St Paul's Cathedral FAQ: Tickets, Hours & Dome Climb

Question 1

How much are St Paul's Cathedral tickets?

Accepted Answer

Adult sightseeing admission is £27.00, with reduced rates for seniors, students, youth and children. Under 6s go free.

Question 2

Do I have to pay to go inside St Paul's?

Accepted Answer

For sightseeing, yes: the cathedral floor, crypt and dome galleries are ticketed. Coming to a service costs nothing and needs no booking, but a service is worship rather than a visit, so it does not include the dome climb or a walk around the crypt afterwards.

Question 3

Can you climb the dome?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 528 steps lead through three galleries, and the climb is included in a standard ticket.

Question 4

Is the dome climb suitable if I'm claustrophobic?

Accepted Answer

For most people, yes. A few short stretches of the stairwell are narrow and enclosed, but they are brief rather than long sustained passages, and the galleries themselves are open and airy.

Question 5

Is St Paul's open on Sundays?

Accepted Answer

No. Sunday is reserved for worship, so there is no sightseeing access.

Question 6

Can I climb the dome on a Sunday?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. There is no general sightseeing on Sundays, but from spring to late October the Dome Galleries open on Sundays as a separate programme with its own limited hours, run apart from weekday sightseeing.

Question 7

How long does a visit to St Paul's take?

Accepted Answer

Allow about 90 minutes for the cathedral floor and the crypt at an unhurried pace. Add roughly an hour if you climb to the galleries, and a little more if you stop at the café — so two to two and a half hours covers most visits.

Question 8

Is the cathedral accessible?

Accepted Answer

The cathedral floor and crypt are step-free; the dome galleries are stairs only.

Question 9

What time does St Paul's Cathedral open?

Accepted Answer

Sightseeing usually opens at 8:30 Monday to Saturday; services or events can change the day's schedule.

Question 10

Is St Paul's Cathedral Catholic or Anglican?

Accepted Answer

St Paul's is an Anglican cathedral, the seat of the Bishop of London and part of the Church of England. Everyone is welcome at services, whatever their faith or none. London's Roman Catholic cathedral is Westminster Cathedral, a separate building near Victoria.

Question 11

What should I wear to St Paul's Cathedral?

Accepted Answer

There is no strict dress code for sightseeing, but St Paul's is a working cathedral. Covered shoulders and knees are appreciated, and hats should be removed inside.

Question 12

Can I take photos inside St Paul's Cathedral?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most places. Photography is welcomed during sightseeing hours on the Cathedral Floor, in the Crypt and on the Stone and Golden Galleries, but not on the Whispering Gallery, for health and safety reasons, or in St Dunstan's Chapel, which is set aside for private prayer. Flash, extra lighting, tripods, monopods, gimbals and selfie sticks are not permitted, and please do not take photographs during services.

Question 13

Are pushchairs allowed inside?

Accepted Answer

Yes on the cathedral floor and in the crypt, but not in the dome galleries.

Question 14

Can I bring a large bag or suitcase?

Accepted Answer

No. Bags larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm are not allowed, and there is no cloakroom or luggage storage on site. Leave suitcases at your hotel or a station left-luggage office.

Question 15

Is there a café or restaurant?

Accepted Answer

The cathedral has a café in the crypt, serving drinks, light meals and cakes during sightseeing hours, plus a shop next to it.

Question 16

What is the best way to get to St Paul's?

Accepted Answer

St Paul's Underground station on the Central line is about 270 metres away.

Question 17

Can I visit St Paul's for Evensong?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Evensong is sung most days, is free and needs no ticket, but it does not include sightseeing access.

Question 18

What time is Evensong at St Paul's?

Accepted Answer

Most weekdays at 17:00 (5pm) and Sundays at 15:00 (3pm). The exact service on any given day can vary, so it is worth checking the day you plan to attend.

Question 19

Do St Paul's tickets include the crypt?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A standard sightseeing ticket covers the cathedral floor, crypt, Quire and dome galleries when open.

Question 20

Are St Paul's Cathedral tickets single entry?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tickets are valid for a single entry on your chosen date and time slot.

Question 21

Did St Paul's survive the Blitz?

Accepted Answer

Yes. On the night of 29 December 1940 around 28 incendiary bombs fell on and around the cathedral as fires swept the City of London, and volunteer firewatchers of St Paul's Watch smothered them, including one that lodged in the dome's outer shell. That night Herbert Mason photographed the dome standing above the smoke, an image published as "St Paul's Survives".

Question 22

Who is buried in the crypt of St Paul's?

Accepted Answer

The crypt holds the tombs of Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Christopher Wren, along with memorials to figures such as J.M.W. Turner, Sir Alexander Fleming and Florence Nightingale.

Question 23

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but booking online secures a time slot and avoids the ticket desk queue.

Question 24

Is St Paul's Cathedral open on bank holidays?

Accepted Answer

Hours vary on bank holidays and around Easter and Christmas.

Question 25

What age is a child ticket?

Accepted Answer

Child tickets cover ages 6-15, youth 16-17, and under 6s go free with a paying adult.

Question 26

Are guided tours included in St Paul's Cathedral tickets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free volunteer-led tours are included with sightseeing admission.

St Paul's Cathedral frequently asked questions

Answers for first-time visitors

St Paul's Cathedral frequently asked questions

Answers for first-time visitors

01How much are St Paul's Cathedral tickets?

02Do I have to pay to go inside St Paul's?

03Can you climb the dome?

04Is the dome climb suitable if I'm claustrophobic?

05Is St Paul's open on Sundays?

06Can I climb the dome on a Sunday?

07How long does a visit to St Paul's take?

08Is the cathedral accessible?

09What time does St Paul's Cathedral open?

10Is St Paul's Cathedral Catholic or Anglican?

11What should I wear to St Paul's Cathedral?

12Can I take photos inside St Paul's Cathedral?

13Are pushchairs allowed inside?

14Can I bring a large bag or suitcase?

15Is there a café or restaurant?

16What is the best way to get to St Paul's?

17Can I visit St Paul's for Evensong?

18What time is Evensong at St Paul's?

19Do St Paul's tickets include the crypt?

20Are St Paul's Cathedral tickets single entry?

21Did St Paul's survive the Blitz?

22Who is buried in the crypt of St Paul's?

23Can I buy tickets at the door?

24Is St Paul's Cathedral open on bank holidays?

25What age is a child ticket?

26Are guided tours included in St Paul's Cathedral tickets?