Entrance Fee

Entrance Fee For St Paul’S Cathedral

When planning a visit to one of London’s most iconic landmarks, knowing the entrance fee for St Paul’s Cathedral in advance helps you budget and avoid surprises. This guide explains the current ticket prices, what’s included, opening times, and how to save money—using only verified information from official and reputable sources.

What Is the Entrance Fee for St Paul’s Cathedral?

According to the official St Paul’s Cathedral website, advance-booked standard entrance fees (including access to the cathedral floor, crypt, and dome) are as follows:

  • Adults (18–64): £25.00 when booked online in advance
  • Students and Seniors (65+): £21.50 advance
  • Children (6–17 years): £10.50 advance
  • Family tickets:
    • 1 adult + up to 3 children: £56.00 advance
    • 2 adults + up to 3 children: £62.00 advance

These prices are taken directly from the cathedral’s official ticketing page, which lists current admission charges and online booking options for visitors to St Paul’s Cathedral in London (official St Paul’s Cathedral ticket information).

Walk‑up (on‑the‑day) prices are slightly higher than advance tickets; the cathedral encourages visitors to book online to secure the lower entrance fee and a timed entry slot (St Paul’s Cathedral – book tickets page).

What Does the Entrance Fee for St Paul’s Cathedral Include?

The standard entrance fee for St Paul’s Cathedral is more than just a ticket to the main nave. According to the visitor information provided by the cathedral, a general admission ticket typically includes:

  • Access to the Cathedral Floor – including the awe‑inspiring dome interior and the famous nave and quire.
  • Access to the Crypt – where notable figures such as Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington are buried (visitor information from St Paul’s Cathedral).
  • Access to the Dome Galleries – including the Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery, accessed via a series of steps and offering panoramic views over London, as described on the cathedral’s visit pages (plan your visit – St Paul’s Cathedral).
  • Multimedia Guide – St Paul’s notes that standard admission includes a multimedia guide to help visitors explore the building and its history (St Paul’s Cathedral visit information).

The entrance fee for St Paul’s Cathedral also supports the ongoing conservation and mission of this Grade I listed building, which has stood at the heart of London’s skyline in its present form since the 17th century, designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London (St Paul’s Cathedral history page).

Do You Need to Pay an Entrance Fee for Worship at St Paul’s?

The entrance fee for St Paul’s Cathedral applies to sightseeing visits. However, the cathedral makes it clear that there is no charge to attend services.

St Paul’s states that worshippers may enter for free for services such as Eucharist or Choral Evensong; this access is for prayer and worship only and does not include general sightseeing or access to the dome (worship and services information from St Paul’s Cathedral). Visitors who wish to explore the full building, galleries and crypt as tourists must pay the standard entrance fee or hold a valid ticket.

Opening Times and Best Time to Use Your Ticket

The entrance fee for St Paul’s Cathedral is tied to its public opening hours for sightseeing. The official site explains that general visiting hours are normally:

  • Monday to Saturday: cathedral floor and crypt open from morning until afternoon, with last entry mid‑afternoon
  • Sundays: open only for worship; sightseeing is not available

Exact times can vary seasonally and on special event days (for example, state occasions or large services). The cathedral advises visitors to check the daily closure information before buying or using tickets (St Paul’s daily closures and opening times).

Because the entrance fee is paid per visit, checking these timings ensures you have enough time inside the cathedral to make full use of your ticket.

Concessions, Student and Senior Entrance Fees

The entrance fee for St Paul’s Cathedral is reduced for students and seniors:

  • Students (with valid ID): £21.50 advance
  • Seniors (65+): £21.50 advance

These concession rates are confirmed on the official online booking page, which shows a reduced price category for “Student/Senior” compared with the standard adult rate (St Paul’s Cathedral ticket prices).

Students must generally present valid student identification on arrival, and seniors may be asked to confirm age eligibility.

