Access
Accessibility at St Paul's Cathedral
The cathedral floor and crypt are largely accessible, but the dome galleries are stairs-only. This page covers the practical details for visitors with mobility or sensory needs.
Getting inside
Step-free entry and movement
Entrance
The North Transept entrance has ramped access and is the recommended entrance for wheelchair users and anyone needing step-free access. It leads directly onto the Cathedral floor.
Lifts and chairlifts
An accessible lift connects the Cathedral floor and the Crypt. User-operated chairlifts are located at the North Quire Aisle and at the galleries climb entrance, so you can reach the Crypt from the Cathedral floor and return the same way.
The usable lift space is 1,400mm long by 1,300mm wide. Smaller mobility scooters are welcome, but many Class 3 and some larger Class 2 scooters will not fit, so check your scooter's dimensions before you arrive.
Wheelchairs and dogs
A number of Cathedral wheelchairs are available on request.
Guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs are all welcome. Ask a Visitor Experience Assistant if your dog needs water.
If you can manage a few stairs
- North Quire Aisle to the Crypt38 steps down
- South Quire Aisle to the Crypt37 steps down
- West Entrance up to the Cathedral floor24 steps up
- Crypt exit back to street level20 steps up
Admission
Free tickets for disabled visitors and carers
During sightseeing hours any disabled visitor can request a free ticket for themselves and an accompanying carer or assistant. These can be booked in advance or asked for on arrival.
Tell a Visitor Experience Assistant when you arrive if there is any specific assistance you need.
Sensory access
Hearing, vision and guided support
Hearing support
A hearing loop covers the Cathedral floor, the Crypt and the OBE Chapel. Large-print service sheets and information are available on request.
Guided and visual access
British Sign Language tours, audio description guides and guided touch tours are available and should be booked in advance.
The multimedia guides include a video fly-through of the gallery levels and their views for anyone who cannot make the climb.
Facilities
Toilets and changing facilities
Accessible toilets
Left- and right-handed wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets are in the Crypt, and the male and female toilets each have a cubicle with grabrails for ambulant users. Baby changing is also in the Crypt.
Paternoster Square and One New Change also have accessible toilets, before you arrive or after you leave.
Changing Places
A Changing Places toilet is open in the Crypt near the cafe, with a height-adjustable adult-sized bench, ceiling hoist, peninsular toilet, height-adjustable washbasin, slip-resistant floor, emergency alarm, privacy screen, colostomy shelf and wall-mounted and drop-down grab rails.
What is not accessible
No lift to the Whispering Gallery
The Whispering Gallery is 257 steps, the Stone Gallery a further 119, and the Golden Gallery another 152 above the Stone Gallery — stairs only, with no lift. Visitors with pre-existing medical conditions, mobility difficulties, or concerns about heights or confined spaces should not attempt the climb.
The Dome Galleries are stairs only and not suitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
Full dome climb guidePlan ahead
Contact the cathedral before visiting
If you have specific access requirements, contact the cathedral's visitor services team in advance. They can confirm lift availability, reserve a wheelchair and advise on the best entrance for your needs.