I doubt you will have enough time to do both the Cathedral and the Museum justice.

Just go to St Paul's and try to 'relax' a bit on your last day, enjoying one important sight - and it is amazing, you won't be disappointed.

Working backwards--you need to be at the airport by 12:35. You need to leave for the airport at 11:45. You need to get your bags before that.

I spent three hours at St. Paul's last time I was there. The Dome does have a fab view, but the Cathedral and crypt were by far much more interesting. If I had to drop one thing due to time constraints, it would be the Dome.

For a fabulous view, you can also go to the top of tower bridge for £8 http://www.towerbridge.org.uk or if you are feeling fit, climb the 311 steps of the monument http://www.themonument.info for only £3.

I'd recommend delish cupcakes (they also serve salds and sandwiches) from Bea's Bakery at the back of New Change for a bite to eat before you have to head back to the airport.

Is the terrace at One New Change only open during the store's opening hours?

I climbed to the top last September and I am 64. It's well worth it. Be careful of the low doorways along the way. I really cut the top of my head pretty good. I just kept going and waited till I got down to do anything about it. My wife was quite upset when she saw my head.

Just watch that you can get in at 8.30 (unless you want to attend the Service), my recent research finds that the Cathedral is open for tours normally at 9.30 am.

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Climbing the Dome at St Paul's Cathedral in London

St Paul's Cathedral

There's much to explore in St Paul's Cathedral , the stunning Baroque church designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1673. Alongside the awe-inspiring interiors and the crypt that houses tombs of some of the nation's greatest heroes (including Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington), the dome is one of its most striking features. 

At 111.3 meters high, it's one of the world's largest cathedral domes and weighs a hefty 65,000 tons. The cathedral is built in the shape of a cross and the dome crowns the intersection of its arms. Inside the dome, you'll find three galleries and you'll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the London skyline. 

St. Paul's Galleries

The first is the Whispering Gallery which can be reached by 259 steps (30 meters high). Go to the Whispering Gallery with a friend and stand on opposite sides and face the wall. If you whisper facing the wall the sound of your voice will travel around the curved edge and reach your friend. It really does work!

Note: Do not start the climb if you do not think you can make it as it's one way up and another way down. (The stairway gets too narrow for passing.)

If you choose to continue up, the Stone Gallery offers some great views as it's an outside area around the dome and you can take photos from here. It is 378 steps to the Stone Gallery (53 meters from the cathedral floor).

At the top is the Golden Gallery, reached by 528 steps from the cathedral floor. This is the smallest gallery and encircles the highest point of the outer dome. The views from here are spectacular and take in many London landmarks including the River Thames, Tate Modern, and the Globe Theatre. If you enjoy skyline views, you might like to also consider Up at The O2 , The Monument , and The London Eye .

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Everything You Need to Know About St Paul’s Cathedral

Whether you’re planning a visit, researching, or just curious about this amazing church, we have everything you need to know about St Paul’s Cathedral.

Browse the list of questions we are asked most frequently by our guests and amaze your friends with your encyclopedic knowledge, they don’t need to know where you got it from right?

If you enjoy reading about this famous Church, we’re sure you’d love one of our  private St Paul’s Cathedral Tours , led by a professional Blue Badge Tour Guide.

Feel free to  get in touch  if you have any questions about visiting St Paul’s on a guided tour.

First, what is St Paul’s Cathedral?

St Paul’s is a cathedral dedicated to St Paul, who you may know as the apostle Paul. It is located in the city of London and dominates the London skyline by law. It is also the seat of the Bishop of London.

Built by Architect Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th Century this magnificent building steeped in British history has become one of the most popular London attractions.

Information for Planning a Visit to St Paul’s Cathedral

Can i visit st paul’s cathedral.

Yes, you can visit St Paul’s for the majority of the year without restriction. Please bear in mind, however, this functioning Church observes many religious and national events. Your visit may be restricted during these times, check the website for closures .

Is St Paul’s Cathedral free?

St Paul’s is a living and working Church, as such it is always free to enter for the purpose of private prayer.

However, visitors who wish to simply look around this magnificent building are required to purchase a ticket.

Tickets prices and opening hours

Find the price of St Paul’s Cathedral admission below:

• Adults: £20.50 (booked online)
• Children: £9

As indicated above you can save money and time by pre-purchasing your entrance tickets online.

