st paul's cathedral visit time

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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• Westminster Abbey
• Kensington Palace
• Windsor Castle
• Hampton Court Palace
• Changing of the Guard

Here’s Everything You Need To Know About St Paul’s Cathedral

Explore the UK's national and architectural masterpiece, St Paul's Cathedral, where London's history and skyline comes to life

When you cast your eyes over the London skyline, there’s plenty of iconic sights that catch your eye. Think Big Ben , The Shard , the Wembley Arch , and you’ll have landmarks that have graced the skies of London for years now. Those, however, are mere striplings when compared to St Paul’s Cathedral , whose outline has been framed against sunsets and sunrises for over three hundred years. The cathedral holds a treasured place in British history, and regularly enchants visitors with a heady mix of history, architectural flair, and winning views over the city . Our nifty guide will help you make the most of your visit to St Paul’s Cathedral .

History of St Paul’s Cathedral

Famously, the current St Paul’s Cathedral isn’t the original one – the fearsome inferno we know as the Great Fire of London put paid to that – but did you know it’s actually the fifth version ? A cathedral dedicated to St Paul has stood upon the highest point of the old Roman city of Londinium, which roughly corresponds to the modern day City of London, for over 1400 years .

The first one is thought to have been a wooden church built in 604 by Mellitus, Bishop of the East Saxons . In a pretty awkward harbinger of what was to come, it promptly burned down in 675 – and the second (torn down by the Vikings in 962) and t hird (burned(!) down in 1087) didn’t fare much better either. For over four hundred years, it looked like the Normans had solved it with St Paul’s Cathedral IV , which was the longest and tallest Christian church in the world from its completion in 1240 until meeting its fiery end in 1666 , along with most of the City of London.

The current St Paul’s Cathedral is, famously, the work of architect Sir Christopher Wren , who’d cut his teeth redesigning churches in the City of London after the Great Fire . Though it was consecrated in 1697, the building wasn’t declared complete until 1711 , and even then work continued, with Sir James Thornhill (who’s also responsible for the breathtaking Painted Hall ) dangling fifty metres above the floor to paint the interior of the dome.

Despite the somewhat iffy survival rates of its predecessors, the cathedral weathered the Blitz with only moderate damage – further cementing its place as a symbol of both London and Britain . It’s played host to Jubilee celebrations, the funerals of Horatio Nelson, Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher, the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana , and even a sermon from Martin Luther King . Now can your Shard do that?

Though it’s primarily a place of prayer and worship, St Paul’s Cathedral unsurprisingly draws the tourists in their droves. There’s plenty to see within these historic walls, but if you plan on paying a visit, do remember to be respectful of worshippers, and the cathedral as a whole. For instance, photography for personal use must be “respectful [and] non-flash” , and strictly limited to sightseeing hours.

Things to see at St Paul’s Cathedral

Upon entering St Paul’s Cathedral , the first sight to greet you will be the nave, the huge central aisle which leads towards the famed dome. Over to the west of the cathedral, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Great West Doors , which the Queen used when she dropped by on special occasions.

Elsewhere at ground level, you’ll find monuments to both the Duke of Wellington and Admiral Nelson, The Grand Organ, which was installed in 1695 , and a marble effigy of John Donne . A former dean of St Paul’s Cathedral – in addition to a stellar literary career – the monument to Donne is once of the few artefacts to have survived the Great Fir e, and you can still see the scorch marks around the base.

For a better view of the cathedral, you simply must make your way up into the dome, which hides myriad delights. Up a mildly taxing 257 steps, you’ll find the Whispering Galleries (which, sadly, are currently closed). Stretching around the interior of the dome, they are famed for a fun architectural quirk – if you whisper across the gallery to someone standing opposite you, they’ll hear it as clearly as you were standing right next to them!

Further up in the dome, you’ll get your first chance to head outside when you arrive at The Stone Gallery . At 376 steps and 52 metres above the ground, you may be a little out of puff by the time you arrive here, but the views are certainly worth it! Those with a head for heights can continue up to The Golden Gallery (528 steps, 85 metres up) , where sweeping panoramas of the city unfold before you; The Shard , Tate Modern , and Millennium Bridge are all easily visible from up here.

