St. Paul's Cathedral
ENTRY
from £3
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
London
What it’s like
Climb 528 steps to the top of the Dome for a proper view over London, then explore the Crypt and a family history trail below.
The big draw here is the Dome. Three galleries stacked on top of each other, reached entirely by stairs, and the site is upfront that it's 257 to 528 steps depending how high you go. Save it for last, both because your legs will want a rest and because the view over London is the obvious high point of the visit. Whisper in the Whispering Gallery, catch your breath, then keep going if the kids have the legs for it.
Down at ground level there's the Cathedral Floor and the Crypt to wander round, plus a family trail that covers 300 years of history and some hands-on bits in the exhibition. It's not a hands-on museum in the soft-play sense, more a "look up, ask questions, spot the details" kind of visit, so it suits kids who can walk a fair distance and sit through a bit of looking rather than toddlers wanting to touch everything.
Entry isn't cheap. Adults are £27, kids 6 to 17 are £10.50, and under-fives go free. A family ticket for two adults and up to three kids brings it down to £64.50, which helps but still stings a bit for an afternoon. If Sundays suit you better, the Dome Sundays tickets are noticeably cheaper at £13.50 and £5.25, though that's presumably a more limited visit than the full sightseeing ticket. Sightseeing runs from 8:30am with last entry at 4pm, and the Dome Galleries have their own last entry of 4:15pm, so don't leave it too late in the day if the stairs are the bit you're there for.
You don't need to book ahead, though there is a booking link if you'd rather sort tickets before you turn up. Parking near the cathedral is limited to on-street spaces, with Baynard House car park a six-minute walk away, but St Paul's Underground station is about three minutes from the door, so public transport is genuinely the easier option here.
What’s on here
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Kids old enough for the 528 Dome steps and some standing-around looking
- Last entry
- 4pm for sightseeing, 4:15pm for Dome Galleries
- Parking
- Limited on-street parking. Closest public car park Baynard House (6 min walk, 400m)
- Wheelchairs
- Disabled visitors and accompanying carer/companion can receive complimentary entry
- Getting there by bus or train
- St Paul's Underground Station 3 minutes (270m)
- Worth knowing
- Friends membership: free visits, shop discounts, priority event access for £36/year
- The Dome is stairs only, so it's a no if anyone's got dodgy knees or doesn't fancy heights.
- Kids need an adult with them specifically for the Dome Galleries, not just the rest of the cathedral.
- Last entry for the Dome (4:15pm) is slightly later than sightseeing last entry (4pm), easy to mix up.
- Disabled visitors and their companion get in free, worth knowing if that applies to your group.
- The tube station is right on the doorstep, easier than trying to find parking.
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£27 for an adult, £10.50 for a child aged 6 to 17, and under-fives go free. A family ticket for two adults and up to three kids is £64.50.
Do we need to book in advance?
Booking isn't required, you can turn up on the day. There's a booking link if you'd rather have tickets sorted beforehand.
What are the opening hours?
Sightseeing runs Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, with last entry at 4pm. The Dome Galleries are open 9:30am to 4:15pm, last entry 4:15pm.
Is the Dome climb suitable for kids?
It's stairs only, 257 to 528 steps depending how far up you go, and any child ticket holder needs an adult with them in the Dome Galleries. It's not recommended if anyone in your group has a fear of heights or confined spaces.
Is there parking nearby?
On-street parking is limited. Baynard House car park is the closest option, about a six-minute walk.
How do we get there by public transport?
St Paul's Underground station is about three minutes' walk. City Thameslink and Blackfriars stations are both under ten minutes away too.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The cathedral is wheelchair accessible, though the Dome Galleries are stairs only so those won't be reachable by wheelchair. Disabled visitors and a companion can get complimentary entry.
What can kids actually do there?
Climb the Dome for the views, explore the Cathedral Floor and Crypt, follow a family trail covering 300 years of history, and try hands-on activities in the exhibition.
Are there cheaper tickets on Sundays?
Yes, Dome Sundays tickets are £13.50 for adults and £5.25 for children, cheaper than the standard sightseeing ticket.
Is there a discount for groups or home educators?
Groups of 15 or more get reduced adult and child rates, and UK home educators can visit for £3 to £3.60 per child depending on whether it's guided or self-guided.
Is there a membership option if we'll visit more than once?
Friends of St Paul's Cathedral membership is £36 a year and gets you free visits, shop discounts and priority event access.
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