Worshippers, people praying in St Dunstan’s Chapel, disabled visitors and carers can enter St Paul’s Cathedral free of charge. Everyone else needs to pay for a ticket. This guide was updated in January 2026.
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most visited attractions in London. Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece has been a London landmark since it was consecrated in 1697. But getting into St Paul’s Cathedral isn’t cheap.
How much do St Paul’s Cathedral tickets cost?
General admission tickets to St Paul’s Cathedral cost £27 as of January 2026. This price does allow you to explore all five levels of one of the greatest European cathedrals and join a guided tour whilst inside. The St Paul’s Cathedral entry ticket also includes a multimedia guide, available in several languages, that helps visitors understand more about the cathedral’s history and architecture.
But there are a few exceptions – it is possible to get free entry into St Paul’s Cathedral.
Free entry to St Paul’s Cathedral: Services
The first way to get free entry into St Paul’s Cathedral is to attend one of the regular services. This is a working church, and those attending for the purposes of worship rather than sightseeing are always allowed in without charge.
It is, however, politely suggested that worshippers might like to make a donation towards the upkeep of the cathedral.
A list of service times can be found on the St Paul’s Cathedral website.
Five great things to do in London
- 🚖 Take a private black cab tour around London’s highlights – with hotel pick-up.
- 🧙 Discover Harry Potter filming locations – and spots that inspired the books – on a wizarding walking tour.
- 🍴 Taste the best of British cuisine on a food tour through Borough Market.
- 🚲 Combine landmarks, pubs and street art – on a guided bike tour.
- ⛴️ Take a sightseeing cruise along the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich.
St Dunstan’s Chapel at St Paul’s Cathedral
The second exemption from payment to entering St Paul’s Cathedral is for those who come to pray. This only allows access to St Dunstan’s Chapel, however, which is set aside for prayer.
Free entry to St Paul’s Cathedral for disabled visitors
The third group of people who are allowed to enter St Paul’s Cathedral without charge are disabled visitors.
Bookings need to be made in advance via the Cathedral website. Make sure you select ‘Disabled Visitor’ near the bottom of the menu. A carer or companion of a disabled visitor is also allowed to enter without charge. Again, scroll down to the bottom of the ticket menu to select this option.
Things to do near St Paul’s Cathedral
- Walk across Millennium Bridge. This pedestrian bridge links St Paul’s Cathedral with Tate Modern on the South Bank and offers clear views back towards the cathedral dome.
- Visit Tate Modern. Located just across the river, Tate Modern houses modern and contemporary art in a former power station and is easy to combine with a cathedral visit.
- Explore the Museum of London. A short walk north of St Paul’s Cathedral, this museum covers the city’s history from Roman times to the present day.
- See Shakespeare’s Globe. Around 1 mile away on the South Bank, this reconstruction of the original theatre offers exhibitions and performances linked to Shakespeare’s work. Other South Bank attractions include the Golden Hinde, the London Eye and London Dungeon.
- Walk along the Thames Path. The riverside route near St Paul’s Cathedral passes historic wharves, modern office buildings and viewpoints looking across the Thames.
For visitors on a budget, free London attractions include Kenwood House, the Horniman Museum and the London Museum Docklands.
St Paul’s Cathedral FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is St Paul’s Cathedral? | St Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in the City of London, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in the early 18th century. |
| Do I need to book St Paul’s Cathedral tickets in advance? | Booking tickets in advance is recommended to secure entry, particularly at busy times and during school holidays. |
| How long does a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral take? | Most visitors spend between 1.5 and 2 hours exploring the cathedral, including the crypt and the dome galleries. |
| Can you climb the dome at St Paul’s Cathedral? | Yes. Visitors can climb to the Whispering Gallery, Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery for views over London, subject to availability. |
| Is St Paul’s Cathedral still an active place of worship? | Yes. St Paul’s Cathedral holds regular services and may close to visitors at certain times for worship or special events. |
More London travel
Other London articles on Planet Whitley include:
- The cheeky way to get cheaper London Eye tickets.
- Inside the Churchill War Rooms.
- The part of the Tower of London you should visit first.
- How to get on the Harry Potter Studios Tour when tickets have sold out.
- Plan your visit to the London Transport Museum.
