St Paul's Cathedral ★★☆
Christopher Wren’s architectural Renaissance masterpiece has stupendous views from its famous dome, and famous Brits buried in the crypt.
Christopher Wren’s architectural Renaissance masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral, stood alone during the infamous Blitz, (virtually) untouched by the Nazi air raid bombings and fires that ravaged the city.
Captured on newsreel footage, the image of the grand church’s survival became a rallying point for Britain’s pride and indomitable spirit during the darkest days of World War II.
(Truth be told, however, the pilots of the Blitz were very careful not to bomb St. Paul's, as its dome served as the perfect landmark for their bombing runs.)
The main Great West Doors stand nine meters (30 feet) tall, and are only opened for special services and state occasions to receive the Queen or Lord Mayor of London.
The Nave and transepts
Two-thirds of the way up the nave, on the left, is a 1912 memorial to Arthur, Duke of Wellington, the national hero who defeatred Napoleon at Waterloo (his actual tomb is in the crypt; see below).
In the south (right) transept is a monument Britiain's other great 19th century military hero, Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at Trafalgar in 1805. Also here are monuments to JMW Turner and Capt. Robert Scott, the mighty yet tragic explorer who reached the South Pole just days after his Norwegian rival Amundsen, then died on the way back.
The quire and apse
The Grand Organ—third largest in the U.K., most reliably played on Sundays at the 4:45pm Organ Recital—dates to 1695 (restored many times since), featuring 7,189 pipes, 138 stops, and five keyboards. Beyond stretched the Quire, where the clergy and choir sit for services, with stalls carved by Grinling Gibbons and a cathedra (bishop's throne—which is why these grand churches that serve as metaphical seats for bishoprics are called "cathedrals").
Flanking the quire are still more monuments and memorials, including in teh north qurie aisle one of Henry Moore's final marble sculptures, a curvaceous 1980s Mother and Child; and in the south qure aisle a memorial to John Donne, the early 17th century Dean of the Cathedral and a master poet (you can still see some scorch marks on it from the 1666 Great Fire of London).
Beyond the High Altar is the Apse, the only part of the cathedral destroyed during the Blitz. Rebuilt to house the Jesus Chapel, dedicated to the 28,000 Americans stationed in the UK. during World War II, its stained glass, metalwork, and carved wood decorated with images of North American flora and fauna (also: a rocketship).
The crypt
In the crypt are buried some of those heroes memorialized above, including the Duke of Wellington and Lord Nelson; the great painters Constable, Turner, and Reynolds; Alexander Fleming, the scientist who discovered penicillan; the sculptor Henry Moore; the adventurer/hero T. E. Lawrence (better known as Lawrence of Arabia); and compioser Arthur Sullivan of Gilbert and Sullivan fame (you know: "The Major-General's Song," "For He is an Englishman," "Three Little Maids for School Are We," plus he wrote "Onward Christian Soldiers"... and now that I have gotten all of those stuck in you head, let's move on).
Also here is the cathedral's architect, Christopher Wren, whose simple tombstone bears a Latin epithaph that translates as: "Reader, if you seek his monument, look around you."
The dome of St. Paul's
Visitors can climb the 111m (364-foot) dome that glitters with mosaics.
Pause 257 steps (30m/98 feet) up to enjoy the acoustic effects of the Whispering Gallery—murmur against the wall and someone 158 feet away on the opposite side can hear you.
After 376 steps (52m/171 feet) you reach the Stone Gallery, at the base of the dome itself, with your first low views across London.
Die-hards will continue the full 528 steps (85m/279 feet) to the Golden Gallery—at the base of the cupola, just beneath the 23-foot-high ball and lantern—for the magnificent 360-degree panorama of London.
Tickets
With its dome commanding the London skyline, St. Paul's Cathedral stands emblematic of London's 17th century—the era of Newton, the Great Fire, and the emergence of England as a world power. It also took on a newfound importance in the modern era, with its continued standing representing the resilience of the British during World War II. In this St. Paul's Cathedral Tour, led by an architectural historian, we'll dive deeply into this masterpiece, the history it encompasses, and its continued impact.
