St Paul's Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in London. As the seat of the Bishop of London, the cathedral serves as the mother church of the Diocese of London. It sits on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London and is a Grade I listed building.
St Paul's, with its world-famous dome, is an iconic feature of the London skyline. Step inside and you can enjoy the Cathedral's awe-inspiring interior, and uncover fascinating stories about its history.
The present high altar dates from 1958 and is made of marble and carved and gilded oak. It features a magnificent canopy based on a sketch by Christopher Wren, but which wasn't built in his time. It replaced a large Victorian marble altar and screen, which were damaged by a bomb strike in WW2, which destroyed a large part of the east end of the Cathedral.
Admissions Policy
During sightseeing hours complimentary entry can be granted to a disabled visitor and an accompanying carer or necessary companion. Please request these tickets on arrival. Please let staff know if there are any specific access requirements or assistance you need.
Equal Access Project
The Cathedral is working towards the construction of a permanent accessible entrance to the north side of the Cathedral, providing inclusive access for visitors, staff and volunteers. This project, the most significant external change to the Cathedral in its 300 year history, will consist of two symmetrical ramps either side of a central staircase to the north transept door.
Access via lift
The south churchyard entrance is step-free, and is the recommended access for entry for wheelchair users and people who cannot negotiate the main west front steps. The south churchyard entrance leads to a modern lift serving the crypt and Cathedral floor.
The lift provides direct access to Cathedral floor and crypt. The quire and sacrarium on the Cathedral floor have a small user-operated chairlift. Assistance is available should it be required. Cathedral wheelchairs are available on request.If for any reason the south churchyard entrance door is closed a telephone number is displayed.
Usable lift space - 1,400mm length x 1,300mm width.
Access via south transept temporary ramp
A temporary ramp is currently in place on the south side of the Cathedral while a permanent ramped entrance is built on the north side of the Cathedral. From the temporary ramp there is direct access to the Cathedral floor only. Use of the temporary ramp for groups can be requested in advance by contacting the Admissions department on 020 7246 8357 or on the day 020 7248 1929.
Mobility scooters
Carefully driven smaller scooters are most welcome.
The south entrance lift will not accommodate many Class 3 scooters or some larger class 2 scooters. We recommend that you check that your scooter will fit in the lift before you arrive at the Cathedral.
Usable lift space - 1,400mm length x 1,300mm width.
Accessible toilets
Left handed, right handed and ambulant unisex cubicles are all located within the crypt.
The crypt is accessed by the lift. Usable lift space - 1,400mm length x 1,300mm width. The nearby Paternoster Square and One New Change shopping centre also have accessible toilets, should you require those before arriving or after you have left the Cathedral.
St Paul's does not have 'changing places' facilities. The nearest facilities are located at the Barbican Centre and Tate Modern.
Assistance dogs
Guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs are welcome in the Cathedral at all times. Water for dogs is available.