At the other end of the spectrum, you can also have a poke around the crypts of St Paul’s Cathedral, in which you’ll find the tombs of Wellington, Nelson, and Sir Christopher Wren . Fittingly, Wren is buried in a simple tomb inscribed with the words “ if you seek his monument, look around you.”  Meanwhile, a modern addition to the crypts is Oculus, a mesmerising film experience that tells the history of St Paul’s Cathedral from 604 to present day.

Of course, there’s plenty to see around the exterior of the building, which is winningly ornate. For instance, the West Front of the building depicts scenes from the life of St Paul, including his conversion to Christianity. Curiously, the two western towers – one of which holds Great Paul , the largest bell ever cast in the UK – are topped with a pineapple, which is reportedly a symbol of peace, prosperity, and hospitality. Isn’t that nice?

When to visit St Paul’s Cathedral

If you’re hoping to wander round, the only day to avoid St Paul’s Cathedral is Sunday , when t he cathedral is open to worshippers only . Aside from that, there’s really no bad time to visit – Christmas, with carol services and warm welcomes , is an obvious winner, but can get exceedingly busy.

As wonderful as it is inside, one of the greatest joys of a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral is finding that perfect shot of the exterior. A longstanding law establishing viewing corridors of St Paul’s Cathedral – laws that prevent any construction that might impede views of the cathedral – has led to some wonderful, ‘gram-friendly spots.’ Instagram giants and wannabes alike all make a pilgrimage to the One New Change shopping centre , for a dramatic shot of St Paul’s Cathedral mirrored between glass-fronted buildings.

Elsewhere, crouching among the flowerbeds in springtime can yield some gorgeous shots of the exterior, whether that be flowers in bloom or blossom emerging from the boughs.

However, all views of St Paul’s Cathedral bow down to one – the infamous roof terrace of One New Change shopping centre .

It’s home to a rather nice restaurant – more on that in a second – but you don’t have to dine here to catch the views, for a public lift can whizz you up here for a wander on the spacious terrace . With the cathedral a mere stone’s throw away (please don’t do this though!) a plethora of dramatic skyline shots have been birthed here.

Restaurants, pubs, and bars near St Paul’s Cathedral

Plenty of eating options surround St Paul’s Cathedral, but as promised, one stands head and shoulders above the rest – namely, because it sits on the One New Change roof . Madison Restaurant & Bar wins plaudits for their Josper-grilled main dishes and their riffs on contemporary cocktails , but it certainly doesn’t hurt to have the beautifully lit cathedral dome as the backdrop to your dinner.

Fans of quality steak and reality TV shows should make a beeline for the Paternoster Chop House , better known as the First Dates restaurant . Because honestly, what better way to bond with a new beau than over roast dinners and bottomless red wine ?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by British Restaurant in London (@paternosterchophouse)

Elsewhere around the neighbourhood, the Gordon Ramsay-owned Bread Street Kitchen offers up modern European fare and a futuristic space capsule and  Burger & Lobster serves up… well, you can probably guess.

St Paul’s Cathedral does many things, but cocktails ain’t one of them, so if you’re thirsting for a drink, you’ll need to head elsewhere. The local branch of Dirty Martini can mix you up no-frills cocktails, or there’s Beas of Bloomsbury for endless cups of tea. Aptly-named spot The Saint overlooks St Paul’s, serving wines by the glass, and if you fancy pints in characterful places, historic pub   Ye Olde Watling lies just around the corner.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ye Olde Watling (@yeoldewatlinglondon)

St Paul’s Cathedral visitor information

Are visitors allowed in st pauls cathedral.

The Cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday for sightseeing . On most days, doors open at 8.30am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 10am on Wednesdays. Last entry for sightseeing is usually at 4pm with sightseeing ending 30 minutes after the last entry time. However, opening and closing times can change, so we recommend you to visit their calendar  to check the day you will be attending.