- Discover the impact behind St. Paul's Cathedral
- Led by an architectural historian
- Small group—6 people max
The Fire
We'll begin with a short walk of the grounds of St. Paul's Cathedral, where archaeologists have recently uncovered the foundations of the Chapter House and St. Paul's Cross, a significant discovery that predates the present structure. However, our conversation will focus on what was arguably the most significant event of the 17th century in London—the Great Fire of 1666. Using drawings, maps, and other ancillary materials we will narrate the events of the Fire and its aftermath.
We will also discuss Old St. Paul's, the Gothic structure that occupied this site until 1666 when it was destroyed in the fire. This will help us understand how this part of London served as the center of the Roman Catholic Church in London before the sixteenth-century Reformation transformed England's religious affiliation.
St. Paul's Cathedral Tour
On entering the cathedral, we will be confronted by a magnificent and spacious interior, beautifully adorned with natural light. This lends itself to a detailed discussion of its designer, Sir Christopher Wren, the Latinist and Aristotelian scholar who became surveyor general of London in the wake of the Fire. As we explore, our attention will be drawn to the architectural details conceived by Wren and made executed through the insight and ability of his trusted team of master craftsmen. We'll look at how Wren was influenced by antiquity and the great architects of his age, including Bernini, whom he met in Paris.
Interested in learning more about religious architecture in London? Try our Westminster Abbey Tour.
The Impact
No monument exists in a vacuum, and this is true of St. Paul's. We will look at some of the nineteenth-century Victorian additions to the structure and their impact on the integrity Wren's vision. We will also look at some of the monuments and tombs that commemorate illustrious eighteenth- and nineteenth-century figures, including Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, heroes of the Napoleonic Wars. At the east end of the cathedral, we will find the American Memorial Chapel, which was dedicated to the 28,000 members of United States Armed Forces who gave their lives on British soil during World War II and which holds a Roll of Honor that names them all. And, of course, we'll stop by Wren's own tomb where the epitaph reads "Si monumentum requiris circumspice" ("If you seek his monument, look around.")
Thematic Approach
The ways in which St. Paul's has been used as a religious and cultural symbol throughout its history, as well as the position it has held as a focal point for English and British national identity will become apparent in a number of ways when we discuss St. Paul's: as an architectural tour de force, as the vision of one man, as a place to remember and celebrate great figures and events from history, as a site of historical importance for London, and as an Anglican place of worship.
Then, depending on the preference of the group, we can either climb the dome to further examine Wren's architectural innovations, experience spectacular views of the city skyline, and hear ghostly whispers in the famous Whispering Gallery, or we can continue exploring Wren's architecture with a short city walk looking at several of his smaller city churches.
Take Aways
On this tour, we'll use St. Paul's as a text of sorts, where it is possible to read the history London's Stuart age. Together, we'll discover that it emblematic not just of man's desire to reflect divinity on earth, but also of our apparent need to memorialize the great figures and momentous events that are scattered across centuries of this land's history.
This is a great companion to our London City Tour.
FAQ
Where do we meet? Where does it end?
The walk begins near St. Paul’s and ends inside the cathedral. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map, and emergency phone number.
Is this tour good for kids?
While we do have some excellent family friendly docents who can appeal to the learning styles of children, we have a separate walk, The Blitz: London During the War. This includes St. Paul’s among other other locations, and is specifically geared towards children.
What if it’s raining?
This tour takes place almost entirely indoors.
Is this a walking intensive tour?
No, this tour takes place almost entirely within the cathedral.
Meet your guide at Temple Underground Station in London, then board a comfortable minivan and head to St Paul’s Cathedral. On arrival, show your pre-booked ticket or pay your entrance fee (depending on the option selected), and then explore the 17th-century cathedral on an independent, audio-guided tour. Take in the skyline from the dome and descend to the crypt to see the tombs of famous British figures like Sir Winston Churchill.
