


Wren's famous cathedral church of the diocese of London incorporating the Crypt, Ambulatory and Whispering Gallery. Those who wish to pray at times when there is an admission charge may use St Dunstan's Chapel on the north side (free at any time). Entrance price includes visit to the Crypt, Ambulatory and Galleries.
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| Opening times: | Cathedral is open to sightseers from Monday to Saturday between 8.30 - 16.00 (last admission). Adults £9.50 Concession £8.50 Family Ticket £22.50 Children (7-17) £3.50 Tickets sold between 15.30 - 16.00, will be for the Cathedral floor and Crypt only, and will be charged at a reduced rate. Guided and audio tours, see Web site |
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| Catering | Food shop |
| Booking and payment details | Solo accepted Maestro accepted |
review of St Paul's Cathedral

Recent lavish redevelopment of adjacent Paternoster Square has divided the
community into those who like gleaming, soulless architecture designed to attract overseas investment, and those who, erm... dont. The cathedral though remains simply divine. Feast your eyes and enjoy.
Latest 5 reviews of St Paul's Cathedral
Christopher Wren's masterpiece
I visited St. Paul's twice during my trip to London. The first was a self-guided/audio tour of the cathedral proper, the second was as part of "The Blitz" tour from London Walks. As a first time visitor to London I was aware that this is one of the many "must-sees" during the trip. My thoughts:
History: Anyone interested in history will find plenty of it here. This was the site of Churchill's funeral and Charles and Diana's wedding. The cathedral also plays an almost spiritual role in WWII. The crypt below contains a virtual "who's-who" of British history, among them Lord Nelson, Lawrence of Arabia, and Florence Nightengale.
Whispering Gallery: Anyone traveling with children might find this of interest, you can hear whispers across the dome due to its unusual acoustics. It might be the highlight of the trip for an 8-year-old!
Climb to the Top: Worth it for spectacular views of London. If I recall correctly they do charge a bit extra for this but it's worth it.
Cost: Sure it may be a little more than others in London (~20$), but you're visiting one of the world's most famous places of worship in one of the world's most interesting cities. (I would imagine the heating bill is a little on the pricey side as well ;)
Worth a visit even for the most cursory of travellers.
Etc.: As an aside, I would agree with the no-camera policy which allows visitors to enjoy the cathedral while not being interrupted.
Stunning Building - Ruined by rude staff and no camera policy.
St Pauls is a fantastic cathedral and a sight to behold - although you will have to behold it in you memory as the no-camera policy is enforced by some of the most over-zealous and downright rude staff i have ever encountered in a visitor attraction. The official line seems to be that the policy is out of respect although they are quite happy to have a cafe and gift shop in the crypt.
If you want to feel like a pest rather than a guest then this is the place to visit.
Sir Chris must be turning in his grave.
Run by hypocrites!
First they sting you for L10 to get in, then when you try to take a photo or a video they storm up to you and tell you off, on the grounds that, and I quote "This is a CHURCH, show some respect!" Well, if it's a church, what are they doing charging people to get inside? While they are lecturing visitors (who they clearly resent being let in at all) on "respect", downstairs they are allowing MILLIONS, literally millions of people to walk across people's headstones in the crypt. Some of these stones have been so badly worn they are hardly readable --- where is the "respect" being shown to the dead? And what is more, is it respectful to have a tourist-trap gift shop and profit-making cafe in the vicinity of what is in effect a graveyard?
As an "attraction", it's not worth the L10 entry fee.
Impressive but Beware of Bait and Switch Tactics
This is another very very impressive structure in London that can't decide whether it is a war memorial and monument to colonialism or a church. That being said, it is more of a place of worship than Westminster Abbey and you may find some corners that might inspire your soul a bit. If you want something that speaks to your spirit, I'd recommend St. Martin in the Fields near the National Gallery.
Although we arrived over an hour and 1/2 before official close, we were told that we couldn't have the audio tour (Included in the $20 admission--it's far from "free") because there "wasn't time" and that the steps to the dome "were already closed." We found all this out AFTER they had taken our money. (How "Christian" of a Cathedral!) Don't be ripped off like we were--arrive early. We came back for evensong, which was excellent. Most of the other worshipers were there for a high-society "Friends of the Cathedral" commemoration, but some obviously didn't know how to either participate in a church service or (sadly) how to behave at one for that matter--lets just say they had a difficult time controlling their talking. We got to speak to HRH the Duchess of Gloucester afterward which was a unique experience as an American tourist, I must say.
Overall, you must see St. Paul's simply because the British worked so hard to save it during the War if nothing else. Just be careful to get what you pay for.
One of the Highlights of London
Christopher Wren's masterpiece. Every bit of the cathedral has a wonderful history - take a tour or rent an audio guide. Must climb to the whispering gallery (if you are as claustrophobic as I am, it is difficult as it is a tight and dark stairwell) - simply wonderful - and a much better place to see the artwork in the dome. I wasn't adventurous enough to go higher - but based on others comments I wish I would have! I would return here everytime I'm in London!
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Guided Tours Guided walk
Recurring event
Experienced guides take you on a lamp lit tour, during which you will hear of the Druids, Romans and Saxons. Visitors also see the tunnels made famous as a shelter during the World War 2 when the Caves became the largest air raid shelter outside of London. See the Caves ChurchExperienced guides take you on a lamp lit tour, during which you will hear of the Druids, Romans and Saxons. Visitors also see the tunnels made famous as a shelter during the World War 2 when the Caves became the largest air raid shelter outside of London. See the Caves Church, Druid Altar, Haunted Pool and more.London Organ Forum Day Music
22 Nov 2008
This day is presented in association with the London Organ Forum, the Royal College of Organists and The Early English Organ Project. As part of the rededication of the Grand Organ at St Paul's, there is an opportunity to hear recreations of medieval organs that might have been present inside the pre-fire 'Old St Paul's'. Built by the Early English Music Project as exact replicas and blown by hand, these instruments are featured in a study day held in the cathedral.27 Nov 2008
Thomas Trotter, the acclaimed City Organist of Birmingham, plays Les Corps Glorieux by Messiaen, whose organ music is known for being colourful and spiritual. This is a multi movement suite, with each movement prefaced by a text from scripture.Organ Recital: Messiaen Music
27 Nov 2008
Thomas Trotter, City Organist of Birmingham, plays Les Corps Glorieux by Messiaen, a multi-movement suite for organ.
Location Information St Paul's Cathedral
| Address: | The Chapter House, St Paul's Churchyard, London London EC4M 8AD |
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| Telephone: | +44 (0)20 7246 8346 |
| Fax: | +44 (0)20 7248 3104 |
| Email: | visits@stpaulscathedral.org.uk |
| Website: | www.stpauls.co.uk |
| Public transport: | St Pauls Tube |
| By road: | Tube: St Paul's |
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