Add dates

St Paul's Cathedral Culture & history

Our most recommended St Paul's Cathedral Culture & history

London: St Paul's Cathedral Entry Ticket

1. London: St Paul's Cathedral Entry Ticket

Explore St. Paul’s Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece and England's place of national celebration. Today St Paul’s is both a busy working Anglican Cathedral and one of London’s leading sightseeing attractions. Touchscreen multimedia guides are now included for sightseers; listen and watch, as the guide uses film, new photography, and detailed commentary to offer an effective interpretation of this unique landmark. Opt for a more personal approach with tours of the cathedral floor and crypt led by cathedral guides 4 times daily; join in at no extra cost as you spend 60 minutes walking through the cathedral and learning about its art, its history, and its religious significance. Alternatively, join one of various short introductory talks offered throughout the day for a snippet of additional insight. These guided tours and talks are available on a first come first served basis. Please register on arrival.  As you walk through the cathedral, you will notice it is filled with natural light, glittering mosaics, and paintings adorning its dome interior. See the chapels on the ground floor, then, for those who are able, climb the 257 steps to the Whispering Gallery to test the unique acoustics. Climb 119 further steps to the Stone Gallery and then 152 final steps to the Golden Gallery, both of which afford spectacular panoramic views of the city. Take time to visit the crypt to view the many tombs and memorials to world-famous Britons, including Lord Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. Please note that the Whispering Gallery is closed to the public until further notice. Entrance to the Golden Gallery is subject to availability due to capacity controls in operation, and there may be time restrictions in place.

London: Historical Pub Walking Tour

2. London: Historical Pub Walking Tour

Enjoy an afternoon stroll through London's liquid history, pausing to quench your thirst in 4 of the city's most historic pubs. This tour of some of the city’s finest alehouses follows in the footsteps of legendary city chroniclers, such as Charles Dickens. Take a gentle 2-mile walk through some of London’s ancient streets, departing from St Paul's underground station and strolling along the "street of shame".  Throughout the tour, enjoy fine views, quirky history, and a drink or two along the way. Stop at no less than 4 different pubs to quench your thirst, with visits to taverns that date back as far as 1549. Your trip will finish close to the Strand and Covent Garden, where you'll be a short walk from the theaters, shops, and restaurants of London’s West End. Not to mention even more historic pubs if you want to carry on your liquid tour of London on your own.

Grand London Half-Day Bicycle Tour

3. Grand London Half-Day Bicycle Tour

Visit all of London’s must-see sights and attractions by bicycle as well as off-the-beaten track places that tour buses can’t take you. You’ll hear quirky tales about London’s amazing and sometimes bizarre history on this unique half-day excursion. You’ll cycle at a comfortable pace along riverside pathways, dedicated bike lanes, and park routes, ensuring your complete safety at all times. The tour stops at major highlights, such as the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. Other places of interest that you’ll see include Admiralty Arch, Trafalgar Square, Chinatown, Covent Garden, and St. Paul's Cathedral. You’ll also learn about amusing and unusual elements of this great city, such as the world’s smallest police station and an ancient Egyptian tower that has survived for 3,000 years. You’ll hear about the historic struggle between the town planners and the milkmaids at St. James Park, and discover the church that inspired the wedding cake! There will be time for a break at Covent Garden to watch the street entertainers and visit the best muffin shop in London.

Full-Day Total London Tour & Flight on the London Eye

4. Full-Day Total London Tour & Flight on the London Eye

Take in some of London’s most famous sights during a day filled with a private tour of the Tower of London, a river cruise on the Thames, and a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral. Along the way see city highlights including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. The morning part of the tour begins with a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, where you enter as its doors open. Listen to the 17th-century organ that Mendelssohn once played, see medieval relics in the crypt below, and visit the tombs of famous historical figures. On Sundays, when viewing is restricted, you can enter the cathedral for one of the services. After leaving St. Paul’s Cathedral, the tour heads to Buckingham Palace, the London residence of the Queen, to watch the changing of the guard. If the changing of the guard is not taking place you’ll still go to Buckingham Palace for a photo stop. In the afternoon the tour continues with a visit to the Tower of London, built in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Your guide will regale you with fascinating insights into the history of this Royal Palace and fortress. Ample time will be given to view the Crown Jewels and the White Tower and to wander around this imposing fortress.  Next, enjoy a guided private boat trip on the River Thames and admire excellent views of Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, London Bridge, and Shakespeare's Globe from the river.  The spectacular finish to the day’s tour is a flight on the London Eye.