After roughly 1.5 hours, join back up with your guide and continue to the Mall for the Changing of the Guard. Along the way, pass showstopper sights like 10 Downing Street, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, and learn more about London's history. Hop out of your minivan in Trafalgar Square and set off on foot to Buckingham Palace. See Horse Guards Parade and other royal residences, then marvel at the pageantry of the world-famous ceremony as you march alongside the guards on the Mall.
Continue by minivan to the Tower of London, a majestic castle first built in the 11th century, stopping off on route for lunch (own expense). On arrival, opt to join a complimentary tour by one of the Beefeater guards to learn more about the tower's role in British history. Then, enjoy time at your leisure to see the Crown Jewels, White Tower, Traitor's Gate and other highlights. Alternatively, if you've not upgraded to include entrance fees, make the most of free time to explore the City of London at your own pace. Perhaps stroll along the banks of the Thames River or visit nearby Tower Bridge (own expense).
Make your final stop of the day at the British Museum, which boast the largest collection of antiquities in the world, spanning two million years. Your guide helps you navigate more easily around the vast museum and sheds light on prestigious exhibits such as the Rosetta Stone. If there's any area of history you're particularly interested in, let your guide know so your visit can be tailored to suit your interests.
When the time comes, stroll to the nearest tube stop and ask for directions on how to get back to your accommodation, if required.
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Christopher Wren built 53 churches following the fire of London in 1666 and 23 remain. Among these we will visit St. Stephen Walbrook and St. Mary Abchurch. The former has a beautifully designed dome which undoubtedly served as a model for St. Paul's. St. Mary Abchurch contains a wealth of objects including a massive reredos by Grinling Gibbons.
This in-depth private tour is hosted by a professional guide specializing in art history. Please list any special interests you have (art, architecture, history, culture) at time of booking to alert our guide, so that he or she can better prepare for your private tour.
Make your way to Greenwich Pier, the London Eye Pier, Tower Pier, or Westminster Pier, then jump aboard your sightseeing boat to begin your tour. With cruises departing every 30 minutes from 10am throughout the year, enjoy the freedom to take to the water at your leisure.
During your Thames River sightseeing cruise, admire top London attractions such as County Hall, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Southwark Cathedral, the Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London from your vantage point on the river. All boats have toilets, bars to buy refreshment (own expense), confectionary, and snacks, and an upper viewing deck for photo opportunities.
Afterward, alight from your sightseeing boat in central London and visit St. Paul's Cathedral — widely considered to be London’s most impressive place of worship. During your visit, explore the crypt — resting place of Admiral Lord Nelson and the cathedral's architect Sir Christopher Wren. Head up to the Whispering Gallery in the dome, and admire spectacular views over the rooftops of London from the Golden Gallery.
Your Viator VIP London tour starts at the Tower of London, which you'll enter before the public opening. Meet your guide as well as one of the tower’s Beefeater guards who will personally show you around. The formidable 11th-century tower was built to act as a fortress, palace and prison — terrifying Londoners and foreign invaders alike. Watch the historic opening ceremony, where members of the military escort march around the tower with the Beefeaters to open it for business.
On your tour of the tower, see the Crown Jewels — a dazzling collection of jewels and diamonds that are still used today by the Queen. Stroll along the East Wall Walk for a bird’s-eye view of the city streets, explore the White Tower, and see the ravens that have lived here since the reign of King Charles II. The superstitious king believed the tower would fall if the birds left.
Next, walk to nearby St Paul’s Cathedral, the much-cherished architectural icon that’s home to the Triforium, an area typically closed to the public but open to you! Standout features include the Dean’s Staircase (featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) and a medieval library. See both, and then marvel at the vertigo-inducing views toward the nave. In addition to the Triforium, visit the Whispering Gallery and Crypt, too. Your experience then finishes here.