The Church is open Monday-Saturday 08:30 AM-4:00 PM, excluding major religious events and bank holidays.

How long does evensong last at St Paul’s Cathedral?

There is a daily choral Evensong at St Paul’s and everybody is always welcome to join. The service starts at 5 PM (Monday to Saturday) and lasts about 45 minutes. The start is at 3 PM on Sundays.

Is there a dress code for Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral?

There is no specific dress code required for evensong , however, please remember you are visiting an active Church. Anybody who is dressed for sightseeing or an office meeting would be comfortable visiting without changing their clothes. 

Why is St Paul’s Cathedral so Popular?

St Paul’s Cathedral London is a highly-acclaimed architectural landmark, annually it attracts around 1.7 million visitors. The cathedral can comfortably accommodate up to 3500 guests at one time. The imposing architecture of the building and the stunning views from its dome are must-see attractions in London.

How do you get to St Paul’s Cathedral?

St Paul’s Cathedral is located in the City of London and with its amazing architecture, it’s hard to miss. It has a tube station named after it, St Paul’s and it is the closest one to the church. There are several bus stops around the cathedral and it is on the route of the sightseeing buses. The river Thames is nearby with a Millenium Bridge connecting you to Tate Modern.

Can you take photos in St Paul’s Cathedral?

Yes, you can. During sightseeing hours visitors are permitted to take photographs of the main cathedral floor, the crypt and the galleries. Videos and selfie sticks are not permitted anywhere in the church.

How long does it take to tour St Paul’s Cathedral?

It takes around 90 minutes to view the whole church. If you wish to climb the dome and enjoy the view from different galleries it may take you slightly longer. Don’t forget you can also enjoy a snack in the popular cafe in the crypt. 

What are your Special Tips for visiting?

St Paul’s Cathedral London, is a living and working church, so prior to a visit it is advisable to check the online schedule, showing possible closures and events.

It is possible to attend a private prayer or take part in the more popular Evensong. Evensong is the afternoon/evening choral service. The Choire performs throughout the service accompanied by the grand organ. It’s an experience loved by locals as well as tourists.

Are there toilets at St Paul’s?

Yes, there are toilet facilities down in the crypt. The crypt is accessible from both inside and outside the Church. 

Can I visit St Paul’s Cathedral for private prayer?

St Paul’s offers a daily schedule of services that are open for anybody, free of charge. If you arrive outside those hours, there is a side chapel reserved for private prayer. Speak with the staff who will direct you to the chapel. 

Practical information

It is not possible for people to bring a bag larger than the following dimensions (45 cm x 30 cm x 25cm)

General Queries about seeing St Paul’s Cathedral

Where in london is st paul’s cathedral.

St Paul’s Cathedral is located in the City of London, at the top of Ludgate Hill. Surrounded by the financial district, it is an architectural gem amongst modern buildings. With its protected views, the Cathedral can be seen from various vantage points and serves as a good navigation point.

Is St Paul’s Cathedral worth seeing?

Yes, is the short answer. Not only is it a spectacular Church but the architecture is second to none. The Cathedral is very spacious inside and offers something for everybody, from art for art lovers to spectacular structures for the inquisitive engineer.  

Is St Paul’s Cathedral included in the London Pass?

Yes, you can use the London Pass when visiting the church. To make the most of your pass you can arrive by boat, the pier is nearby and called “Blackfriars”.

What are the top things to see at St Paul’s Cathedral?

• The Galleries (golden gallery, stone gallery and whispering gallery)
• The Knights bachelor chapel
• The American Chapel
• St Paul’s churchyard
• The Cathedral’s magnificent domes
• The Light of the World Painting

What is the difference between St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey?

St Paul’s Cathedral is the principal church of the diocese of London, with a bishop and a dean leading the church. Westminster Abbey, on the other hand, started as a monastery and has always been linked with Royalty. It is a “Royal Peculiar,” meaning it’s under the jurisdiction of the monarch.

Of course, we think both are worth visiting!

Take a look at our Westminster Abbey Tour for more details on this extraordinary London landmark

What famous events have taken place here?