Do you have to book to visit St Paul’s Cathedral?

It’s free to attend the Cathedral for services, but if you want to explore the building, you will need a sightseeing ticket . Tickets are priced at £25 per adult and £10 per child with discounts for families, groups and concessions and free tickets for those with a disability.

How can I get to St Paul’s Cathedral?

📍St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Churchyard, EC4M 8AD.

🚇 Nearest tube station is St Paul’s Underground Station .

What can I bring to St Paul’s Cathedral?

Bags above the maximum permitted dimensions of 45cm x 30cm x 25cm including handles, wheels and pockets cannot be brough t into the Cathedral. There is no cloakroom facility.

Is there wheelchair access?

The Cathedral has many different kinds of support in place for visitors with specific access needs – from ramps and lifts, to guides for those with hearing and visual impairments. Read more about here.

Also published on Medium .

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Exploring London's St. Paul's Cathedral: A Visitor's Guide

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Seat of the Bishop of London and "parish church of the British Commonwealth," St. Paul's Cathedral is the largest and most famous of London's many churches. Situated on the site of a Roman temple, the present structure was built after the original church was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren , the resulting masterpiece is today one of Britain's most recognizable landmarks.

Wren's version of St. Paul's was begun in 1675 and completed in 1711. Interestingly, it was approved only after long wrangling with the church commissioners, who turned down his first two designs. The result was a compromise between Wren's original idea of a dome and the commissioners' preference for a plan in the form of a cross.

As built, however, St. Paul's is undoubtedly Wren's masterpiece. It's also a Renaissance church of spectacular dimensions: 515 feet long and 227 feet wide across the transepts, with two 212-foot-high towers and a magnificent 365-foot dome.

Since the repair of damage suffered by the cathedral during WWII and the cleaning of the façade to remove 250 years of accumulated grime, St. Paul's has been fully restored to its original majestic beauty and remains one of the top places to visit in London.

This is still very much a "working" church, and worshippers are welcome to join its daily services and prayer sessions. To learn more about the best things to do in St. Paul's Cathedral when you visit, read through our visitor's guide to this spectacular historic landmark.

See also: Where to Stay near St. Paul's Cathedral

Room for Great Views: The Magnificent Cathedral Dome

Quiet, please: the whispering gallery, the chapels, the quire (choir), oculus: an eye into st. paul's, the exterior, the cathedral collections, touring st. paul's cathedral, where to stay near st. paul's cathedral.

Although it can feel like a hard slog, no visit to St. Paul's would be complete without scaling the interior of the dome. All told, you'll face 528 steps to the top - a height of nearly 365 feet.

One of the largest such structures in the world, St. Paul's dome weighs almost 65,000 tons and consists of a unique three-dome structure, including a decorated interior dome, a middle dome built of brick (and largely unseen) for strength and support, and the exterior dome.

Stunning 360-degree views over London and the Thames are available from the exterior platforms accessible from both the Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery . Please note: While admission to the cathedral for sightseeing begins at 8:30am, the dome doesn't open to tourists until 9:30am.

There are 259 steps leading up to the spectacular Whispering Gallery, which runs around the dome at a height of 100 feet. It's so called because of its remarkable acoustic properties: it's possible to hear a whisper from across the dome's total width of 112 feet.

From here, visitors can see Thornhill's paintings up close and gain a breathtaking impression of the size and proportions of the nave far below.

From the Whispering Gallery, a further 117 steps lead up to the Stone Gallery around the outside of the dome, and a further 166 steps above this is the Golden Gallery .

It's from the nave - the long main section you walk along after entering the cathedral - that visitors get their first breathtaking glimpse of the interior of the Dome . Both a ceremonial and public space, it's where you'll see the huge 30-foot-tall Great West Door , as well as the eight scenes from the life of St. Paul painted by Thornhill .

In the north aisle stands an imposing monument to the Duke of Wellington, as well as two groups of statues representing valor and cowardice, truth and falsehood.

