st paul's cathedral trip

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

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: July 12, 2024

• 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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Travel Home > UK Tours > London > St Paul's Cathedral

Guided Tour of St Paul's Cathedral

Officially licensed guides, guided walking tour, flexible rescheduling, st paul's cathedral tour.

Explore the awe-inspiring beauty and craftsmanship of arguably Sir Christopher Wren’s greatest work,  St Paul’s Cathedral with your own private Blue Badge Guide . You’ll learn all about the Cathedral’s innovative construction and its importance to the people of London. 

This short 3-hour tour can also be combined into a longer tour of London, or perhaps  a multi-day tour of the UK  – just let your personal tour planner know how long you’ll be here, and what you’d like to see, and they’ll start crafting the perfect itinerary for you and your group!

Highlights of The Guided Tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral:

• Meet your  professional  Blue Badge Guide 
• Visit Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece:  St Paul’s Cathedral 
• Enjoy a  guided tour inside
• Head up the spiral staircase before being guided to the viewing platform to  enjoy 360 views over London
• Get to know the area that surrounds St Paul’s by walking along the Thames and  the famous Millennial Bridge

St Paul’s Cathedral Private Tour Itinerary

St Paul’s Cathedral stands at 365 ft high: an ft for every day of the year, and every day of the year it stands as a welcoming beacon to all.

Be ready for a  fascinating tour around this baroque beauty, which dates back to 1711 . You will hear stories of royal weddings, see famous burials and take in the delightful ambiance inside. Plus you will have the opportunity to  climb the steps to the top of the 2nd largest dome in the world and enjoy 360 views of London . 

St Paul’s Cathedral symbolizes peace, hope, and defiance, with the latter being very prevalent during World War II. The 1940s brought devastation to London, with many buildings being turned to ashes, with that many feared St Paul’s Cathedral would be one of them. 

The Prime Minister during this time was Sir Winston Churchill and it’s said he woke every morning during the London Blitz asking “Is St Paul’s still there?”, he knew that with the morale of London hanging on by a thread, losing St Paul’s could be the final straw to the Londoners mental state. But with 1000’s volunteers watching over the building 24/7 St Paul’s survived and remains today a symbol of defiance.

Looking for a truly unique experience when in the Cathedral? Explore our exclusive experiences below:

Luxe Exclusive Experiences: St Paul’s Cathedral

We can arrange a variety of private, exclusive experiences in St Paul’s Cathedral including areas not usually open to the public such as the Geometric staircase, the Model Room as well as the Cathedral Floor, the American Chapel, OBE Chapel, Nelson’s Chamber, and the Crypt. This could end in a brunch or lunch in the exclusive Wren Suite.

If you would prefer an exclusive evening experience, you would visit the cathedral completely privately after all visitors have left following Evensong.

You would visit the Cathedral floor, the Quire, The American Chapel,  the Triforium which would include the Geometric staircase and Model Room, and then taken to Nelsons Chamber and the Crypt. This would be a very informative and intimate tour of the Cathedral and see some of the spaces the public do not normally get to see.

To enquire about a Luxe Exclusive Experience at St Paul’s Cathedral, contact your expert tour planner here . 

Why You Should Choose Luxe For Your St Paul’s Cathedral Tour:

• Explore the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral with a personal Blue Badge Guide to help you understand the incredible history and stories this landmark has to offer
• Avoid the crowds and queues of bigger bus tours of London
• Include Luxe Exclusive Experiences in the Cathedral than others simply cannot offer
• Customize your tour itinerary to suit you : extend your tour to include only the things that interest you and your group

Tour Duration:  3 hours

Meeting point:  At your centrally located London accommodation or in front of St Paul’s Station

Let us know your questions!

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Contact Us About Our Guided Tours of St Paul’s Cathedral

At London by Luxe we understand that no two private tours will be the same, and we endeavor to tailor every tour exactly to the tastes and requirements of our guests. So if there is anything we can do to customize your tour, just let our friendly planners know in the form below.