St Paul’s Cathedral is the most famous and iconic cathedral in London. It has been used as a backdrop for many major events throughout history, including the wedding of King Charles III to Lady Diana Spencer and Winston Churchill’s funeral. The wedding attracted over a million spectators, who lined the processional route from Clarence House to the City of London and its St Paul’s Cathedral.

St Paul’s was even damaged during World War II Blitz but still managed to remain an enduring symbol of resilience. It was Sir Winston Churchill who said that St Paul’s Cathedral must be saved at all costs.

More recent events include service for the Diamond Jubilee of the Late Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 and the funeral of Margaret Thatcher in 2013.

Why did King Charles III get married at St Paul’s Cathedral?

What do you do when you have lots of guests to invite to your wedding? You hire a larger venue, of course! Put simply St Paul’s Cathedral can accommodate more guests than Westminster Abbey.

Can anyone get married at St Paul’s Cathedral?

The easy answer is no, however, if you have special family connections to the cathedral then you might just be in luck!

Which is taller Westminster Abbey or St Pauls Cathedral?

St Paul’s cathedral takes the victory here totalling a height of 111m (365ft) versus Westminster Abbey at 69m (225ft). However we think that both fit beautifully in their surroundings, take a look for yourself and see what you think when you visit.

Our favourite St Paul’s Cathedral features

Room for great views: the magnificent cathedral dome.

St Paul’s Cathedral is known for its dome, in fact, three domes in one structure. The inner dome can be viewed from the inside and it is beautifully decorated with paintings by Sir James Thornhill.

The middle dome is a cone-shaped structure made of bricks holding the weight of the lantern.

The outer dome is the one visible from the outside and it is the one that can be climbed. It takes 528 steps to reach the Golden Gallery which offers marvellous views of the City of London and beyond. It can be a challenge to climb the top and it is not recommended for anybody with claustrophobia.

The Stone gallery which is below still offers good views and it is much more spacious than the Golden one.

The first gallery to enter is the spectacular whispering gallery, some 259 steps above the Cathedral floor. It is an acoustic phenomenon. Whisper something to the wall and it can be heard around the gallery.

It is thought that inspiration for the domes may have come from St Peter’s basilica in Rome, famous for Michelangelo’s dome.

Visit the American Memorial Chapel And Book of Names

Hidden behind the High Altar is a beautiful American Memorial Chapel. The chapel was built after World War II and it commemorates all the American soldiers that were stationed in the United Kingdom. The Chapel is relatively small but is packed with American symbolism, in the stained glass windows and wood carvings.

Part of the Chapel is the Roll of Honour, a book with names of deceased soldiers. The pages of the book are turned every day and it takes 14 months to go through the whole book. There is a copy of the book available for research.

Exterior & St Paul

St Paul’s Cathedral in London boasts stunning exteriors. Looking at the west front of the cathedral you are welcomed by the two Baroque towers with a large pediment in the middle. The pediment depicts the conversion of Sal to the Christian faith. The cathedral is dedicated to St Paul whose statue proudly sits on top of the pediment.

The West towers are home to the bells, Great Tom and Great Paul. Great Paul is the largest bell cast in England.

Below the bell towers are the great west doors. The main large oak door is open only for special occasions whereas the side doors are for everyday use.

The crypt of St Paul’s is one of the largest in the UK, it follows the floorplan of the cathedral. It is the final resting place of many famous people, from artists to military heroes. The crypt also contains two models, one is the current building the other is the old St Paul’s which was destroyed by the great fire of London. These models allow us the unique opportunity to compare these 2 buildings.

The Quire (Choir)

The choir is where the clergy sit during services, one space is reserved for the Bishop of London. The ornamental woodwork of the choir was carved by Grinling Gibbons, a highly skilled Dutch woodcarver. The choir was considered perhaps his greatest achievement, he was paid nearly £3000 at the time (around £600,000 in today’s money!)

Take a stroll through the gardens and courtyards

In the courtyard you will see an impressive column that contains a gilded pillar of St Paul, it used to be called St Paul’s cross and was an important venue for public speaking in Tudor times. In front of the Church, you will find the statue of Queen Anne. Anne was on the throne during the years that building work at St Paul’s was completed.