St. Paul's is also home to a number of interesting chapels, most of them accessible from the nave . All Souls' Chapel is a memorial chapel dedicated to Field Marshal Lord Kitchener, while adjoining St. Dunstan's Chapel (reserved for private prayer) has a 17th-century oak screen and a mosaic by Salviati.

Other chapels of note include one dedicated to St. Michael and St. George, the Middlesex Chapel, and the American Memorial Chapel commemorating the 28,000 Americans killed while traveling to (or stationed in) Britain during WWII. Two others are in the crypt : the Knights Bachelor Chapel and the OBE Chapel.

In addition to its choir stalls by Grinling Gibbons - of particular interest due to their fine oblong panels with carved foliage ornaments in pear wood - the choir boasts a magnificent high altar built from sketches left behind by Wren.

In the south choir aisle are the Lady Chapel and a statue of poet John Donne. This statue is famous for being the only monument from Old St. Paul's to survive the Great Fire of 1666.

The vast crypt contains the tombs of many notable figures , including the painters Constable, Turner, and Reynolds. Under the south aisle lies the simple tombstone of Sir Christopher Wren , as well as the tombs of two of England's greatest heroes, the Duke of Wellington , and Lord Nelson . The latter's coffin is particularly noteworthy, as it was made from the mast of the French flagship L'Orient .

A must-see while visiting St. Paul's is Oculus . This fascinating 270-degree film experience outlines the cathedral's 1,400 years of history. Also on show in the theater in the crypt are Resurgam: I Will Rise Again , a short film showing the devastation caused by the Great Fire and the Blitz ; Virtual Access: The Dome , a short film featuring the cathedral's magnificent domes; and Virtual Access: The Great Model , a bird's-eye view of Wren's famous model of St. Paul's.

Exterior features of interest include the 180-foot-long West Front, with its main entrance and columned portico surmounted by an upper colonnade. Also at the West Front is the statue of St. Paul above the pediment, and the two flanking statues of Saints James and Peter.

On either side of the portico are two Baroque towers - the West Towers - one of which houses a peal of 12 bells. The other houses Great Paul, the largest bell in England, which weighs almost 17 tons and was cast in 1882. (The bells are rung together on Sundays from 9:45 to 10:15am, 11 to 11:30am, and 2:40 to 3:15pm.)

The Cathedral Library houses St. Paul's superb collection of more than 21,000 books and manuscripts dating from 1690 (earlier works dating as far back as the 1300s were destroyed in the Great Fire).

As its name suggests, the Object Collection contains numerous artifacts associated with the history of St. Paul's and includes models, paintings, and archaeological findings. The Architectural Archive contains papers and drawings charting the building's design and construction.

Admission to St. Paul's includes use of excellent high-resolution touch-screen guides that feature film footage, images, interviews, and commentary relating to the cathedral. A version is also available for families and includes quizzes and fun interactive games.

Guided tours are also available and are included in the price of admission. They provide access to areas usually closed to the public.

Tip: To save yourself money, and to ensure you can get in to this popular London attraction, book your tickets in advance on the St. Paul's Cathedral website (see below).

• St. Paul's Churchyard, London
• www.stpauls.co.uk

We recommend these convenient hotels within walking distance of St. Paul's Cathedral in London:

• The Montague on the Gardens : A charming 4-star luxury hotel set in historic Georgian buildings, The Montague features elegant decor, individually decorated rooms, and an upscale restaurant and lounge (be sure to try their afternoon tea!).
• Apex London Wall Hotel : A good choice for its mid-range pricing, the Apex London Wall offers stylish decor, complimentary snacks, and Bose iPod docks. There's also a chic restaurant on-site.
• The Hoxton, Holborn : This affordable boutique hotel features cozy rooms, rainfall showers, complimentary water, and a hip restaurant.
• hub by Premier Inn Spitalfields, Brick Lane : This popular budget hotel has bright rooms and comfy beds, and should be considered if you want to be close to St. Paul's.

