
St. Paul’s Cathedral Tickets – Prices, Discounts, 2-for-1 and Free Entry
St Paul’s Cathedral offers visitors a chance to explore one of London’s most iconic landmarks, with ticket options ranging from standard sightseeing passes to special discounted rates for qualifying visitors. Understanding the full range of pricing and available discounts can help travellers plan a visit that suits both their schedule and budget.
Tickets grant access to the Cathedral’s main floor, the crypt, and the Dome Galleries, which include the Stone and Golden Galleries. A multimedia guide is included with most ticket purchases. Prices vary depending on whether visitors book online in advance or pay at the gate, and several schemes exist for those who qualify for reduced rates.
This guide brings together current pricing, available discounts, free entry options, and practical booking information in one place. All details reflect information available from the Cathedral’s official channels and verified third-party sources.
What is the price of St Paul’s Cathedral tickets?
Standard full-access tickets cover the Cathedral floor, crypt, and the Dome Galleries. Online prices start lower than gate prices, making advance booking the more economical choice for most visitors. Concession rates apply to seniors aged 65 and over, as well as students with valid identification.
- Book online ahead of time to secure the lower starting price of £20.50 for adults
- Children aged 5 and under always enter free, regardless of ticket type
- Family tickets provide savings compared to buying individual passes
- Tickets can be upgraded to a free annual pass at no extra cost
- Multimedia guides are included with all standard sightseeing tickets
- Prices may be subject to change; checking the official site before visiting is advisable
| Ticket Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | £20.50 – £27.00 | Online booking from £20.50; gate price up to £27 |
| Concession (65+/students) | £18.40 – £23.50 | Valid ID required for student concessions |
| Child (6–17) | £9.00 – £10.50 | Under 5s free |
| Family (1 adult + 3 children) | £29.50 | Bundle pricing for smaller family groups |
| Family (2 adults + 3 children) | £50.00 | Best value for larger families |
What discounts and 2-for-1 offers are available for St Paul’s Cathedral tickets?
National Rail 2-for-1 deal
Visitors travelling to London by train can take advantage of a 2-for-1 offer through the National Rail Days Out scheme. This allows two people to enter for the price of one standard ticket. The deal requires advance booking for individual and family categories and is not valid with group bookings, tours, or other promotional offers. A valid train ticket must be shown on entry.
Tourist passes and discount websites
The GoCity London Pass and Explorer Pass both grant free entry to St Paul’s Cathedral, with savings of between 20 and 55 percent for visitors planning to see multiple attractions. These passes also typically include skip-the-line benefits, which can reduce waiting time during busy periods.
Occasional discount codes appear on third-party platforms such as Groupon, where savings of 10 to 25 percent have been available. These offers tend to be limited in duration and availability.
Friends of St Paul’s membership
An annual Friends of St Paul’s membership costs between £36 and £80 per year, depending on membership tier. Members receive free entry to all areas, including the Dome Galleries, along with discounts at the shop and priority access to special events. The membership pays for itself after approximately two full-price visits.
For visitors planning more than two trips to St Paul’s within a year, the annual Friends membership represents the most cost-effective option, particularly for those who wish to return for special events or services.
£1 sightseeing tickets for benefit recipients
UK residents receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) may qualify for £1 sightseeing tickets. This initiative, supported by the Cathedral’s outreach programme, applies standard child and concession discounts on top of the promotional rate. Applications are made through the official St Paul’s website.
Event-based discounts
Certain concerts and special events at St Paul’s include reduced or free entry to the Cathedral as part of the ticket package. These opportunities vary throughout the year and are announced through the official visit information page.
When is free entry available to St Paul’s Cathedral?
Worship and daily services
St Paul’s Cathedral offers free entry to all daily services, including morning prayer, holy communion, eucharist, evensong, and mass. These services are open to members of the public regardless of religious affiliation. Visitors attending services should note that access to the Dome Galleries and certain areas of the crypt may be restricted during worship times.
The full schedule for daily services is published on the Cathedral’s official website, and it is advisable to check timings before planning a visit specifically for worship.
Special Sunday access
On Sundays, Dome Galleries open between 12:30 and 2:00 PM with reduced ticket prices. Adult tickets on these Dome Sundays cost £13.50 without donation, compared to the higher weekday rates. Children aged 6-17 pay £5.25, while infants remain free.