Marvel at the monuments

St Paul has some 400 monuments. They are scattered around the main floor and the crypt, on the main floor you can find the tallest monument commemorating the Duke of Wellington.

Another memorial on the Cathedral floor celebrates the national hero Admiral Horatio Nelson. He is seen surrounded by the figure of Britannia, various sea Gods and a lion, each depicting an element of his character.

Finally, in the crypt, you will a memorial to Field Marshal Lord Kitchener. He died during World War I but is known famously for recruitment posters used in the early stages of the war.

The history of St Paul’s Cathedral

When was the original st pauls cathedral built.

It is believed that there was a wooden church back in 604AD on the site of today’s St Paul’s. It was destroyed by a fire and subsequently, other parish churches grew on its site over the centuries.

It was the Old St Paul’s with its tall spire that became the iconic landmark of medieval London. Unfortunately, the Old St Paul’s Cathedral burnt down during the Great Fire of London in 1666.

How old is St. Paul’s Cathedral?

If you are including the various buildings that have been on the site then around 1400 years. If however, you are interested in the current building you can visit today, then just over 300 years.

Sir Christopher Wren

The Present Cathedral was designed by C.Wren after the Great Fire of London. Owing to its short construction time, Wren was also present during the “topping out” ceremony in 1708, when the Cathedral was completed. The Cathedral took only took 35 years to build, an impressive feat for such a spectacular building.

What are some lesser-known facts about St Paul’s Cathedral?

• Martin Luther King gave a sermon at the Church in 1964, the human rights activist was also a Baptist minister and spoke about the three dimensions to a complete life.
• Christopher Wren, the Cathedrals architect, was the first person to be buried in the crypt.
• The Cathedral houses a lot of art, including modern art ranging from paintings to video installations
• The view as you enter the Cathedral of the spiral staircase is said to have inspired the staircase to Dumbledore’s office in the famous Harry Potter series.
• The Cathedral has been featured in many famous movies such as; Thor, Sherlock Holmes, Mary Poppins and Lawrence of Arabia

Is St Paul’s Cathedral catholic or protestant?

Given its ambiguous name, it can be hard to tell. Until the reformation St Paul’s was a Catholic Church, however, since the 16th Century it has been an Anglican Church and as such is Protestant.

Who is Buried in St Paul’s Cathedral?

The Crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral is the last resting place for famous British individuals such as Architect Sir C.Wren. He was buried east of the crypt in a plain stone whose epitaph said: “Reader if you seek the memorial, look around you”

Admiral Nelson is also buried in the crypt. He was killed at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The sarcophagus however was not meant for him. It was made originally for Cardinal Wolsey back in the 16th century. Unopened and unused it was stored at Windsor Castle until the time of the death of Admiral Nelson.

Just next to Lord Nelson lies another national hero, the Duke of Wellington. The crypt also includes numerous graves and monuments of artists, scientists and musicians.

We hope this answered all of your questions, so now you know everything about St Paul’s Cathedral! When you’re ready to visit, we would love to show you around. Feel free to peruse our  London Tours  to plan your journey in the city.

If you have any more questions about the Abbey, feel free to  contact us .

What’s on at St Paul’s Cathedral

Experience the awe-inspiring majesty of St. Paul’s Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Delve into the extraordinary temporary exhibits on display, offering a glimpse into the cathedral’s storied past and its role as a witness to historic events. From immersive displays showcasing the cathedral’s remarkable architectural details to captivating exhibitions unveiling the stories of those who have left their mark within its hallowed walls, these limited-time exhibits provide a unique opportunity to explore the hidden treasures and profound significance of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Christopher Wren: The Quest for Knowledge

Exhibition ongoing.

Free with a regular entrance ticket

Join us in commemorating the incredible life of Sir Christopher Wren, the visionary scientist, mathematician, and architect behind the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral. In our exhibition, “Sir Christopher Wren: The Quest for Knowledge,” we delve into the early years and career of this remarkable figure, shedding light on his lesser-known accomplishments in mathematics, astronomy, and physiology. Explore the design and construction of his greatest masterpiece, St Paul’s Cathedral, while immersing yourself in a treasure trove of archival materials, drawings, photographs, and personal artefacts that offer a captivating glimpse into Wren’s extraordinary world.