More on England

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

If you’d like to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on November 14, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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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.

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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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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• To the North
• Time to tour Sain...

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....

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

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Historic St. Paul's Cathedral celebrating 120th anniversary on Easter Sunday

The celebration at a historic downtown church will be especially jubilant on Easter Sunday, March 31 .

St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral will celebrate Easter, the day Christians commemorate Christ's resurrection. The congregation also will mark a major milestone — its 120th anniversary of worshiping at 127 NW 7 in downtown Oklahoma City.

Sarah-Emily Steinhardt, the church's communication's minister, said St. Paul's was founded in 1891 in downtown Oklahoma City. She said the congregation's first building was constructed in 1893 at 219 NW 2 and the congregation began meeting at NW 4 and Broadway in 1901.

Church members celebrated the establishment of St. Paul's Cathedral on Easter Sunday, April 4, 1904, at the house of worship's current location. Steinhardt said the cathedral is the spiritual center of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma.

The Rev. Katie Churchwell, dean of St. Paul's, said church leaders and parishioners over the years have committed to remaining at the corner NW 7 and Robinson Avenue. She said the church currently has 1,200 members.

"The cathedral’s story is downtown Oklahoma City’s story through our shared highs and lows," Churchwell said. "We take seriously our role as a cord that binds Oklahoma City."

St. Paul's members took an opportunity to browse through church scrapbooks and reminisce about the church's history after recent Palm Sunday services. Karen Meites, the church archivist, organized the collection of scrapbooks featuring photos, bulletins and mementoes from Easter, Palm Sunday and Holy Week at the church over the last 120 years, while Stephanie Jensen prepared a digital slideshow.

Churchwell said more fellowship and looking back will take place on Sunday.

More: Who will lead Oklahoma's United Methodist churches? State could share a bishop with Arkansas

"We'll have our regular Easter egg hunt after the nine o'clock service, but in addition to that, we're having a blowout celebration to celebrate both the resurrection of Jesus Christ and our 120th anniversary," she said.

The egg hunt and reception will be at 10:10 a.m. and worship services will be 7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Steinhardt said in keeping with St. Paul's Easter Sunday tradition, parishioners will be encouraged to pose for photos outside the church after each service.

'Chosen to stay'

Churchwell, who became St. Paul's first female dean in 2020, said while looking at historic church documents, she quickly noticed a pattern of thinking among the leadership and congregation.

"One of the things I've just been reflecting on is the consistency and intentionality with which this congregation has really given to its place on the corner of 7th and Robinson," she said.

"Throughout all of the busts and booms of Oklahoma City, there were multiple times when people left downtown and sort of went out elsewhere. I've gone and reflected back on past vestry minutes from right after the Depression to even more recently in the 1980s and early 1990s, and it's clearly indicated in our minutes the leadership at the Cathedral have intentionally chosen to stay in this community."

More: How's the weather looking for Easter Sunday? Here's Oklahoma's latest weekend forecast

The cathedral's historic importance was recognized in 1977 when the church building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Almost two decades later, St. Paul's was one of several churches heavily damaged by the Oklahoma City bombing. Churchwell said the congregation was unable to worship in its sanctuary for more than two years due to the destruction wrought by the blast.

She said cathedral leaders' showed great fortitude in their determination to remain at the historic church site in the downtown. The spiritual leader said the first Episcopal cathedral for Oklahoma, called the Territorial Cathedral, was located in Guthrie. Churchwell said in 1908, Episcopal leaders decided that St. Paul's would become the diocese's new cathedral.

"In layman's terms, every Episcopal Diocese has one cathedral, and it serves as the beacon for every Episcopal church in that diocese," she said. "The diocese very intentionally selected St Paul's to be its cathedral, in large part, for its enduring presence already in Oklahoma City. Really, what that means is that not only are we a parish for our people who go to church here, but we are also the cathedral for every Episcopalian, and we consider ourselves the cathedral for the city."

Churchwell said she doesn't expect this to change.