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Guide to St Paul's Cathedral

Gautier Houba / TripSavvy

St. Paul's Cathedral , designed by Sir Christopher Wren is, along with the Houses of Parliament and London Bridge, one of London's greatest icons. The familiar dome is the centerpiece of some of the city's best views — from the top floor of the Tate Modern on Bankside or the romantic spot on the middle of Waterloo Bridge.

And while St. Paul's has always been popular with Londoners, the picture of it surviving the Blitz, taken in 1940 by Herbert Mason from the roof of the Daily Mail, cemented its position as a symbol Britain's resistance to the Nazis.

How London Got Its Great Cathedral

A cathedral dedicated to St. Paul has stood on Ludgate Hill in the City of London for 1,400 years. It was once believed to have been the site of a Roman temple dedicated to Diana but no evidence to support that was ever unearthed (so if you take a guided tour and the guide suggests that, be skeptical.) The first church was built around year 604 and before Wren's church rose on this site, four other churches occupied the spot.

Fire and Viking raids destroyed one after another until the Norman's built an impressive cathedral in 1087 that stood, more or less, into the mid-16th century. A lot of the fabric of the church had already been plundered during the English Reformation under Henry VIII when, in 1561, lightning set fire to the steeple and parts of the church.

For more than 100 years, various attempts to rebuild a cathedral never came through. The famous 17th-century architect and theater designer Inigo Jones drew up plans and works were even begun — but the English Civil War got in the way.

In 1666, Sir Christopher Wren proposed rebuilding the church with a great dome. The plan was approved and just a week later, the Great Fire of London, begun in a baker's shop on Pudding Lane, destroyed most of the city. The scaffolding around St. Paul's probably helped spread the fire.

Wren, at last, had his chance to build his masterpiece. It took him nine years to plan and 35 years to complete it, but he lived to see his son and the son of his master mason lay the final stone in 1711. When the St. Paul's was completed, during the reign of Queen Anne, it was the first English cathedral to be built after the English Reformation.

Available Tours

There is a lot to see inside St. Paul's, from glittering mosaics (added to please Queen Victoria, who thought the place was dark and dull) and 400 years worth of sculpture and religious artwork. Admiral Horatio Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, and Christopher Wren himself are buried in the crypt. The cathedral's historic library was restored and refreshed to enable more exhibitions of its treasures. One of them, the Tyndale Bible, is one of three existing copies of the first holy book every printed in English. Tyndale was executed for producing it.

Guided and self-guided tours can bring all this history to life and fill your dinner conversation with fascinating tidbits forever. And luckily, not all the tours cost money (on top of the price of admission) and those that do are pretty reasonable.

• Multimedia tours  with high-resolution touch screens and "fly-throughs" of the dome and galleries are free with your admission ticket. They also include zoomable close-ups of ceiling artwork and paintings and archive film footage of the cathedral's history. They are available in nine languages—English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean — as well as British sign language.
• Audio description guides  encourage visitors to touch carvings and sculptures. These free guides feature music from the cathedral choir and interviews with cathedral experts.
• 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 guiding desk when you arrive.
• Free 90-minute guided tours include the cathedral floor, the crypt, the Geometric Staircase (also known as the Dean's Staircase highlight the marvel of mathematics and Wren's engineering skills), the Chapel of St. Michael and St. George, and the Quire. These are areas not normally open to visitors. The tours are conducted Monday through Saturday in the morning until early afternoon. Though free, you will need to book a place on this tour at the guiding desk when you arrive.
• Triforium Tours occur in an arched level above the nave and is not normally open to the public. You have to pay for this tour, which includes the Library, Christopher Wren's Great Model, the Geometric Staircase, and a view down the nave from above the Great West Doors. This tour must be booked at least two days in advance and is offered on specific dates published on the Cathedral website . Groups of five or more should book at least five days in advance. Keep in mind that there are 141 steps to the Triforium level and no lift, or elevator.
• Touch Tours  are two-hour tours of the floor and crypt of the cathedral that are offered on selected dates for the visually impaired. These are free but must be booked in advance.

Visiting the Dome Galleries

At 365 feet high, the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral  is one of the world's largest cathedral domes. It weighs a hefty 65,000 tons, with 850 tons alone for the lantern at the top. 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 which offer great views of London as well as the floor of the Cathedral. Before you start the climb, be sure you can actually make it. The staircases are one way up and another down and quickly become too narrow for passing—so once you start climbing you cannot change your mind.

