Updated: 2 April 2026
Visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral: Practical Visiting Guide & Bag Policy
This site was originally dedicated for Christian worship in 604AD, and though it’s been through many difficulties (Viking attacks, the great fire of London in 1666, World War II Blitz), it stands as one of the most iconic buildings in the London skyline. Sir Christopher Wren designed the current building, which was finished in 1710, taking over 35 years to complete.
It is the 2nd largest church building in the UK (after Liverpool Cathedral). Standing at 365 feet (111 metres) tall, it was the tallest building in Britain for over 250 years. Many notable historical figures are buried here: Admiral Horatio Nelson, Arthur Wellesley (1st Duke of Wellington), Alexander Fleming, and more.
You should definitely plan St. Paul’s Cathedral into your London visit, even if it’s just to admire the architecture from the outside. St. Paul’s is an active church, so visiting the building is restricted to Monday to Saturday (see below). Read this post for more practical information on your visit, especially St. Paul’s bag policy.
Admission
Sightseeing Opening Times
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 8:30 – 16:30
Wednesday 10:00 – 16:30
Worship Services
If you wish to attend one of their Sunday worship services, there is no charge. The prices are only for those wishing to sightsee at the cathedral.
Prices (as of April 2026)
- Adults (18-64 years) *£24.30 – £27
- Seniors (65+ years): *£21.60 – £24
- **Students: *£21.60 – £24
- Children (6-17 years): *£9.50 – £10.50
- Family Ticket (2 adults & 2-3 children 6-17 years): £64.50
- Family Ticket (1 adult & 2-3 children 6-17 years): £37.50
*Lower price is for groups of 15 or more people.
**Students must bring valid ID that is not expired.
Complementary entry may be granted to disabled visitors and their carer. You should book in advance or request this upon arrival.
Book here for your St. Paul’s Cathedral sightseeing tickets.
Photography
Visitors are welcome to photograph during sightseeing visits. They do request that you respect the privacy of their Sunday services and not take pictures during this time. Video recording is not allowed.
All photography should be for personal, non-commercial use. There are some restricted areas where you are not allowed to take photos. Read St. Paul’s Cathedral’s Photography guide.
Getting to St. Paul’s Cathedral
Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
The cathedral is located in the heart of London, so it’s easiest to arrive by bus or underground station. Here is some nearby public transport information:
Underground Station
- St. Paul’s Station (Central Line): 2-minutes walk 0.1 mile (200 metres)
- Mansion House Station (District & Circle Lines): 5-minutes walk 0.2 mile (400 metres)
Buses
There are several useful bus routes that stop directly outside St Paul’s Cathedral (look for stops marked ‘St Paul’s Cathedral’ on Ludgate Hill). During typical visiting hours, the most useful services are the 15, 17, 26, and 76 buses. These connect the cathedral conveniently to Trafalgar Square, London Bridge, Victoria, Waterloo, and various north and east London spots.
Bus Advice: Use the TfL Go app for live arrival times, as buses run in both directions from these stops. All are in Zone 1 and accept contactless payment or Oyster cards.
- 15 — Links Trafalgar Square / Charing Cross with the City and east London (Blackwall / Tower area). Great for scenic rides past landmarks.
- 17 — Connects Archway / King’s Cross with London Bridge via the cathedral. Useful for north-to-south journeys across central London.
- 26 — Runs between Hackney Wick and Victoria (via Westminster). Handy for reaching the West End or east London.
- 76 — Serves Tottenham Hale / Stoke Newington down to Waterloo. Ideal if you’re coming from north London.
Can I bring bags into St. Paul’s Cathedral?
Safety and security is very important at St. Paul’s Cathedral. As such, there are strict bag restrictions for entry.
Any bag larger than 45cm x 30cm x 25cm (18in x 12in x 10in) will not be allowed entry. There is no cloakroom at St. Paul’s Cathedral for storage, so you need to plan ahead before arriving for your visit.
Read St. Paul’s Safety & Security
Luggage Storage St. Paul’s Cathedral
CitySpareSpace offers luggage storage only a short distance from St. Paul’s Cathedral. We partner with trusted shop and hotels all over the world that provide convenient luggage storage. Customers must pay online. In store payments are not accepted.
