St Paul's Cathedral

View of the great dome sticking out above the skyline

St Paul’s Cathedral, the greatest achievement of 17th-century architect Sir Christopher Wren

Last updated: 10 March, 2024

Instantly recognisable, and one of London’s best-loved monuments, St Paul’s Cathedral was the greatest achievement of 17th-century architect Sir Christopher Wren. Taking 33 years to build, it was declared officially complete on Christmas Day 1711 (although work continued for some time after) and remained the tallest building in London until 1967. Through astonishing luck – or perhaps divine intervention – St Paul’s survived (virtually unscathed) the 1940 World War II bombing blitz – and the ensuing fire – that flattened or destroyed almost every other building for miles around it.

Still the second largest cathedral in the UK, the church is famed for the height of its vast dome (111m) and the incredible acoustics of the Whispering Gallery. Legend has it that if you stand on one side of the gallery and whisper along the wall, someone listening on the opposite side (33m away) will be able to hear you.

Don't miss

The Whispering Gallery sits 30m above the nave, but the Golden Gallery – some 55m higher – offers the greatest treat. An outdoor walkway that wraps around the highest point of the dome, the views across London are spectacular.

Down below, the crypt is the final resting place of Wellington, Nelson, and Wren himself. A daily pattern of prayer and evensong are at the heart of Cathedral life, with all-comers welcome.

Logistics

Price from: £17

Minimum age: 0

Age suitable: 13+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The nearest Underground station is St Paul’s (Central Line). There are free, daily guided tours of the cathedral, plus self-guided audio tours, which give a bit of extra background.

When to do it

It’s open to visitors all year round, usually Monday to Saturday. It’s open Sunday for religious services only.

The Christian holidays – notably Easter and Christmas – are marked by beautiful services. The advent season at St Paul’s attracts thousands for its programme of carols and concerts.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

St Paul's Cathedral Admission Ticket

London

Viator

Receive entry into St Paul's Cathedral - Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece. Explore the vast Cathedral Floor with its exquisite decor of mosaics, sculptures, paintings and artworks. Climb the Dome to the Whispering Gallery with its unique acoustics, and then up and outside to the Stone Gallery and finally the Golden Gallery with breathtaking panoramic views over London. Descend to the Crypt which houses tombs and memorials to British heroes such as Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill. • Discover the unique architecture - the only English Baroque style cathedral in the country. • Walk the same ground as Prince Charles and Princess Diana when they married in 1981. • Access to explore all five levels of the Cathedral. Two hours average visit. • Multimedia guides included in nine languages, for adults and families. • Guided tours (no extra cost) to join on arrival.

Price £25

Min age 0

Rating 4.50 / 5 [852 ratings]

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