• Whispering Gallery. Reach this gallery by climbing 259 steps. Go to the Whispering Gallery with a friend, 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. From here, you can look down at the floor of the cathedral.
• Stone Gallery. From here there are   great views as it's an outside area around the dome. You can take photos from here. It is 378 steps to the Stone Gallery.
• Golden Gallery. This is the third gallery and is 28 steps from the cathedral floor. It is also 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 Theater.

Visitor Essentials

• When: The Cathedral is open to visitors every day, however on Sunday, the cathedral is open for worship only, and there is no sightseeing.
• Services: Worship and prayer services are held every day, including sung Matins and Choral Evensong. Everyone is welcome and entry for services is free.
• Where:  St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4, nearest London Underground stations: St. Paul's, Mansion House and Blackfriars.

How to Visit for Free

Tickets to the cathedral can be expensive, especially if you have a family in tow. If you are short on time or money, consider one of these options:

• Visit St. Dunstan's Chapel.  Head up the cathedral's main steps, and enter on the left-hand side. Inside you'll find the line to buy tickets, but keep to the left and you can enter St. Dunstan's Chapel for free at any time. This is open for prayers all day but is well-frequented by visitors, too. The chapel was consecrated in 1699 and is named for St. Dunstan, who is a Bishop of London who became Archbishop of Canterbury in 959.
• Visit the Crypt.  The Churchill screen/gates divide the refectory, and the crypt so can be seen for free when visiting the cafe/shop/restrooms. The crypt is the largest of its kind in Europe and is the final resting place of a number of prolific Brits including Admiral Horatio Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, and Sir Christopher Wren himself.
• Attend a Service.  St. Paul's is a place of worship first and a tourist attraction after that. There are services every day in the cathedral and all are welcome to attend.
• Attend a Christmas Carol Service.   St. Paul's Advent and Christmas events schedule is published in October, and the free highlights usually include Benjamin Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols," featuring the cathedral boys choir, Christmas Carol Services on December 23 and 24, and a ​Celebration of Christmas that features the Cathedral Choir, City of London Sinfonia, and celebrity readers.

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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.

Pit Stock / Shutterstock

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.

Fazlyeva Kamilla / Shutterstock

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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Pope Francis, 87, takes climate message to South-east Asia on 12-day trip

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis leaves on Sept 2 for a visit to four island nations across South-east Asia, an ambitious trip to urge global action on climate change that may test the strength of the 87-year-old head of the global Roman Catholic Church.

Over 12 days from Sept 2 to 13, the Pope will travel nearly 33,000km to visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore. It is the longest trip yet by the pontiff, who now regularly uses a wheelchair because of knee and back pain.

He pushed hard for the 2015 Paris climate agreement and aides say he wants to continue his appeals to confront the dangers of a rapidly warming world, and especially to support the most vulnerable. In the countries on his tour, these dangers include rising sea levels and increasingly severe and unpredictable heatwaves and typhoons.

Jakarta, the Indonesian capital where the trip begins, has experienced disastrous flooding in recent years and is slowly sinking, prompting the government to build a new $32 billion (S$41.6 billion) capital on Borneo island.

The Pope is scheduled to headline more than 40 events during the trip, and some observers say that beyond his specific itinerary, he wants to show he is still capable of leading the 1.4 billion-member Church, despite his age and bouts of ill health. 

“It is a show of strength for Pope Francis,” said Professor Massimo Faggioli, an Italian academic who has followed the papacy closely.

What does the Pope hope to achieve?

Prof Faggioli, from Villanova University in Philadelphia, noted that no pope has toured abroad at such an age. Benedict XVI, Pope Francis’ immediate predecessor, resigned at 85. Pope John Paul II, who had Parkinson’s disease, made his last visit abroad at 84.

The tour will be Pope Francis’ 45th foreign trip since his election in March 2013. He speaks often about reaching out to people or groups on the margins of society, and has prioritised trips to places never before visited by a pope, or where Roman Catholics are a small minority.

“Francis has almost drawn a new map of the Church,” said Prof Faggioli. “It’s global Catholicism now, a Church that it is not just more globally extensive, but truly globalised.”

Also on the agenda is a renewed push for Catholic-Muslim dialogue, long a priority for Pope Francis who, in 2019, became the first pontiff to visit the Arabian peninsula.

Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, has about 280 million inhabitants, only about 3 per cent of them Catholic. Pope Francis will take part in an inter-faith meeting at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in South-east Asia.

Political science associate professor Jeremy Menchik of Boston University, who has written extensively on Indonesia’s politics, said it was in a “golden age” of inter-faith dialogue, noting that the mosque sits opposite Jakarta’s Roman Catholic cathedral.

“This is a moment where you have pluralism rather than polemics,” he said.

The Pope will land in Jakarta at about midday on Sept 3, and will depart for Papua New Guinea three days later. To allow him to rest after a night flight of more than 13 hours, he will have no public activities on Sept 3, apart from a brief official welcome at the airport.

Why has the Pope chosen Asia?

In each of the four countries, the Pope will hold official meetings with the political authorities, diplomats and local Catholics. He will also lead outdoor celebrations of the Catholic Mass in all four countries.

The Church’s officials broadly see Asia as fertile ground to expand the faith, which has experienced decline in Western countries. 

Ms Shihoko Goto, director of the Indo-Pacific Programme at the Wilson Centre, a Washington think-tank, said Pope Francis’ visit, despite his health concerns, “speaks volumes about the strategic importance of Asia for the Church”.

Papua New Guinea, with an official population of about nine million, has some 2.5 million Catholics, the Vatican says. East Timor, with a population of 1.3 million, is nearly 96 per cent Catholic, while Singapore counts about 210,000 Catholics among its 5.92 million people, according to the Vatican. REUTERS

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Visit with your school

St Paul's is an inspiring place to learn for students of all ages. From hands-on history classes that explore Cathedral life during World War II, to thought-provoking sessions that ask big questions about ethics and religion, we are sure you will be able to find the perfect visit for your group.

Our experienced Schools and Family Learning team lead interactive cross-curricular guided visits for all ages, across all the key stages.

We offer a variety of themed learning sessions, workshops, self-guided trails and live virtual visits. We can offer inspirational sessions across curriculum subjects for:

• all key stages
• GCSE exam preparation
• college groups
• home school groups
• SEND students. 

In-person visits

Come and explore St Paul’s Cathedral with your own dedicated and knowledgeable member of the Schools and Family Learning team. We can tailor our curriculum-focussed sessions to ensure that it engages your students and supports your work back in the classroom.

A guided tour gives you access to everything from handling objects and taking part in fun activities, to exploring behind the scenes of the Cathedral.

Virtual visits

If you are unable to visit us in person, why not join us on a virtual visit? Our dedicated team will ensure that your students are fully engaged with lots of unique digital resources which have been tailor-made for remote sessions. 

Self-guided visits

Do you want to explore St Paul’s at your own pace?

By booking a self-guided visit, we can offer your group lots of pre-visit advice and guidance, as well as subject-specific trail leaflets. This option is ideal if you are limited on time or do not have specific curriculum aims.

SEND students and schools

If you have students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in your class, we are very happy to offer extra support. From bundles full of adapted learning resources to bespoke tours, visit our page on SEND students for more information. Our team is always available to discuss how we can tailor a session to meet your group’s individual needs.

Schools Visit FAQ

Find information for booking onto and attending our school visits, including details of what facilities we have and guidance on bringing packed lunches.

Resources for teachers

Our learning library for teachers can be searched by theme and Key Stage and offers teachers a host of resources to support their engagement with St Paul's. With videos and printable activities, many can be used in the classroom as well as during your visit.

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We are very grateful to Benefact Trust for their generous support of this programme.

Benefact Trust exists to make a positive difference to people's lives by funding, guiding and celebrating the work of churches and Christian charities; empowering the most vulnerable and giving people, communities and places a renewed opportunity to flourish.

Our bursary scheme is kindly supported by Sarasin & Partners.