United Kingdom London St Paul's Cathedral Entry Tickets

The crypt of St Paul's Cathedral contains the tombs of some of the most celebrated figures in British history. Admiral Lord Nelson, hero of the Battle of Trafalgar, is buried directly beneath the dome. Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington lies in a magnificent sarcophagus in the centre of the crypt. Sir Christopher Wren himself is buried in the crypt alongside artists, military figures, and the nation's most celebrated creatives.

Sightseeing tickets are required to explore the interior of St Paul's Cathedral including the nave, crypt, and dome galleries. However, it is completely free to attend services, Evensong, and other acts of worship at the cathedral at any time. Evensong takes place most evenings at 17:00 and offers one of the most beautiful and moving free cultural experiences in London.

Yes. Evensong is a free choral service that takes place at St Paul's Cathedral most evenings at 17:00 and does not require a sightseeing ticket. The cathedral choir is one of the finest in the world and Evensong in the extraordinary acoustic of the Wren interior is considered one of the most transcendent free cultural experiences available in London. Check the official St Paul's website for the Evensong schedule on your visit date.

St Paul's Cathedral is located on Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 8AD in the City of London. The most convenient Underground station is St Paul's on the Central line, approximately a 3-minute walk from the main entrance on the west front. Blackfriars on the District, Circle, and Thameslink lines is approximately a 7-minute walk. The cathedral is also easily walkable across Millennium Bridge from Tate Modern on the South Bank.

St Paul's Cathedral is open for sightseeing Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 08:30 to 16:30 with last entry at 16:00. On Wednesdays the cathedral opens one hour later at 10:00 due to morning staff prayers. The cathedral is closed for sightseeing on Sundays when it is open for worship only, though the Dome Galleries operate a limited opening from 12:30 to 14:00 on Sundays between 15 March and 25 October 2026.

Allow 2 to 3 hours for a comfortable visit covering the cathedral floor, crypt, and all three dome galleries. If you plan to attend a verger-led guided tour, which provides exclusive access to normally restricted areas and takes approximately 90 minutes, allow a full half-day. Climbing to the Golden Gallery is strenuous and takes additional time, so factor in rest breaks on the way up and down.

The dome climb involves 528 steps in total and is not recommended for children under 8 years of age or for anyone with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or a fear of heights or confined spaces. The Whispering Gallery at 259 steps is accessible to most visitors including older children. The Stone Gallery at 376 steps and the Golden Gallery at 528 steps require a reasonable level of fitness and are more demanding.

The St Paul's dome contains three successive galleries accessible via 528 steps in total. The Whispering Gallery at 30 metres is the lowest and most famous, where sounds whispered close to the circular wall carry clearly to the opposite side. The Stone Gallery at 53 metres is an open-air balcony with views over the City of London. The Golden Gallery at 85 metres is at the very top of the dome and offers the most breathtaking panoramic views across London.