School FAQs

How do I get to St. Paul's?
Tube - St. Paul's tube station is in Zone 1 on the Central Line and is less than five minutes walk from the Cathedral entrance. Mansion House, Cannon Street (for District and Circle Lines) are also close by.
Bus - Numbers 4, 11, 15, 23, 26, 100, 242 and 25 all stop near St. Paul's.

Coaches - A public coach park with 10 spaces is on the south side of the cathedral. It costs £6 per hour, with a maximum stay of two hours.

St. Paul's is about 15 minutes walk from The Monument and 10 minutes from Tate Modern across the Millennium Bridge. The Museum of London is about 7 minutes walk.

What are the opening hours?
08.30 to 16.30 Monday to Saturday. Last entry is at 16.00 and last entry to the Galleries is 16.15.

N.B. These times can occasionally change when St Paul's holds special events/services so please check the cathedral calendar on the left hand side of this page for more details.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. School groups booked in advance benefit from special prices and being able to use the Education Centre. Booking in advance for a guided tour also means that your school can be invoiced so you don't have to worry about money on the day. Also, the cathedral is often closed for special services, sometimes at short notice. If we know you are coming we can warn you and rearrange the visit.

How much will it cost?
Please contact the Schools & Families Department for current prices.

When do services take place?
07.30 Mattins
08.00 Holy Communion
12.30 Holy Communion
(The cathedral is open for sight-seeing during the service at 1230, although access to the dome area is restricted. The service is broadcast over the loudspeaker system and lasts about 25 minutes. School groups are welcome to observe, providing we know in advance.)
17.00 Evensong

Every hour, on the hour, all visitors on the cathedral floor are asked to be quiet for the Lord's Prayer.

Can I have a guided tour?
If you book through the Schools & Families Department you can have a guided tour (English only). We offer over twenty different themes so please look at our teachers' booklets for ideas. If you want something unusual, just give us a call a few weeks beforehand.

What other activities are offered?
A range of themed tours and trails, as well as workshops are offered.

Can my students just come and have a quick look around?
Yes. A number of self-guided trails are available from this website, or you can just come in and look around. You must still book with us, though.

What can you see from the Dome?
The Whispering Gallery gives a splendid view of the interior of the cathedral, as well as providing an opportunity to try out its unique acoustic properties. Further up, on the external galleries, you can see the view over London from the Stone Gallery and Golden Gallery. It is well worth the climb (530 steps in total). Teachers should make sure pupils are able to climb!

Where can we eat lunch?
If you have booked with the Schools & Families Department you may be able to use the Education Centre for lunch (groups of 60 max) if it is not being used by another school. Alternatively, there are delightful gardens to the north of the cathedral. If the weather is wet, it may be possible to for your group to eat in the crypt, but you must contact the Schools & Families Department first.

Is there somewhere to leave our bags during the visit?
Schools on guided tours can leave their bags in the Education Centre.

Is there a shop?
Yes. the St Paul's Cathedral shop stocks a full range of postcards and gifts. Alternatively, you may like to order one of our excusive gift packs. Please see the teachers' booklets for details.

Where should we come when we arrive?
Please come to the north crypt entrance. Bring your group down the stairs and turn left through the cafe. If you are having a guided tour, make yourself known to the steward on the till and your guide will come and meet you. There are toilets here - they are open to the public so please ensure your pupils are supervised.

What facilities do you have for those with Special Needs?
The Education Centre is accessible for wheelchair users, as is the crypt and cathedral Floor. We regret that it is not possible for wheelchair users, or those with walking difficulties to go up to the galleries. Please inform us on any special needs when you return your booking form.