Visit St Paul's Cathedral
The formidable funerals of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill were conducted inside these fortress-like walls, as was the elaborate fairy-tale wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. Sombre services marking the end of the First and Second World Wars, and joyous celebrations marking Queen Victoria and King George V’s Jubilees, have also filled its echoing galleries.
St Paul’s truly is the spiritual home of Great Britain, a fascinating store of British history and an architectural triumph all in one. The great dome dominates much of the city and forms the centrepiece of the reconstruction of London after the Great Fire of 1666.
Built by Sir Christopher Wren after the fire, the cathedral miraculously survived the Blitz in World War Two when most of the surrounding area was flattened by German bombing raids. It consequently served to act as an inspirational symbol of British strength in the nation's darkest hour.
Soak up the history embedded in its cloisters while you breathe in the outstanding architecture and elaborate decoration. Work your way up from the medieval relics in the crypt to the gorgeous Victorian mosaics scattered around the entrance and the dome. Absorb the mystical ambience of the three curving galleries before admiring the dome itself – one the largest in the world – with its stunning view over London and spectacular ball and lantern crown.
New Exhibition - Oculus: an eye into St Paul’s
Visitors can also enjoy the new exhibition ‘Oculus: an eye into St Paul’s’. The first project of its kind in a cathedral, Oculus uses 270; films to bring 1400 years of history to life. Located in the atmospheric former Treasury in the crypt, Oculus takes visitors to Saxon London amidst the construction of the first St Paul’s in 604 AD, through the buildings on the site that have fallen to fire and disrepair, before showing them the Great Fire of 1666 and the devastation of London during the Blitz when St Paul’s became a lasting symbol of strength, survival and hope.
Did You Know?
During the construction of the dome and galleries, architect Wren was wrenched up and down in a basket at least once a week to inspect the work in progress. By the time work was completed in 1708, Wren was 78 and watched on as his son placed the last stone in position.
Ticket includes:
- admission to the crypt, three galleries (including the famous Whispering Gallery) and the dome
- spectacular views of London from the dome vantage point
Opening and Closing Times:
Monday to Saturday
The Cathedral is open to sightseers between 8.30am to 4pm (last admission)
The galleries are open to sightseers from 9.30am to 4.15pm (last admission)
Special services or events may close all or part of the Cathedral at short notice.
Sunday open for worship only and there is no sightseeing.
Exceptions
June 5th Cathedral closed all morning; expected to open for sightseeing at 14.30 after the Diamond Jubilee service
June 23rd Last admission for sightseeing 11.30. Last admission to galleries 11.45 Cathedral floor to be clear of visitors 12.45.
June 30th Last admission for sightseeing 11.30. Last admission to galleries 11.45 Cathedral floor to be clear of visitors 13.00.
July 4th Last admission for sightseeing 15.00. Last admission to galleries 15.15 Cathedral floor to be clear of visitors 16.00. Café and shop close at 16.00
September 21st Cathedral closed all morning; expected to open for sightseeing 12.45
September 27th Last admission for sightseeing 15.00. Last admission to galleries 15.15
A VOUCHER MUST BE PRINTED OUT AND TAKEN TO THE ATTRACTION AFTER THE BOOKING HAS BEEN MADE.
Sarah Bolton
London Attractions Editor
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