St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul\'s Cathedral showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
St. Paul\'s Cathedral which includes a city and a church or cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul\'s Cathedral featuring a river or creek, a city and skyline
St. Paul\'s Cathedral featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and a church or cathedral

Visit this cathedral to learn about the history behind London’s most iconic church and its Baroque dome that overlooks the city.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is a 17th-century Baroque structure that is arguably the most iconic landmark in London. It is the most recognised work in the career of Britain’s most famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren. The cathedral sits on London’s highest point, Ludgate Hill, overlooking the rest of the otherwise flat city. It stands at 366 feet (111.6 metres) high. The cathedral hosts state funerals, weddings and celebrations.

Admire the Baroque design of the large cathedral. Gaze up at its central dome, which stands out above the rest of the cathedral and the city. It was inspired by Michelangelo’s dome in the Vatican City and is visible from most parts of the city.

See the intricate façade on the western side of the cathedral. Marvel at the twin towers that rise up either side of its grand entrance. Admire the ten pairs of columns in the centre. 

In the vast interior of the cathedral, look up at the majestic arches and columns. Browse works of art, such as sculptures, paintings and metalwork. Locate the large monument to former political and military figure The Duke of Wellington on a horse.

Take a guided tour of the church or use the audio guide. The church is open to sightseers from morning until late in the afternoon, except on Sundays.

The construction of the cathedral was part of a project to rebuild the city following the Great Fire of London in 1666. The funerals for war heroes Horatio Nelson and Winston Churchill and former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher were held at the cathedral. Other memorable events include the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebration.

St. Paul’s Cathedral sits in the centre of London, only a few streets north of the River Thames. Several London Underground stations with excellent transportation links surround it. There are many buses that take passengers to the cathedral or you can take the River Bus along the River Thames.

Reviews of St. Paul's Cathedral

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
327
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
242
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
43
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
8
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
9
1 - Terrible 1%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Too expensive to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A must is to go to Evensong which is on every evening at 5pm.

4/5 - Good

SUE

Portobello market, Primrose Hill, Regent's Park

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

5pm, Evensong is beautiful and free of charge.

5/5 - Excellent

Brenda

If you go to the evening service, you can enter free of charge. It is 20 min long and an interesting experience.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Very expensive at £20 per adult

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Things to do near St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral is surrounded by a vibrant area perfect for art lovers, offering a variety of art exhibitions and cultural experiences. You can explore the nearby theatres and enjoy shopping in the bustling streets. Discover the beauty of London on foot, taking in the rich history and stunning architecture that the area has to offer. A visit to St. Paul’s is a delightful blend of artistic and leisurely pursuits.

Shopping

Visit Borough Market, just 1.1km from St. Paul's Cathedral, for fresh produce and unique gifts. The Royal Exchange, 805m away, offers a blend of shopping and dining experiences. If you're up for a drive, The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4 is 3.2km away, perfect for fans.

Recreation

At the O2 Arena, immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of live sports events, just 6.4km from St. Paul's Cathedral. For a musical experience, the ABBA Arena offers vibrant concerts, also 6.4km away. Alternatively, enjoy the serene beauty of Hampstead Heath, 8.0km away, perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, a cable car offering stunning views, located 8.0km from St. Paul's Cathedral. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill is a fantastic indoor climbing venue, just 1.6km away. Enjoy karting excitement at Oasis Go-Kart Track, situated 4.8km from the cathedral.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near St. Paul's Cathedral with a ride on the London Eye for stunning views, or enjoy a cultured evening at the Barbican Arts Centre, perfect for romance and family fun. For an adventurous twist, head to All Star Lanes-Holborn for arcade excitement.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near St. Paul's Cathedral

Within and around St. Paul's Cathedral, visitors can explore a vibrant mix of streets, the iconic piazza, and the stunning church itself. This area is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences, family outings, and a taste of city life. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural beauty that this renowned landmark and its surroundings have to offer.

  • Piccadilly Circus: Experience the vibrant energy of London's bustling heart at Piccadilly Circus. Known for its iconic neon lights and the Eros statue, this lively street is a hub of entertainment, shopping, and dining, perfect for soaking in the city's dynamic atmosphere.
  • Tower Bridge: Tower Bridge, an iconic symbol of London, offers a blend of stunning architecture and rich history. Explore its glass-floored walkways for breathtaking views of the Thames and the city, showcasing the cultural essence of this historic landmark.
  • Tower of London: Step into the past at the Tower of London, a historic castle steeped in intrigue and romance. Discover the Crown Jewels, explore its medieval architecture, and learn about its captivating stories that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the nation.

Best time to go to St. Paul's Cathedral

The best time to visit St. Paul's Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around St. Paul's Cathedral falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around St. Paul's Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Paul's Cathedral

When planning your visit to St. Paul's Cathedral, consider travelling during the off-peak season from January to March for lower accommodation prices. Sundays tend to have the cheapest rates, while Wednesdays are pricier. Booking a month in advance can yield significant savings, and last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can offer additional discounts. Utilise Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and preferences, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for better deals. Don't forget to explore free activities around the cathedral to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Paul's Cathedral are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around St. Paul's Cathedral is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Paul's Cathedral is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Paul's Cathedral is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can sort the results by price, starting from the lowest, to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will display sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at St. Paul's Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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