St Paul's Cathedral is the Anglican cathedral of the City of London, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710 to replace the medieval church lost in the 1666 Great Fire of London. Its vast dome is one of the most famous in the world, and the cathedral has hosted landmark national events from Sir Winston Churchill's state funeral to the 1981 wedding of Charles and Diana, while remaining a living place of daily worship. As of 2026 all three Dome Galleries, including the Whispering Gallery, are open, and from June 2026 a major exhibition marks the 500th anniversary of William Tyndale's New Testament. Attending a service is free, but sightseeing runs far more smoothly with a pre-booked timed ticket.
The soaring dome and the richly decorated cathedral floor with its painted ceilings and mosaics
The Whispering Gallery, where a whisper against the wall carries clear across to the far side
The 360-degree panorama of the City of London and the Thames from the Golden Gallery, reached by 528 steps
The crypt, resting place of Sir Christopher Wren, Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington
The special exhibition opening June 2026 for the 500th anniversary of William Tyndale's New Testament translation
Good to know
RulesSightseeing entry requires a paid ticket (about £27 adult, £10.50 child - confirm the latest price). Booking a timed ticket in advance on the official site reduces queues and is often cheaper.
RulesSundays are for worship, so general sightseeing is normally not available. During 'Dome Sundays' (15 Mar - 25 Oct 2026) the Dome Galleries open on selected Sundays, so always check the official calendar for that day's opening and closing times before you go.
SafetyThe Dome Galleries are reached by stairs only (no lift), with 528 narrow, steep spiral steps up to the Golden Gallery. Avoid the climb if you have a fear of heights or confined spaces, or heart, knee or mobility concerns.
MannersThis is a sacred, active place of worship. Keep quiet, avoid moving about during services, and while there is no strict dress code, dress modestly and remove hats as a courtesy. Flash and tripods are restricted outside designated areas.
CautionWatch for fake charity clipboard petitions, the 'found ring' trick and street scams near the cathedral and tube stations. Buy tickets only from the official website and beware inflated prices on reseller sites.
SeasonLondon sees rain in every season, so pack a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket. Summer peak (June-August) and weekend mornings are very busy; arriving right at opening (around 8.30am) is the calmest time.
Practical info
The cathedral is a 1-2 minute walk from St Paul's station on the Central line, and is also close to Mansion House, City Thameslink and Blackfriars stations (an Oyster or contactless card is the easiest way to pay). Sightseeing usually opens from about 8.30am Monday to Saturday (around 10am on Wednesdays) with last entry typically near 4pm, but hours vary with events, so check the official website for the latest prices, times and dome availability just before your visit.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