"While we're certainly in what I would call a boom time with the explosion of businesses and restaurants and attractions in downtown Oklahoma City, St. Paul's is committed to a lasting presence here," she said.

"It's been that way for 120 years, and I would imagine it will remain that way for the next 120 years."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Oklahoma City to mark 120 years

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A Good Friday Walk, and a 120th Easter Sunday promised for St. Paul’s Cathedral

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The bells at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral rang seven times, still in darkness, on this Good Friday.

A few early risers met on the church steps at 7th and Robinson.

The Very Rev. Katy Churchwell and worshipers upheld a longstanding tradition of walking the 12 stations of the cross and observing each of them at various places in the blocks surrounding the state’s Episcopalian headquarters.

The church itself, still in the same spot they built 120 years ago.

“It wasn’t until 1904, Easter Sunday, April 4,” states Churchwell, “that the first worship service was held right here on this corner.”

Tragedy and betrayal are part of the Good Friday observance.

As the procession continued, stops included Oklahoma City’s first high school, the new federal building, and the site of the old Murrah Federal Building, now a National Memorial.

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The tour is a powerful reflection on this day more than almost any other.

Rev. Churchwell explains, “The poignancy of Christ, through his last moments, through our city, which is deeply touched by both tragedy and the outpouring of love that comes through tragedy, mirrors so beautifully those stations of the cross we follow.”

Christianity is a journey from darkness to light, a somber Friday marking Jesus’ betrayal and death, but a prelude to what happened next.

Churchwell smiles while sitting in a century old sanctuary pew and says, “I think about the prayers that have been prayed here.”

120 years ago, on Easter Sunday, 1904, this Episcopal church opened its doors for the first time in a new location.

Since then, its light has burned brighter than ever, 119 Easters with a promise of 120 and counting.

For more information on St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral including their Easter week schedule of service go to stpaulsokc.org .

Great State is sponsored by Oklahoma Proton Center

Follow Galen’s Great State adventures on social media !

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.

St. Paul's Cathedral to mark 120th anniversary of 'lasting presence' at NW 7 and Robinson

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If you only read one thing today:

'cathedral for the city' celebrates 120 years in oklahoma city.

The celebration at a historic downtown church will be especially jubilant on Easter Sunday, March 31.

St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral will celebrate Easter, the day Christians commemorate Christ's resurrection. The congregation will also mark a major milestone — its 120th anniversary of worshiping at 127 NW 7 in downtown Oklahoma City.

Sarah-Emily Steinhardt, the church's communication's minister, said St. Paul's was founded in 1891 in downtown Oklahoma City. She said the congregation's first building was constructed in 1893 at 219 NW 2 and the congregation began meeting at NW 4 and Broadway in 1901.

Read the full story here 🔗

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Our guided and self-guided tours

Get to know the fascinating figures in our history – and the story of how the cathedral was built – with our guided and self-guided tours. .

A guided tour is the best way to connect with our Cathedral. Led by our expert guides, each one will take you on a journey through our rich history, highlighting the lesser-known characters in our past, and even giving you a chance to explore parts of the Cathedral typically inaccessible to the public.  

Guided tours

If you’re short on time, we have a number of talks that last a maximum of 20 minutes. All our guided tours are provided in English – but if you’re not an English speaker, or want to explore the Cathedral at your own pace, we have multilingual audio guides available, too. 

Price : Free for ticket holders

Length : 20 – 30 minutes

How to book: On the day, subject to availability – ask at the Guiding Desk

When : Monday to Saturday at various times usually between 11am and 3pm.

This short introduction to the history and architecture of the Cathedral is perfect for visitors looking for a quick overview of what to explore.

For individuals

Length : 60 – 90 minutes

Our more extensive Cathedral tour covers the Cathedral Floor and Crypt, as well as the Geometric Staircase and the Quire – areas not usually open to visitors.

For private tour groups

Price : £125 for up to 10 people, in addition to admission. Thereafter, £12.50 per person.

Length : 60 minutes.