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St. Paul's Cathedral Free Entry | How to Attend a Mass Service

This post covers how to visit St. Paul's Cathedral for free, tours you can take, when they hold mass, and what you will see on your visit.

As a London tour guide and resident, I can tell you that the majestic St. Paul Cathedral is a popular attraction for good reason.

I've taken many of my own guests there and directed many Free Tours By Foot tour guests there.

To help write this particular post, I've used some of my and my fellow guides' experiences visiting the cathedral.

People like you, travelers, who have joined our London Travel Tips Facebook group, have helped to create some of this content as well.

The group has almost 165,000 members so it's a great place to look for answers to questions and learn more about London.

Here's to an enjoyable visit to what is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world!

• Plan Your Visit
• Ways to Save
• Attend a Service  (Free)
• Things to See at St. Paul's
• Tips from Locals and Travelers
• Things to Do in London

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Here are details you will need to know ahead of your visit, including how to visit St. Paul's Cathedral for free.

Since this is a functioning church, it is free to  attend a service . But to experience all of St. Paul's glory, including its  historic galleries, tombs, and domes , you must buy tickets. We go over the ticket options below .

Visitor Hours

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday | 8:30 – 16:00 (last entry).
• Wednesday |10 am – 16:00 (last entry).
• Sunday | closed to visitors, except for worshippers.

Note that these are subject to change for special events or services.

For those who plan to enjoy free entry to St. Paul's Cathedral, skip ahead to our section covering Mass times .

How to Get There

St. Paul's Cathedral is located within the City of London.

Its central location means that you can reach it by various London Underground stations as well as bus lines.

Regardless of how you get here, we recommend using this Google Maps link for directions to the cathedral . 

The nearest Underground station is St. Paul's (Central line). 

The cathedral is also within walking distance from Mansion House (Circle + District lines) and Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith, and City and Metropolitan lines).  

Be sure to read our tips on navigating the London Underground .

Public bus #'s: 4, 11, 15, 23, 25, 26, 100, 242 all stop at or near the cathedral.

Also, all major hop-on-hop-off bus tours make stops at the cathedral.

We also come here on several of our walking tours, including the following:

• City of London Tour (also available as an audio tour )
• Harry Potter Tour (also available as an audio tour )
• World War 2 Blitz Tour

See our full schedule of tours .

St. Paul's does not require visitors to follow a strict dress code, so you can wear pretty much whatever you want (within reason).

Just keep in mind that this is a church and moderate dress is expected, even if it isn't required.

Amount of Time Needed

To experience St. Paul's in its entirety, from the Saturday masses to daily rituals, consider weekdays for a visit.

While it is recommended to set aside at least 2 hours, the amount of time required always depends on how much you want to see and experience.

Nearby Attractions

• Tate Modern
• Tower Bridge
• Tower of London
• London Mithreaum

Hotels near St. Paul's Cathedral

Should you want to stay nearby here are some options.

Vintry & Mercer Cheval Calico House Bankside Hotel Autograph Collection

Admission to this historic church includes an introductory talk, a multimedia tour, an audio tour, and a guided tour of the structure (limited availability).

You'll also receive access to all of the  galleries, tombs, domes,  and other attractions that are typically off-limits for  visitors attending mass  and other services.

Tickets (online price)

• Adult - £20.50
• Concession - £18.40
• Children (age 6 – 17) - £9
• Families (1 adult + 3 child) - £29.50
• Families (2 adult + 3 child) - £50
• Under 5’s – Free
• Click  here to purchase  skip-the-line  tickets  ( affiliate disclosure ).

TIP:  Entry into St. Paul's Cathedral is free with the purchase of either the GoCity's  Explorer Pass  or the  GoCity London Pass .

Be sure to see our  Ways to Save section  below to find out how you can find deals on tickets.

Also, check out our post on  how to save on popular London tourist attractions .

WAYS TO SAVE

There are a couple of deals available on tickets for St. Paul's Cathedral.

Tourist Attraction Passes

If you plan on seeing more than one attraction in London (and you most likely do), you should consider purchasing a tourist pass, as just about all include St. Paul's.

These passes bundle tickets to popular London attractions and tours all for one price.

They can save you between 20-55% off the retail prices. 