Child and Family Entrance Fees for St Paul’s Cathedral

Families benefit from specific pricing for children and family groups:

  • Children (6–17): £10.50 advance ticket
  • Children under 6: free entry when accompanied by an adult, as noted in the cathedral’s visitor information (St Paul’s Cathedral visiting with children).
  • Family tickets:
    • 1 adult + up to 3 children: £56.00 advance
    • 2 adults + up to 3 children: £62.00 advance

These family entrance fees for St Paul’s Cathedral are displayed on the official booking system and can be selected at the time of purchase (St Paul’s Cathedral family ticket options).

How to Buy Tickets and Pay the Entrance Fee

The cathedral recommends that visitors book tickets online in advance, both to secure the lower advance entrance fee and to guarantee a timeslot on busy days. Tickets can be purchased directly via the official site:

On arrival, visitors can present digital tickets on a mobile device or printed copies, as confirmed in the booking FAQs on the same page. Walk‑up tickets can still be purchased at the cathedral ticket desk, subject to availability and at the slightly higher on‑the‑day rate.

How Long Is the Ticket Valid on the Day?

The cathedral suggests allowing around two hours for a visit, especially if you plan to climb the dome galleries (plan your visit – St Paul’s Cathedral). Your entrance fee grants access for a single visit within your chosen time window, but there is no strict upper limit stated on the total time you may remain inside, provided you enter within the booked timeslot and depart before general closing.

Ways to Save on the Entrance Fee for St Paul’s Cathedral

Because a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral can be a significant cost for a family or group, it’s worth considering legitimate ways to reduce the entrance fee:

  1. Book Online in Advance
    The official website notes that advance tickets are cheaper than walk‑up tickets, so simply booking before you travel reduces the entrance fee (St Paul’s ticketing information).

  2. Use a London Attraction Pass
    The sightseeing pass provider Go City lists St Paul’s Cathedral as an included attraction on its London passes, meaning pass holders can enter without paying separately on the day (Go City – London attractions list including St Paul’s Cathedral). Always check the current list and inclusion details, as partners can change.

  3. Check for Group Rates
    For large groups, the cathedral offers group booking arrangements which may include discounted rates. Details for group visits and how to arrange them are outlined on the St Paul’s group bookings page (St Paul’s Cathedral group visits).

  4. Attend a Service Instead of Sightseeing
    If your primary interest is spiritual rather than touristic, attending a service is free of charge, though you will not have the same sightseeing access to galleries or full photography opportunities (worship at St Paul’s Cathedral).

Accessibility and the Entrance Fee

St Paul’s Cathedral provides specific guidance for visitors with disabilities, including access arrangements, step‑free routes to parts of the cathedral, and policies on carers. The cathedral states that essential carers are admitted free of charge when accompanying a paying disabled visitor (accessibility information from St Paul’s Cathedral).

While the dome galleries are accessed only by stairs and may not be suitable for all visitors, the standard entrance fee still covers the cathedral floor, crypt, and other accessible areas, as described on the accessibility and visitor information pages.

Why the Entrance Fee for St Paul’s Cathedral Is Different from Some Churches

Many churches in the UK are free to enter, but St Paul’s Cathedral operates differently for sightseeing because of the ongoing costs of conservation and operation. The official site highlights that visitor income is a crucial source of funding for maintaining the fabric of the building and supporting its ministry and outreach (St Paul’s Cathedral support and giving page).

Paying the entrance fee for St Paul’s Cathedral not only grants access to one of the most important religious and historic buildings in the country but also helps fund restoration, music, education, and community work at the cathedral.

Summary: Entrance Fee for St Paul’s Cathedral

To recap the key points about the entrance fee for St Paul’s Cathedral based on current official information:

For the most accurate and up‑to‑date entrance fee for St Paul’s Cathedral, always confirm prices and availability directly through the cathedral’s official booking page before you visit: St Paul’s Cathedral – book tickets.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *