St. Paul’s Cathedral has towered atop the City of London’s Ludgate Hill since 1710. With roots dating back to 604 AD, the cathedral has hosted nationally significant events, including Winston Churchill’s funeral and Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding. It’s home to various artworks, from Pre-Raphaelite paintings to contemporary sculptures. From the Cathedral Floor to the 365-foot-high dome, there’s plenty to see and do at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Ready to explore what St. Paul’s Cathedral has to offer? You’ll find everything you need to know here.
Things to see and do at St Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral attracts nearly 2 million visitors annually. Marvelling at the cathedral’s exterior, you might think that no greater beauty awaits – but there’s more inside.
Tickets
St. Paul’s Cathedral has ticketed entry, including access to the Cathedral Floor, Crypt and the Dome Galleries. You’ll also receive multimedia guides.
St. Paul’s Cathedral admission fees:
| |
|
|
| Adults |
£20.50 |
£23 |
| Students and over 65s |
£18.40 |
£20.50 |
| Children 6-17 |
£9 |
£10 |
| Under 5s |
Free |
Free |
For more information, visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral ticket site.
Guided tours
Booking an expert-led guided tour is one of the best ways to discover the cathedral’s rich heritage.
The Highlights tour, free with admission, includes a brief introduction to the cathedral’s history and architecture. The Cathedral Floor and Crypt tour is also complimentary, covering the history and purpose of the Cathedral Floor and Crypt tour. The Triforium tour costs £12.50, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the library, the Trophy Room and Great Model – none of which are typically accessible to visitors.
Tours run Monday to Saturday between 11:00 and 15:00. Tours can be purchased online or in person. Multilingual audio guides are available.
The Galleries
St. Paul’s Stone Gallery is 173 feet (376 steps!) above ground level. After your climb, you’ll have one of the best panoramic views of London, including the Shard, the Millenium Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe and the London Eye. If you can manage another 152 steps to the Golden Gallery, you’ll enjoy even greater views.
Cathedral Domes
The cathedral’s dome makes it one of the most recognisable silhouettes on the city skyline. Thanks to the 111-metre dome, the cathedral was London’s tallest building until 1963. Inside, it’s adorned with stunning frescoes. Experience the unique acoustic effects of the dome’s curved surface in the Whispering Gallery, where your whispers are heard from across the room.
Chapels
There are seven chapels in St. Paul’s Cathedral, each with its significance. The All Souls’ Chapel is dedicated to Field Marshal Lord Kitchener and those lost in World War One, while many use the Middlesex Chapel to remember those lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can light a candle or submit names for prayer.
The Crypt
Many world-famous heroes, poets and scientists have been buried in St. Paul’s Cathedral, including Admiral Lord Nelson, Joseph Turner and Sir Winston Churchill. It’s Europe’s largest crypt, doubling as an events space for up to 350 guests.
Concerts
St. Paul’s Cathedral hosts regular concerts showcasing choral music, hymns and psalms, many of which are free to attend. It also has free carol concerts each Christmas.
Things to do near St. Paul’s Cathedral
There are plenty more attractions nearby once you’ve explored the cathedral. Catch world-class theatre at the National Theatre or Shakespeare’s Globe , and head to the Tate Modern for some of the best exhibitions in London. Make your way to the Tower of London for more fascinating history.
Tips for enjoying St. Paul’s Cathedral
- St. Paul’s Cathedral is open from 8:30 to 16:30 from Monday to Saturday and 10:00 to 16:30 on Wednesday. It’s closed to sightseers on Sunday.
- Large items (above 45cm x 30cm x 25cm) aren’t allowed inside, and the cathedral has no cloakroom facilities.
Food and drinks
There are various eateries nearby. Madison Rooftop Bar has artisanal pizzas, craft beers and stunning views of the cathedral and the city skyline. Meanwhile, the Blackfriar, a Grade II-listed pub, serves traditional pub fare. If you still can’t choose, One New Change is conveniently located adjacent to the cathedral and has several cafes and restaurants for every taste.
St. Paul’s Cathedral accessibility
Westminster Cathedral offers free admission for disabled visitors and their accompanying carers. Vision-impaired visitors can request a free ‘touch tour, ' and there are induction loops and multimedia BSL-signed tours for those with hearing impairments. Wheelchair users have step-free access through the North Transept entrance. The cathedral is equipped with ramps, lifts and accessible toilets. Wheelchairs are available on request. Assistance dogs are welcome.
For more information, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral accessibility page.