Entry into St. Paul's Cathedral is free with the purchase of either the GoCity's Explorer Pass or the GoCity London Pass .

They can also save you time with skip-the-ticket privileges, including at St. Paul's.

Here are a few more popular attractions that are included at no extra cost with at least one major tourist pass:

• Windsor Castle
• Kensington Palace
• Westminster Abbey
• Hampton Court Palace
• View From The Shard
• Churchill War Rooms

See our post on London Tourist Passes to see which pass, if any, is right for you. 

Money-Saving Websites

Websites such as Groupon frequently offer deals of 10% - 25% off local activities, including admission to St. Paul's Cathedral!

This could be a good way to save money on the activity if you're not interested in any other opportunities.

St. Paul's Cathedral Tickets 2 for 1 Deal

Entrance to St. Paul's Cathedral is included in this great deal which saves you money on hundreds of attractions. You get 2 tickets for the price of 1.

It's a bit tricky to get the deal, but it may be worth it. Find out how here . 

St. Paul's Cathedral Free Annual Pass  

When buying admission tickets at the gate or in advance at the online rates, you can opt-in to have your ticket valid for a year as opposed to that one day, and it’s at no additional cost.

In essence, at present, an adult could pay £18.00 online and have a whole year’s worth of sightseeing entry. 

At the moment, this is the best way to get St. Paul's Cathedral free entry after the first visit.

TIP: Looking for more ways to save in London? See our 50+ free things to do in London for visitors.

ATTEND A SERVICE AT ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL

As a house of worship, St. Paul’s Cathedral holds daily services. 

For those who wish to worship there, there is no fee to enter, providing guests arrive in time for the service.

Note that attending a service does not give you permission to explore the building, tombs, memorials, and domes. These areas are blocked off during hours of worship.

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However, you will get to sit inside the church and enjoy its majesty, size, and beauty, all whilst taking in services steeped in centuries of historic tradition.

St. Paul's Cathedral Mass Times

• Daily Services | 8:00, 8:30, 12:30 and 17:00
• Sunday Services | 8:00, 10:00, 11:15, 15:00, and 17:30
• View the up-to-date schedule here

TIP: The weekday and Saturday 17:00 services, and the Sunday 15:00 service, contain the Choral Evensong. It is performed by the exquisite boys' and gentlemen's choirs.

CONSTRUCTION OF ST. PAUL'S

Built by England's most famous architect, Christopher Wren, in the Baroque style, St. Paul’s origins lie centuries ago.

There have been multiple St. Paul’s churches on the site where the current cathedral stands today.

Wren’s version began shortly after the Great Fire of London burned the Medieval St. Paul’s to the ground in 1666.

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Backed by King Charles II, it took Wren over 9 years just to design the church and then only around 33 years to build it (which is amazing when you consider all the modern tools and equipment Wren didn’t have!).

St. Paul’s was consecrated in 1708 and at that point, it was the tallest building in London – holding that title until 1962!  

GALLERIES AND ATTRACTIONS

In this section, we will provide details about each of the galleries you can visit at St. Paul’s Cathedral, as well as some of the more notable attractions in the church.

To learn about the history of the building itself, see below .

Whispering Gallery

You’ll find this gallery by climbing 259 narrow steps to the second floor of the building.

The Whispering Gallery is named as such because the architectural design allows you to hear a whisper from across the room.

This is also a great place to see the floor of the cathedral from above.

Divination Staircase (Geometric Squares)

St. Paul’s Cathedral, renowned for tales ranging from Winston Churchill's powerful speeches to the graceful visits of Lady Diana Spencer, houses several architectural masterpieces.

A notable highlight is the Dean's Staircase, which Harry Potter fans would instantly recognize.

But within the hallowed walls of the Cathedral, it's known as the Geometric Squares.

The exquisite staircase, intricately adorned with evangelists' carvings, showcases the architectural genius of Sir Christopher Wren.

The Cathedral’s cinematic allure extends beyond the wizarding world.

It has lent its majestic backdrop to classics like Sherlock Holmes and Lawrence of Arabia.

Beyond its film credits, scheduled tours offer insights into the life of the Archbishop of Canterbury and other historic figures.

For enthusiasts keen to walk in the shadows of wizards, our GPS-led Harry Potter London audio tour is worth considering. Read up on more Harry Potter locations in London .