Please note: The visit to the Crown Jewels is not guided.
Experience the whole of St Paul's Cathedral – a mainstay of the London skyline – on a self-guided tour. Designed by famous English architect Sir Christopher Wren, the current cathedral was completed in 1708, after the Great Fire of London ruined Old St Paul’s in 1666. The cathedral has always been associated with significant British events, including the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer, Diamond Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria and an 80th birthday service for Queen Elizabeth II.
With your entrance ticket, head inside and pick up your audio/video guide, available in nine languages (see below for a list). You’ll tour the cathedral on your own, listening to the audio commentary and using your touch screen for historical tidbits and information about the significance of the cathedral throughout English history.
Begin in the cathedral’s crypt, with its memorials, tombs and monuments of important Brits like Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. Climb upstairs to the Whispering Gallery - giving you a magnificient view of the cathedral - the exterior Stone Gallery and eventually the Golden Gallery with its panoramic views of the capital.
As you walk around, marvel at the soaring dome, the glittering mosaics, the intricate stone carving and the breathtaking view down the central nave toward the quire aisle.
Consecrated in 1708 and designed by Sir Christopher Wren, St Paul's Cathedral is one of the most important and beloved buildings in England. With your entrance ticket, head inside and pick up your audio/video guide, available in nine languages (see below for a list). You’ll tour the cathedral on your own, listening to the audio commentary and using your touch screen for historical tidbits and information about the significance of the cathedral throughout English history.
As you walk around, admire the cathedral’s soaring dome, its glittering mosaics, the intricate stone carving and the breathtaking view down the central nave toward the quire aisle.
Start in the crypt to see its memorials and monuments, including the tombs of Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. Then see the so-called Whispering Gallery - a platform giving you a perfect view of the cathedral from the first level of the dome - the outdoor Stone Gallery and eventually the Golden Gallery around the highest point of the Dome serving as a balcony with panoramic views of the capital.
Keep an eye on your watch and head to the Restaurant at St Paul’s for your traditional afternoon tea, which starts at 3pm. Along with a selection of loose-leaf teas or coffee, enjoy finger sandwiches (Chalk Farm smoked salmon, free-range egg and cress, cucumber and cream cheese) and sweet treats (freshly baked scones with England preserves and Cornish clotted cream). It’s the perfect ending to a visit of one of England’s most iconic attractions.
Pick up your London Attractions and Dining Pass from one of the central London redemption points and choose from some of the city’s most noteworthy attractions, tours, West End theater shows, and restaurants. With the flexibility to set your own schedule and enjoy all-inclusive access to all offers for five consecutive days, the card allows you to experience London’s top attractions at your own pace.
Use your complimentary full-color London information map to plan your schedule. Packed with helpful information about each attraction, the guidebook includes highlighted attraction maps to help you find your way around with ease.
Simply swipe your card to gain cash-free access to any of the offered attractions, theater shows, tours or restaurants. Perhaps spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of London on a tour to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford. Begin your day trip with a visit to Windsor Castle to see the magnificent State Apartments (own expense), then head to the UNESCO-listed stone circle of Stonehenge, before finishing the day admiring the honey-colored buildings and towering spires of Oxford University.
Spend an afternoon sampling some of the capital’s culinary delights with a delicious set lunch at Tuttons. Arguably one of the most iconic and long standing restaurants in London’s famous Covent Garden, Tuttons serves a delightfully British menu in a brasserie-style setting with idyllic views of the bustling market.
Round off an evening with a trip to the West End for a theater show. Several select plays and musicals are included with the pass. While these change frequently, typical shows include The 39 Steps, Mamma Mia! and War Horse.
Your card includes admission to all attractions, sightseeing tours, theater shows and restaurants; simply choose from the list below.
Please note: admission to Stonehenge and Windsor Castle are not included.