London: Ghastly Ghosts 2-Hour Walking Tour

5. London: Ghastly Ghosts 2-Hour Walking Tour

Go off the beaten path on a 2-hour after-dark walking tour of London, and learn about the city’s ghastly ghosts and ghouls. Meet your guide at All Hallows by the Tower, one of the oldest churches in London, with a Saxon arch and recycled Roman tiles. Surrounded by the City of London’s skyscrapers and trendy restaurants, it’s hard to imagine the full extent of London's haunted past, but as you sneak down the dark streets of "the world's best city," your guide will regale you with tales of ghouls, ghosts, and specters. Feel the chills down your spine as London’s dark history is brought to life. Hear stories of unspeakable suffering, blood-curdling crime, and horrid murders. London is full to the brim with terrible tales of midnight monsters and devilish demons. Dare to walk in the footsteps of the unexplained, and experience a terrifying walk through the historic City of London, starting at the Tower of London and ending at St Paul's Cathedral.

London: Crown Jewels Tour with River Cruise

6. London: Crown Jewels Tour with River Cruise

Discover 2 of London's most iconic sites with tours of St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London. Step back in time as your guide leads you through centuries of history; from the Tudor period to the Great Fire of London, right up until the present day. Crowned by the magnificent dome iconic of the London skyline, Sir Christopher Wren rebuilt St. Paul's Cathedral in the English Baroque style after the Great Fire of London. Since then it has served as the location of many grand royal events, including the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. The Tower of London was founded in 1078 by William the Conqueror after seizing the English crown, and was seen as a symbol of repression for some time. Since then it has been a Royal Palace, armory, prison, and execution site. The traditionally-attired Beefeaters who guard the Tower will regale you with insightful tales of its past before the tour progresses to the Crown Jewels. Here you'll see the incredible Imperial State Crown, the enormous Cullinan diamonds, and the extraordinary Koh-i-Noor. You have the choice to take the River Cruise and end your tour at Westminster Pier, or take the cruise on another day and go with your guide back to the Tower of London. River Cruise Tickets are one-way from Tower Pier to Westminster Pier (or vice versa).

London: Witches and History Magical Walking Tour

7. London: Witches and History Magical Walking Tour

Discover the wicked history of London. Explore famous sights and hidden gems with your bewitching guide on this alternative walking tour! Are you ready to learn historical facts? Are you ready to be thoroughly entertained? Join this spellbinding experience that takes you from London Bridge to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Your costumed witch-guide will enchant you on this journey into the past. Lend your ears to tales of the unexpected, stories of London’s real-life witches & the great injustices that befell them. Scuttle across the cobbles as you uncover the truth about Joan Peterson, "The Witch of Wapping”, innocent or guilty? you decide. What of Jinny Bingham, did she deserve the nickname “Mother Damnable”...? and who was the real “Last Witch”? You will emerge from the murky shadows of London Bridge and skirt the edges of Borough Market. Follow closely on the heels of your witch guide as you twist and turn your way past an ancient ship, and a ruined Palace. Hurry along the infamous and dreaded Clink Street. Marvel at the breathtaking, iconic landmarks across the river Thames and pass by a dramatic Elizabethan playhouse. Stick close to your coven as you traverse the Thames towards the imposing St. Paul’s Cathedral on this journey packed with entertainment and history. In a tour that brings together history, magic, and a sense that we can learn from the past, you are sure to fall in love with this historic part of the city, its hidden gems and its fascinating (sometimes chilling) history! You may even visit some famous filming locations from Harry Potter along the way!

London: Full-Day London Bus Tour

8. London: Full-Day London Bus Tour

London Panoramic Tour and Westminster Abbey Enjoy a whistle-stop tour of London's famous monuments and marvel at the history of London's modern masterpieces from the comfort of your seat. Have your cameras ready for a photo stop at the spectacular Westminster Abbey. Westminster Abbey is the traditional church where British Monarchs are crowned and buried and was founded in 750. St. Paul's Cathedral - Exclusive Feature Towering high over the City of London, the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral is widely considered to be Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece. Enter the Quire and marvel at the beautiful mosaics inside. (Due to church services, there is no guidance inside the cathedral on Sundays). Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard A mass of red tunics, bearskins, and Buckingham Palace - an unforgettable experience! Observe The King’s Foot Guard in their regal uniforms march alongside the military band to the Palace and witness the famous ceremony that is the Changing of the Guard. (When this ceremony is not available, you will visit the Horseguards Parade instead). The Tower of London & Crown Jewels During its 1000-year history, this impressive fortress has been a Royal Palace, prison, mint, and even a zoo. Be dazzled by the Cullinan diamonds and the spectacular Koh-i-Noor at the Crown Jewels.  Meet the Beefeaters - Exclusive feature Have your tour with one of the Yeoman Warders and hear what it is like to live within the walls of the Tower. These 'guardians' were once responsible for watching the prisoners of the Tower - they will entertain you with tales of intrigue, imprisonment, execution, torture, and much more.  River Thames Boat Ride Take to the water on a River Thames boat ride and travel along London’s array of attractions. London Eye Experience End your day in style. Take to the skies on the London Eye and enjoy breathtaking views of London in your glass capsule. Take advantage of the flexibility to enjoy the London Eye on another day if you are tired.

