St Paul's Cathedral Tickets London

St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London and one of the great landmarks of the city skyline. Sir Christopher Wren designed it after the Great Fire of 1666 destroyed the medieval cathedral, and it was completed in 1710. Its dome, about 111 metres high, was the tallest structure in London for centuries.

A visit to St Paul's Cathedral with the multimedia guide takes you through the nave, the quire with its carved stalls and the golden mosaics above. Because it is a working church, parts may close for services and events, and Sundays are reserved for worship, so check the opening days on the booking panel.

The dome, the Whispering Gallery and the Golden Gallery

The dome has three galleries. The Whispering Gallery lies 257 steps up inside the dome, where a whisper against the wall can be heard on the opposite side. Higher up, the Stone Gallery gives you an outdoor terrace at 376 steps, and the Golden Gallery at the very top, after 528 steps, offers a panoramic view over the Thames.

There is no lift to the galleries, so the climb suits those who can manage stairs. Anyone asking is climbing St Paul's dome worth it will find the panorama and the inside-the-dome view of the paintings reward the effort.

The crypt and famous memorials

The crypt is the largest in Europe and holds the tombs of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, along with Wren himself, marked by a simple tablet that says if you seek his monument, look around you. There are also memorials to artists and soldiers.

The American Memorial Chapel remembers the American servicemen based in Britain during the Second World War. The crypt is calm, cool and rewarding even for those who skip the dome. Take your time here: the crypt is quiet, well signposted and a good place to rest after the dome, and the multimedia guide explains each of the major tombs.

Guided tours, talks and getting to St Paul's

Your ticket lets you join guided tours and talks on the day, but places are limited and you must register on arrival. The multimedia guide gives you the essentials if you prefer your own pace.

To get to St Paul's Cathedral, take the Tube to St Paul's station on the Central line, right by the entrance, or walk across the Millennium Bridge from Tate Modern. The area also has Paternoster Square and the Old Bailey nearby. Allow extra time on busy days, as places on tours fill quickly, and check the schedule of talks when you arrive.