Full Cathedral access on Sundays may require attending one of the regular services, which remain free of charge. The reduced Sunday pricing applies specifically to the Dome Galleries and does not include the same full-access sightseeing package available on weekdays.
The Whispering Gallery, located within the Dome, is currently closed to visitors. Those planning a dome climb should be aware that access is limited to the Stone and Golden Galleries until further notice. This closure affects all ticket categories including Sunday Dome access.
Accessibility-based free entry
Disabled visitors and their accompanying carers receive free entry to St Paul’s Cathedral. This provision can be arranged by pre-booking through the official site or requesting access upon arrival. The Cathedral is committed to accessibility, and staff are available to assist visitors with mobility requirements.
What should visitors know before booking St Paul’s Cathedral tickets?
The ticket structure at St Paul’s is designed to support the Cathedral’s ongoing maintenance and operations, with tourism revenue forming the primary source of funding for these efforts. Prices are set to remain accessible while ensuring the Cathedral can continue to welcome visitors from around the world.
For those combining a London visit with other attractions, tourist passes such as the GoCity London Pass offer particular value. These passes cover multiple sites across the city, reducing per-attraction costs significantly for visitors planning a packed itinerary.
The annual pass upgrade, included at no extra cost with standard tickets, allows visitors to return within a year without additional charges. This option suits those who appreciate the Cathedral’s seasonal changes, special exhibitions, or simply wish to explore different sections at a more leisurely pace.
Online tickets can typically be secured up to three months in advance. During peak periods such as school holidays and weekends, advance booking is strongly recommended to guarantee entry and avoid queuing at the gate.
Where do these ticket details come from?
Pricing and discount information in this guide has been sourced primarily from the official St Paul’s Cathedral website, including the dedicated ticket information and booking pages. Supplementary details have been cross-referenced with verified third-party sources covering London attractions and discount schemes.
The Days Out Guide provided specific confirmation of the National Rail 2-for-1 offer terms, while Free Tours by Foot offered additional context on pricing structures and free entry conditions. All external sources are linked within their relevant sections for further reference.
Information regarding the £1 sightseeing ticket programme was verified directly through the official promotional page for this scheme.
What is the best way to save on St Paul’s Cathedral tickets?
Visitors can maximise savings on St Paul’s Cathedral tickets by booking online in advance, taking advantage of the 2-for-1 National Rail offer where applicable, and checking eligibility for the £1 sightseeing programme. For those planning multiple visits or interested in supporting the Cathedral’s work, the Friends membership offers the strongest long-term value. Family groups should compare bundled pricing against individual tickets, as the family packages frequently work out more economical. Checking the official site before visiting remains the most reliable way to confirm current pricing and any temporary promotions or changes to opening arrangements.
Those looking for broader London sightseeing value may wish to explore additional attractions covered in our Reading and Leeds Tickets Guide for other budget-friendly options across the UK.
Are St Paul’s Cathedral tickets free for Universal Credit recipients?
Yes. UK residents receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Employment Support Allowance qualify for £1 sightseeing tickets through the Cathedral’s official booking system. Additional child and concession discounts apply on top of this rate.
Can I visit St Paul’s Cathedral for free on Sundays?
Free entry applies to those attending Sunday worship services. The Dome Galleries open separately on Sundays between 12:30 and 2:00 PM with reduced ticket prices, but standard sightseeing access may require attending a service.
What is included in Dome Gallery tickets?
Dome Gallery tickets include access to the Stone and Golden Galleries within the dome structure. The multimedia guide is provided as standard. Note that the Whispering Gallery is currently closed.
Is there a 2-for-1 offer for St Paul’s Cathedral?
Yes. The National Rail Days Out scheme offers 2-for-1 entry for visitors with a valid train ticket. This requires advance booking for individual and family categories and does not combine with other promotions.
How much does it cost for a family to visit St Paul’s Cathedral?
A family ticket covering two adults and three children costs £50. Smaller families with one adult and up to three children pay £29.50. Children under 5 enter free in all cases.
Can I get free entry if I am a disabled visitor?
Disabled visitors and their accompanying carer receive free entry. This can be arranged by pre-booking through the official website or requesting access on arrival.
Does the ticket include a guided tour?
Standard tickets include a multimedia guide, which provides recorded commentary throughout the Cathedral, crypt, and dome areas. Staff-led tours may be available separately depending on the date and schedule.