St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England, is an essential stop on any Britain visit. Unmistakably English, tourists flock to this iconic London cathedral to experience for themselves the English heritage that it represents. St Paul’s is a very popular property on the Great British Heritage Pass, and we recommend including it on your UK sightseeing tour.

St. Paul’s Cathedral dominates London’s skyline and is one of its most recognized and best loved attractions.  It is a place of national celebration and spiritual focus, as well as the location of many important events.  The funerals of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, and Sir Winston Churchill have been held here, as well as the celebrations for the 80th and 100th birthdays of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. 

A Cathedral dedicated to St. Paul has overlooked the City of London since 604 AD.  The Cathedral that stands today is the 4th to occupy the site, and was designed by the architect Sir Christopher Wren, after the Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed the previous Cathedral.  Wren’s design of St Paul’s Cathedral was his third, after the first two were rejected. 

Begin your exploration of this architectural masterpiece at the Cathedral floor.  Be sure to see Wellington’s monument, as well the one dedicated to Admiral Nelson.  There is also an American Memorial Chapel in the Apse, honoring American servicemen and women who died in World War II.

Admire St. Paul’s Cathedral’s magnificent dome from the Cathedral floor, which has been built in the shape of the cross - the dome crowns the intersection of the arms.  It is also one of the largest Cathedral domes in the world, and mosaics of prophets and saints decorate it on the inside.    

Climb up to the Whispering Gallery, and whisper against its walls, where you’ll be able to hear it against the opposite side.  Try it out for yourself and see! 

Once you’ve tested the Whispering Gallery, continue up towards the Stone Gallery, where you can get views of London.  If you’re feeling brave, you can climb all the way to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral to the Golden Gallery, 530 steps from ground level, located just above the dome. You can get amazing views of London – make sure to take your camera!

After your venture to the very top of St Paul’s Cathedral, go down into the Crypt, where you can see the tombs of the Duke of Wellington, Admiral Nelson, and Sir Christopher Wren.  Besides Wren’s tomb is a stone bearing his architect’s mark, and he is surrounded by tombs and memorials of his family. 

St. Paul’s Cathedral celebrated its 300th birthday in 1997, and more visitors from all over the world come to admire its beauty every year.

Planning your visit to St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is open for sightseeing from Monday to Saturday between 8.30 - 16.00 (last admission).