St Paul's Cathedral St Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral, an iconic symbol of London, attracts millions of visitors annually with its spectacular architecture, rich history, and spiritual significance. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a curious traveller, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know for a memorable visit.

Introduction to St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, is one of the most famous and recognisable sights in London. Construction began in 1675, and the Cathedral was deemed officially complete in 1711.

St Paul’s Cathedral stands on Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London. The Cathedral has played a pivotal role in many significant events, including state funerals, royal weddings, and national services of thanksgiving.

Planning your visit

How to get to St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral is located at St. Paul's Churchyard, London. It is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, for which we provide information below:

By tube: For those staying in or near London, catching the tube is a viable option. The closest station is St. Paul's (Central Line), just a two-minute walk from the Cathedral.

By bus: Numerous bus routes stop nearby, including routes 4, 11, 15, 23, 25, 26, 100, and 242.

By train: The nearest train stations are City Thameslink, Blackfriars, and Cannon Street. Booking your tickets online or via the Trainline app is a good bet to ensure your journey is smooth. Look out for cancellations.

By car: There are limited parking options in the area, with the closest public car park being the Baynard House car park on Queen Victoria Street, a 6-minute walk (400m).

St Paul’s Cathedral opening hours and ticket prices

The Cathedral is open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm from Monday to Saturday, with the exception of Wednesday when it’s open from 10:00 pm. On Sundays, it’s open for worship only.

Admission prices vary, with prices starting at £10 for children (£25 for adults). Visitors with disabilities and former choristers can visit for free. It is recommended that you book your tickets online in advance to secure a spot, especially during peak times. Family, group and discounted tickets for seniors and students are also available.

Highlights of St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is filled with beautiful adornments to admire. Online, you can view a map of the Cathedral to help you find your way around.

The dome

One of the most impressive features of St. Paul's Cathedral is its magnificent dome, which is among the largest in the world. Visitors can climb 528 steps to reach the Golden Gallery, offering breathtaking views of London. On the way up, explore the Whispering Gallery, known for its unique acoustics where a whisper on one side can be heard on the opposite side.

The nave and aisles

The grandeur of the nave, with its towering columns and intricate ceiling mosaics, is definitely awe-inspiring. The north and south aisles are equally impressive, adorned with beautiful chapels and memorials dedicated to notable figures.

The crypt

The crypt of St. Paul's Cathedral is the largest in Europe and houses the tombs of several prominent individuals, including Sir Christopher Wren, Admiral Lord Nelson, and the Duke of Wellington. The crypt also features the OBE Chapel, dedicated to the Order of the British Empire.

The Quire

The Quire, with its elaborate wood carvings and the magnificent High Altar, is a must-see. The altar is adorned with a stunning mosaic depicting the Last Supper, created by the renowned artist William Richmond.

Garden trail

Follow the free printable trail around the gardens of St Paul’s to explore the design, stories and details of the Cathedral. If you enjoy visiting beautiful gardens, it’s worth checking out our guide to the best gardens to visit in the UK.

Services and Evensong

Attending a service or an Evensong at St. Paul's Cathedral is a unique and moving experience. The Cathedral choir, known for its exceptional performance, enhances the spiritual atmosphere. This takes place every day at 5 pm (3 pm on Sundays).

The Oculus: An Eye into St. Paul's

The Oculus is a 270-degree immersive film experience that provides a fascinating insight into the history and significance of St. Paul's Cathedral. It is located in the crypt and is included in the admission ticket.

Triforium Tour

During your visit, you can partake in a one-hour tour of the Cathedral’s Triforium. You’ll have the chance to go behind the scenes to see more of the Cathedral, including the Cathderal’s library, the iconic geometric staircase and the length of the nave from the Great West Doors. Tickets for this tour are £15, and you require a general admission ticket to book this tour

Where to stay

While many enjoy London’s lively atmosphere, why not combine your visit to London with some natural serenity in the countryside? Camping near London is a fantastic option for visitors, and our stunning Theobalds Club Site is a short 30-minute drive away.

There is no shortage of campsites in London. Want to enjoy discounts of up to 30% when staying at our Club Sites along with other benefits? Find out more about joining the Club here.

Additional tips for your visit

Dress code: While there is no formal dress code required when visiting, modest dress is required, as St. Paul's is an active place of worship.

Photography: Many visitors visit so they can take photos of the gorgeous interior. Non-flash photography is permitted in most areas, except during services.

Accessibility: The Cathedral is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access to most areas. There are also facilities for visitors with visual and hearing impairments. There are toilet facilities down in the crypt. The crypt is accessible from both inside and outside the church.

Nearby attractions: To make the most of your day, consider visiting other nearby landmarks such as the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and London Eye.