Stone Gallery

This is essentially the third floor of the building, and it’s 378 steps from the ground floor – and entirely worth the effort.

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The Stone Gallery is an outside area around the dome, which allows you to enjoy fantastic views of the city from 52 metres (160 ft) above.

If you’re looking for a great observation deck that is free to visit, this is an excellent alternative to some of the other locations in London – and it gets even better at the Golden Gallery!

Golden Gallery

Located at the top of the cathedral, the third gallery is 528 steps up and a total of 85 metres (280 ft) from the ground floor.

This is the smallest gallery, encircling the highest point outside the dome.

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Views from this floor are often considered to be even more impressive than from any other gallery at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Visitors can expect to see landmarks such as the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the River Thames.

The Ball and Lantern

This is the ball and cross located at the very top of the cathedral. It is approximately 7 meters (23 ft) high and weighs in at approximately 7 tonnes.

Although the original ball and cross were erected in 1708, it was replaced in 1821 with the current design.

This ball and lantern were designed by the Surveyor to the Fabric, C.R. Cockerell.

St. Paul’s Cathedral has a crypt where you will find the tombs of several notable historical figures.

One of the most notable tombs is that of Sir Christopher Wren, architect of the cathedral.

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This is also the site of the tomb of Lord Nelson, who fought in the Battle of Trafalgar.

You can also visit Wellington’s tomb, otherwise known as the Iron Duke.

He also left behind an interesting number of namesakes, such as Wellington Boots, Beef Wellington, and more.

Oculus: An Eye Into St. Paul’s

within the crypt of St. Paul's Cathedral, the Oculus presents a captivating 270° film experience.

Encompassing over 1,400 years, this cinematic journey offers a deep dive into the storied past of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Rather than a singular presentation, the Oculus provides viewers with three meticulously crafted films.

"Life of the Cathedral" allows visitors to discover the daily life, rituals, and essence of this iconic Cathedral throughout various epochs.

"Resurgam, I Will Rise Again" gives an evocative look into the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Cathedral as it withstood adversities over the centuries.

Lastly, "Virtual Access, the Dome" offers a breathtaking virtual journey, allowing audiences to witness the splendor of the Cathedral’s Dome in an unprecedented manner.

For those keen on an immersive understanding of St. Paul’s historical and cultural significance, the Oculus is an indispensable experience.

The American Memorial Chapel

Standing solemnly within St. Paul's, the American Memorial Chapel is a testament to the intertwined histories of the UK and the US.

It stands as a memorial to the valor and sacrifices of the American soldiers who fought during World War II.

As one gazes upon its intricately designed stained glass, it becomes clear that every inch of it is steeped in tales of bravery, sacrifice, and the unyielding bond between two nations.

Wellington's Monument

An imposing structure within the Cathedral, Wellington's Monument salutes the strategic genius and leadership of the Duke of Wellington.

Crafted from rich marble and detailed craftsmanship, it symbolizes more than just the man—it captures the spirit of an era where strategy and valor shaped empires.

The South Aisle

Walking along the South Aisle is akin to stepping back in time.

Each step is a reminder of those who once trod these same paths, including royals like Queen Victoria.

Its walls, adorned with artworks and carvings, narrate tales spanning centuries, from the maritime prowess of Admiral Lord Nelson to events that shaped modern Britain.

North Transept

The North Transept of St. Paul's is where sound and silence find a harmonious blend.

Here, the Cathedral's renowned acoustics resonate, turning whispers into echoes that dance around the grand pillars.

This space, marked by its unique sound and beauty, also serves as a silent witness to the centuries-long spiritual leadership of the seat of the bishop of London.

At the heart of St. Paul's lies the High Altar, a sacred spot that has seen a myriad of moments, both somber and joyous.

From the solemn funerals of towering figures like Margaret Thatcher to celebratory events that echoed with laughter and joy, it's a place that beckons visitors to pause, reflect, and connect with the Cathedral's rich tapestry of history.

TOURS OF ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL

Below the video, we describe both free tours and paid tours  of St. Paul's Cathedral.

Free Tours of St. Paul's

This section will cover all of the free tours available at St. Paul’s Cathedral and what is included with each experience.

