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St Paul's Cathedral Opening Hours | Best Time to Visit

Today

Open 8:30am–4:30pm

Last Admission

4pm

St. Paul's Cathedral

The Cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday for sightseeing. The opening hours from Thursday to Tuesday (except Sunday) is 8:30am to 4:30pm. On Wednesday, the church opens late at 10am.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGSLast Admission
Monday 8:30am–4:30pm 4:00pm
Tuesday 8:30am–4:30pm 4:00pm
Wednesday 10:00am–4:30pm 4:00pm
Thursday 8:30am–4:30pm 4:00pm
Friday (Today)8:30am–4:30pm 4:00pm
Saturday 8:30am–4:30pm 4:00pm
Sunday Closed
St Paul's Cathedral Opening Hours
  • Last entry: 4pm
  • Wednesday: The cathedral opens at 10am.
  • Sunday: Open for worship only.
  • Dome Galleries: 9:30am-4:15pm (Except on Wednesday)
  • Spend at least 2 hours at St Paul's Cathedral to make the most of your visit.
  • These timings may change or the cathedral may remain closed for sightseeing for special services or occasions. 

Old St Paul’s Cathedral

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS
Monday 8:30am–4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am–4:30pm
Wednesday 10:00am–4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am–4:30pm
Friday (Today)8:30am–4:30pm
Saturday 8:30am–4:30pm
Sunday 8:00am–6:00pm



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Best time to visit the St. Paul's Cathedral

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekday: Visiting St. Paul's Cathedral on weekdays, particularly Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, is recommended to avoid weekend crowds. It allows for a more serene experience, offering quieter moments to appreciate the cathedral's beauty and history.

Weekend: Exploring St. Paul's Cathedral on weekends offers a vibrant view of London's skyline but can be crowded, leading to a hurried exploration. Despite the hustle-bustle, it promises a lively and energetic experience, adding to the cathedral's charm.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant
Very Crowded

Peak season vs Low season

  • Peak Season: Visiting St. Paul's Cathedral during the peak season from June to October presents a lively atmosphere with numerous events and special services. Despite potential crowds, this time offers a chance to witness the cathedral bustling with activity, showcasing its cultural vibrancy.
  • Low Season: Checking out St. Paul's Cathedral during the low season, from September to May, promises a tranquil experience with fewer crowds. It allows you to immerse yourself in the cathedral's architectural intricacies and historical significance without the hustle of peak times.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season
Moderate Season
Peak Season

St Paul's Cathedral service timings

Monday to Saturday

  • Morning prayer: 7:30am
  • Eucharist: 8am and 12:30pm
  • Choral Evensong: 5pm
  • Sung Eucharist: 5pm (On the days with no Choral Evensong)

Sunday

  • Holy Communion: 8am
  • Choral Mattins: 10am
  • Morning Prayer: 8:45am (On the days with no Choral Mattins)
  • Sung Eucharist: 11:30am
  • Choral Evensong: 3:15pm
  • Eucharist: 6pm

How long should I spend at St. Paul's Cathedral?

You should plan to spend two to three hours fully exploring St. Paul's Cathedral, including the main cathedral area, the crypt, the dome, and the artwork. This timeframe allows for a comprehensive experience, allowing you to appreciate the architectural masterpiece, historical significance, and diverse art collection within the cathedral.

Frequently Asked Questions about St. Paul's Cathedral opening hours

What are the opening hours for St Paul's Cathedral Dome Galleries?

St. Paul's Cathedral Dome Galleries are open as long as the cathedral is open for sightseeing. They are open from 8:30am-4pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Wednesday, they open later at 10am.

Is St. Paul's Cathedral free to visit?

St Paul's Cathedral is free to visit for private prayers. On Sundays, the cathedral is open for extended hours till 6pm. However, the cathedral is open from Monday to Saturday to tourists. A standard entry ticket costs €29.24. You can also purchase a combo ticket and visit SEA Life London Aquarium, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, or London Dungeon in addition to your St Paul's Cathedral visit.

Why was the Whispering Gallery closed?

The Whispering Gallery in St Paul's Cathedral closed in April 2019 after a teenage boy died after falling from the gallery. This was the second death in two years with people falling from the gallery. Since then, the cathedral has installed a wire grill around the gallery that won’t affect the views, but would stop people from climbing or falling over the open ledge. The Whispering Gallery is currently open to visitors and entry is included with the standard entry ticket.

Is there a dress code to visit St. Paul's Cathedral?

There is no strict dress code to follow. However, since it is a place of worship, you are expected to wear respectable clothing. Avoid shorts and flip-flops when visiting.