How to book: Contact the Sales and Admissions team. 

When : Monday to Saturday, 11.15am, 1.15pm or 2.15pm.

Cathedral guides can be booked for the same Cathedral Floor and Crypt tour, but on a private basis for your group. We can typically accommodate up to 50 visitors in one tour booking and will usually provide more than one guide for larger groups.

Please get in touch with the Sales and Admissions team at least one month in advance of your trip, so we can check availability as these tours must be pre-booked: [email protected] or 0207 246 8357.

Although we aim to make our Cathedral as accessible as possible, the Triforium tour involves many flights of stairs and will unfortunately not be suitable for those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues. There are 141 steps to the Triforium level and the tour route includes several short flights of stairs, each no more than 10 steps. Please note that there are no seating areas on the tour, and we ask that groups stay together throughout.

This tour is ideally suited for those over the age of 12, and may not be suitable for pre-school age children.

Price : £15 per person in addition to admission.  

How to book: Pre-book online with your tickets .

When : See our events calendar .

This tour takes visitors up to the Triforium and includes the library, the Trophy Room and Great Model, as well as a spectacular view down from the top of the iconic Geometric Staircase* and another down the nave from above the Great West Doors. It is a great option if you have been to St Paul's before and want to go behind the scenes to see more of the Cathedral.  

*Please be aware that we are not able to allow visitors onto the stairs, or to film in this area. Visitors are able to take photos for personal and non-commercial use, but for privacy and security reasons, videography is not permitted on the tour - or in the rest of the Cathedral. Influencer, fashion, and wedding photoshoots and filming is also not permitted.

For private groups 

Price : £300 for up to 20 people, in addition to admission.  

When : Monday – Friday, 11.30am or 2pm.

The Triforium tour can be given to a private group of a maximum of 20 people, occasionally 40 people (run as two tours simultaneously). As with our other private group tours, please contact the Sales and Admissions team at least one month in advance of your trip, so we can check availability: [email protected] or 0207 246 8357.

Price: Free for ticket holders – and disabled visitors join us for free. 

Length: 2 hours.

How to book: Contact the Admissions team.

When: Tours can be offered at 10.30am and 1.15pm, subject to availability. 

This interactive tour of the Cathedral Floor and Crypt is designed for people with visual impairments. Numbers are limited to 6 visitors plus additional places for an accompanying carer or necessary companion per person – up to a maximum of 12 people. 

Pre-booking is essential – please contact the Admissions team to reserve your places: [email protected] or 0207 246 8357.  

Multimedia guides

If you would like to access a commentary on the Cathedral in a non-English language, or simply want to take your time, we have a series of multimedia guides that bring to life key objects and aspects of our building. Multimedia guides are included for ticket holders. 

Our multimedia guides come with a high-resolution touch screen, and include:

• commentary in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean. 
• fly-through footage of the Dome galleries and zoomable close-ups of Cathedral architecture
• interviews and commentary from Cathedral experts, members of our congregation and figures from the past
• archive film footage from the Cathedral's history.

If you are bringing your family to the Cathedral, these guides will provide more activities and talking points for our younger visitors. They include:

• commentary in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean
• quizzes, activities and interactive games.

Our audio description guides are designed for visitors with visual impairments, and encourage listeners to touch sculptures and carvings on the Cathedral floor. These guides also feature music from St Paul’s Cathedral Choir, and interviews and commentary from Cathedral experts.

These guides feature video footage of BSL interpreters signing a commentary of the Cathedral floor, crypt and galleries, with subtitles. It includes a section on BSL services and activities at St Paul's Cathedral.

Books on St Paul's

Visit our shop to find a selection of fascinating books charting the history of our building and the stories behind our art and monuments. 

More on sightseeing

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. 

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.

Booking tickets FAQ

Booking sightseeing tickets for the Cathedral? Here’s what you need to know.

Book your tickets

On our booking page, you'll find information about our various sightseeing tickets, including what discounts are available for families, groups, concessions and more.