Full-Day London Sightseeing Tour – Historic & Modern

9. Full-Day London Sightseeing Tour – Historic & Modern

Compare and contrast medieval and modern London on a full-day sightseeing tour of some of the city’s most iconic attractions. Departing from the Victoria district near Buckingham Palace, you will take a whistle-stop tour of London’s famous monuments, and stop to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Have your cameras at the ready as you drive past Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Gaze across the river at the London Eye and the South Bank. Drive down streets lined with architecture from all eras, from the white Portland stone buildings of Belgravia, to the glass-and-steel skyscrapers of the City of London. Towering high over the City is Sir Christopher Wren’s magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral, widely considered to be his masterpiece. You will jump off the coach to enter the quire, and marvel at the cathedral’s beautiful mosaics. Another highlight of your tour will be the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, held daily at 11:00 AM. Watch the mounted sentries in their red tunics and bearskins perform one of the oldest of the royals’ ceremonies. Then continue the history theme at the Tower of London. The former royal palace and prison’s 1,000 year history will come to life as you take an exclusive walk with a Yeoman Warder, more fondly known as a “Beefeater.” Hear the story of the peasants’ revolt and the assault on the Tower in 1381, the military cunning used to ensure the safety of the monarch within, and how the Tower’s architecture protects it from attack. Finally, swap land for water and cruise down the River Thames. Enjoy panoramic views of London’s riverside attractions, such as the Globe Theater, Tower Bridge, Houses of Parliament, City Hall, and Big Ben. Your full-day adventure ends at Embankment Pier at around 18:00, putting you close to the heart of London’s theater district, Soho, and Chinatown.

London: Tower of London Opening Ceremony & Westminster Tour

10. London: Tower of London Opening Ceremony & Westminster Tour

You’re invited to the opening ceremony at the Tower of London, to be first in to explore the Crown Jewels, to join us on an adventure from the old City to the regal city of Westminster. Welcome to the Ultimate Royal London experience. Why join the queue when you can be first into the Tower of London to enjoy the opening ceremony led by a Beefeater and see the Crown Jewels without the crowds? We’re about to read you the story of London, a tale of two cities where you’ll be exploring from crowns to confessions. After benefiting from early access and a special ceremony with the Beefeaters, you’ll explore the Tower that has been keeping a watchful eye over the city and the river Thames since its founding in the 11th-century. Meet your expert English-speaking guide who will give you the lowdowns and highlights of this historic fortress before you go inside to enjoy the Opening Ceremony and discover it on your own. Rejoin your guide for a relaxing boat ride on the River Thames, alighting in the royal city of Westminster to take a walking tour of the iconic landmarks that dot these streets like jewels - Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace. You’ll even have time to get snaps with the snazzily dressed mounted cavalry- all paired with the incredible stories, anecdotes and historical gems shared by your expert guide. Come saunter with us for this well-paced crash course into London’s royal history that you’ll never forget.

34 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 3

Other Sightseeing Options in St Paul's Cathedral

Want to discover all there is to do in St Paul's Cathedral? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about St Paul's Cathedral

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 1,079 reviews

Highlight of our week in London! We booked this trip last minute after hearing someone rave about it on another tour. I'm so glad we did. We didn't just visit the pubs, which in themselves were fantastic, our tour guide Chris was very informative and provide a great historical setting for each location to make you feel like you were traveling back in time. He also added historical details as we traveled to each location.

Absolutely great value . Truly beautiful building with loads to see . From the crypt to man hall to the great views of London

Absolutely loved our tour; our guide was extremely knowledgeable and gave us the best recommendations from pub to pub.

It's definitely worth a trip. Use an audio guide for short info.

great day out, Chris the guide was most knowledgeable