St Paul's Cathedral Opening Hours | Best Time to Visit
Whether it was the majestic spire or the magnificent dome, St Paul's Cathedral has remained a crown in the London skies for many centuries. The architecture of this building is no less a work of art than the works of art within its walls. A visit to St Paul's Cathedral should definitely be on the list of every travel enthusiast. So, here's everything you need to know about St Paul's Cathedral's opening hours, the best time to visit, and much more!
St Paul's Cathedral Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday, except Wednesday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 4 PM)
Wednesday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 4 PM)
Last access to Dome Galleries: 4:15 PM
Sunday: Open for worship only
St Paul's Cathedral Service Times
Monday to Saturday
- Morning Prayer at 8 AM
- Eucharist at 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM
- Choral Evensong at 5 PM
- On the days with no Choral Evensong, there will be an Evening Prayer at 3 PM
Sundays
- Holy Communion at 8 AM
- Choral Mattins at 10 AM
- On the days with no Choral Mattins, there will be a Morning Prayer at 8:45 AM
- Sung Eucharist at 11:15 AM
- Choral Evensong at 3 PM
- Eucharist at 5:30 PM
St Paul's Cathedral Closures
Whispering Gallery is currently closed.
Note: These timings may change or the cathedral may remain closed for sightseeing for special services or occasions.
- How long should I spend at St Paul's Cathedral?
It is recommended to spend at least two hours at St Paul's Cathedral to make the most out of your visit.
- What is the best time to visit St Paul's Cathedral?
The best time to visit St Paul's Cathedral is before noon, preferably on a weekday. This way you can skip the latter crowd and can enjoy a peaceful time during your visit.
Discover St Paul’s Cathedral's highlights, facts and what’s inside before visiting the iconic landmark.
Best Time to Visit St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is open throughout the year, however, sightseeing is limited during key religious holidays, namely, Easter and Christmas. Tourists are permitted to visit the cathedral from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the cathedral is only open for service.
From Monday to Saturday, guests can visit St Paul's Cathedral from 12 PM to 4:30 PM. It is preferable to get here early, especially after the first prayer to beat the crowds, and to give you maximum time to explore before crowds arrive later in the day. Keep in mind that St. Paul's Cathedral tends to get really crowded at around 2 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Combo (Save 5%): Westminster Abbey + St. Pauls Cathedral Tickets
St Paul's Cathedral Rules
- Security - It is mandatory for visitors to undergo compulsory bag checking in order to enter the cathedral
- No Large Bags - Your bag cannot exceed the dimensions of 45cm x 30cm x 25cm. This includes handles, wheels and pockets. Handbags and day packs are allowed inside St Paul’s Cathedral.
- Prohibited Items - Knives, pepper spray, mace, CS spray or any offensive weapons are not permitted in the UK
- Photography - Apart from the exempted areas, photography is strictly prohibited inside St Paul’s Cathedral.
Frequently Asked Questions About St Paul's Cathedral Opening Hours
A. St Paul's Cathedral is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day except on Wednesdays and Sundays. On Wednesdays, St Paul's Cathedral opens at 10 AM. On Sundays, the cathedral is closed for visits.
A. St Paul's Cathedral is open every day from 8 AM to 5:30 PM for worship. On Sundays, the cathedral is open till 6 PM for worship.
A. The best time to visit during the week would be before noon over the weekdays when the crowds are lesser. The cathedral tends to get really crowded on Fridays and Saturdays. London is also a wonderful place between the months of March and May.
A. It is suggested that you take out at least 2 hours from your day to cover the entire St Paul's Cathedral comfortably.
A. The St Paul's Cathedral dome galleries are open as long as the cathedral is open for sightseeing. The last entry into the dome galleries is at 4:15 PM.
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Around St Paul's Cathedral
If you're looking for more things to do near St Paul's Cathedral, here are our top picks! From activities to entertain kids to experiences that take you down the history lane, there's plenty to do in the city when visiting St Paul's Cathedral.