St Paul's Cathedral London tickets

Discover a working cathedral steeped in history when you visit St Paul's Cathedral.

Destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666, the current building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710. Its iconic dome is 111 metres (364ft) high and is one of the largest cathedral domes in the world.

What is there to do at St Paul's Cathedral?

Experience breathtaking views along the central aisle as you enter the cathedral. Pause to admire Wellington’s Monument, a tribute to the Duke of Wellington, one of the country’s leading soldiers and statesmen.

There are also monuments to the explorer Robert Scott and the painter JMW Turner, along with a marble effigy of John Donne, poet and a former Dean of the Cathedral. Look for the scorch marks on the base of the monument which was damaged in the Great Fire of London.

Famous artworks include William Holman Hunt’s painting, The Light of the World, and the Henry Moore sculpture, Mother and Child: Hood, a memorial to modern martyrs.

Venture down to the crypt and discover the tombs and memorials of some of the nation’s greatest heroes, such as Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Christopher Wren.

If you’ve got a head for heights, visit the Stone and Golden Galleries (subject to availability) to take in some of the most spectacular views across London.

How can I get tickets?

Tickets can be booked online in advance – book St Paul's Cathedral tickets now.

Can I go to a service?

St Paul's Cathedral is an active place of worship. All are welcome to attend the daily services for free, including morning prayer, holy communion, eucharist and evensong.

There are also a number of special services throughout the year, which may require tickets to be booked in advance.

Is there a shop at St Paul’s Cathedral?

Visit the shop at St Paul’s Cathedral where you can buy a souvenir to remind you of your visit to this awe-inspiring building.

Surround yourself with the sounds of the cathedral choir on CD or the impressive sight of the building in poster form. The intricate mosaic detail and colours found throughout the cathedral are the inspiration for a range of colourful scarves and ornaments, while reclaimed tiles and stones are used to create unique jewellery.

Other gifts include books, mugs and bags, and you can even take home a 3D model of St Paul's Cathedral.

Where is St Paul’s Cathedral?

St Paul’s Cathedral is located in the City of London on Ludgate Hill.

How to get to St Paul's Cathedral

The nearest Tube station to St Paul’s Cathedral is St Paul’s (Central line), which is a two-minute walk away. City Thameslink rail station is a four-minute walk, while Blackfriars (Circle and District lines) and Cannon Street (Circle and District lines) stations are eight minutes' away.

St Paul's Cathedral opening times

St Paul’s Cathedral is open for sightseeing from 8.30am to 4.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. On Wednesday, it is open from 10am to 4.30pm.

The cathedral is open on Sunday for worship only.

History of St Paul's Cathedral

Founded in 604 AD and destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666, St Paul's Cathedral as we know it today was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710.

St Paul's Cathedral is one of the most important and recognisable sights in London. After the Great Fire of London, the cathedral also survived serious threats in the 20th century, including a Suffragettes' bomb plot in 1913 and the Blitz in 1940.

Over the centuries, it has been the setting for many special celebrations and ceremonies, including the funerals of Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher, jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, and the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.

What is St Paul's Cathedral famous for?

St Paul's Cathedral is most famous for being one of the tallest and largest historical monuments in the world, for its stunning architecture and religious importance. It is one of London's most iconic landmarks, a hugely popular tourist attraction and a national treasure.

St Paul's Cathedral is also a symbol of London's resilience and endurance, having survived wars, fires and countless other challenges throughout its history.

How long do you need to visit St Paul's Cathedral?

With so much history and heritage to discover, as well as spectacular views if you choose to climb the dome, you could easily spend two hours exploring St Paul's Cathedral.