*Attractions are subject to change
Pick up your London Flexi Attractions Pass from one of the central London redemption points or Heathrow Airport and choose from some of the city’s most popular attractions, tours, West End theater shows and restaurants. With the flexibility to choose from a 3-, 5-,7- or 10- Attractions Pass (each with a 1-month validity), the card allows you to experience London’s top attractions at your own pace.
Use your complimentary full-color London information map to plan your schedule. Packed with helpful information about each attraction, with highlighted attraction maps to help you find your way around with ease.
Head to the View from the Shard for unparalleled views of London’s famous skyline or visit the London Zoo.
Round off an evening with a visit to a West End theater show. Several select musicals and plays are included with the pass. While these change frequently, typical shows include War Horse, Mamma Mia! and The 39 Steps.
Your card includes admission to three, five, seven or 10 London attractions; simply choose from the list below.
*Attractions are subject to change
This is an exceptional photography tour which is private to you and your group. Photograph London with an expert photographer during this private tour. Learn how to capture the best compositions with a professional photographer to guide you.
The aim of this tour is to empower your photography with expert tuition and tips from a professional photographer. Teaching is exclusive to you and your group and is geared towards the camera you own. Your photographer knows the best locations and viewpoints to guide you to.
Walking at a leisurely pace explore from the outside the iconic architecture of Southwark Cathedral. Learn how to set your camera to take different shots and make subjects come alive as you experiment with different angles of view. Marvel at the vibrancey of Bankside as we make our way along the route towards St Paul's Cathedral. Throughout this route there is something to admire and photograph.
Photograph people and places along this colourful route. Explore the imposing structures of the Golden Hind Galleon II, The Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, the Shard, Tower Bridge and Millennium Bridge all with stunning views over the River Thames. This is an outstanding photography tour from which to explore and discover the secrets of the River Thames with great London views and iconic landmarks.
Take time to discover the landscaped courtyards of Southwark and St Paul's Cathedrals. Explore with your personal photographer quirky side streets and small markets and small landscaped gardens within walking distance of the Cathedrals.
You take a short working break for refreshments and to review progress before making our way across to St Paul's.
Enjoy the splendour of some of the most iconic locations in London as you walk from the famous St Paul's Cathedral across the River Thames to the area known as Bankside.
Along the way your guide will point out surprising detail and even more surprising stories of London's past and present. On the south side of the river you will see the most popular modern art gallery in the world, the Tate Modern. Then on to the Globe Theatre, with all its Shakespearian connections, through the bustling Borough market to London Bridge where you will be struck by the enormity of the Shard, tallest building in Western Europe.
As we cross over London Bridge, your guide will take you towards City Hall, office of the Mayor of London, and end the tour with a spectacular view looking towards the ancient Tower of London and perhaps the most iconic bridge in the world, Tower Bridge.
These might include St Paul's
More toursTips
Assuming you are willing to pay the high admission, make it work your while and give St. Paul's at least 90 minutes—especially if you intend to climb the dome.
Note that, while the church doors open at 8:30am, the dome galleries do not open until 9:30am.
The last entry tickets are sold at 4pm, with the last entrance to the dome galleries at 4:15pm.
Included with your admission price is one of two tours. I'd arrange to visit in time to take advantage of the more complete guided tour below:
- Introductory talk (15–20 min) - Quick overview offered thoughout the day.
- Guided tour (90 min) - These far more complete tours give you plenty of background, and even better get you into bits of St. Paul's normally closed to the public. They leave daily at 10am, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm.
The admission to St. Paul's is breathtakingly steep for a sight that—while admittedly grand and certainly famous—does not really offer all that much.
If you are on a tight budget, I would actually skip St. Paul's (unless you happen to have the London Pass or iVenture Card, both of whcih get you in for free).
Check the website for up-to-date schedules, but in general the regular schedule of services at St Paul's is:
Sundays
- 8am - Holy Communion
- 10:15am - Choral Matins
- 11:30am - Sung Eucharist
- 3:15pm - Choral Evensong
- 4:45pm - Sunday Organ Recital