All of these services are included in the price of admission. Read below or visit the cathedral's tours page .

Multimedia Guides

Use high-resolution touch screens to fly through the galleries and get a close-up view of the more intricate details in the domes.

Also included are interviews and commentary from experts who have studied the Cathedral and members of the congregation.

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These guides are available in 9 languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean.

There are also family multimedia guides which include quizzes, interactive games and other activities for children and their parents.

Audio Description Guides

These audio tours are only available in English currently, but they are an excellent opportunity to get closer to some of the artwork.

Listeners are encouraged to touch sculptures and carvings while listening to wonderful music from the St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir.

There will also be commentary and interviews from experts with a lot of knowledge about the landmark.

Introductory Talk

This is a 15-20 minute introduction to both the architecture and historical significance of St. Paul’s Cathedral provided by a professional tour guide.

Introductory Talks are offered regularly throughout the day – all you have to do is ask about it at the guiding desk when you arrive.

If you want to learn the basics about this location from a live guide, this is one of the quickest and most readily available options.

Free Guided Tours

Take a free 60-minute tour with a professional guide who will cover all the significant areas of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

This tour includes details about the Cathedral Floor, the Crypt, the Chapel of St. Michael & St. George, the Geometric Staircase, and the Quire – some of which are not usually open to visitors.

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Tours are available between 11:00 am and 15:00 (3 pm) each day.

Note that you are not guaranteed a place on the guided tour as there is limited availability. Advance reservations are not available.  

If you want to ensure a place, go straight to the guiding desk when you arrive at the cathedral and let them know you want to take the tour.

Paid Tours of St. Paul's

Below are tours offered by St. Paul’s Cathedral for an additional fee.

These tours are only £5-£10 extra, and it may be worth it to you to have an extra special experience

Private Group Guided Tours

If you want to avoid missing out on a free public tour, cathedral guides are willing to provide the same tour to private groups for only £8 per person.

You will require a minimum of at least 10 people in your group to qualify for this option.

All private group guided tours must be booked ahead of time, and they usually start at 10:15, 11:15, 13:15 (1:15 pm) and 14:15 (2:15 pm)

It is recommended to contact [email protected] at least two weeks in advance to secure the next available private group guided tour.

Triforium Tour

This one-hour tour covers several locations that are usually off-limits to visitors, and it’s only available publicly on specific days each year.

A professional guide will introduce you to areas such as the library, the Geometric Staircase, the Great Model, and more.

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The Triforium Tour also features a great view down the nave from over the Great West Doors.

You should contact [email protected] well ahead of time to book your spot in this otherwise rare tour. Tickets are £10 per person.

This tour can also be booked privately for a party of at least 5 people, with a maximum of 20 guests admitted. Tickets for the private tour are still only £8 per person.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we do our best to provide all the information you'll need to plan a successful visit to St. Paul's Cathedral, sometimes you need answers to specific questions related to your personal experience.

As mentioned above, our London Travel Tips Facebook group is a great place to ask a question.

Below are some questions asked and answered by our members as well as other tips that will make the trip most enjoyable.

• St. Paul's is not particularly packed throughout the year, but it does tend to get crowded on Fridays and Saturdays. It's also likely to be more quiet closer to opening times.

2. For those interested in attending a service, one of our members suggests an arrival time and the best place to sit.

3. For those touring the cathedral, there are a few ways to go about it as the comment below states.

Also, note that the last entry for sightseeing ends 30 minutes after the last entry time. Be sure the check the opening and closing times on a particular day as the schedule does sometimes change.

4. Bells ring at the Cathedral before Sunday services at 9:30, 10:45, and 14:30.

There are also tower bells that ring at 8:00, 8:30, 12:30, and 17.00 during weekdays.

The schedule will change though if the service times following have to be moved.

5. Bags above a certain size, 45cm x 30cm x 25cm, cannot be taken into the cathedral. There's no place to store coats or bags so you'll have to carry things with you.

6. Non-flash photography is welcome in most parts of the complex but it is not allowed in the Whispering Gallery or St. Dunstan's Chapel.

The cathedral also doesn't allow tripods, selfie sticks, and other equipment. It's best to check the website if you have any questions.

7. You can find the toilet facilities down in the crypt.

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