Lift out of action

Our lift is currently out of action and awaiting repair. We're working hard to get it back up and running as soon as possible, but at the moment, access to the Crypt and accessible toilet is only possible via steps. Visitors who need an accessible toilet can use the facilities located in nearby Paternoster Square. 

Lift out of action
On this pageBooking your visitOn the dayVisit with your school

Schools visit FAQ

On this page, you’ll find information for booking onto and attending our school visits, including details of what facilities we have and guidance on bringing packed lunches. 

If you cannot find an answer to your question on this page, please get in touch with our Schools and Family Learning team and we'll be happy to help.

Get in touch
A school group looks at the ceiling in the Quire

Booking your visit

Do we need to pre-book?

Yes. For guided and virtual visits you need to book at least two weeks in advance, however we advise booking well in advance as we can get very busy, especially in the summer months.

When is the Cathedral open?

Our sightseeing opening hours are:

  • Monday to Saturday
  • 8am (10am on Weds) to 5pm
  • Last sightseeing entry 4pm. 

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your allocated slot. If you are more than 30 minutes late we cannot guarantee that we will be able to guide your group and you may have to self-guide. On Sundays the Cathedral is open for worship and private prayer only.

Can we do a risk assessment?

Yes. When you make a booking we will send you a sample Risk Assessment advice. We strongly recommend that the member of staff organising the visit makes a preparation visit to the Cathedral in order to carry out their own risk assessment. This should include the journey to and from the Cathedral. You need to book the risk assessment visit at least a week in advance. 

Once you have made a school booking you can book your free risk assessment visit through us. You will need to bring your teacher ID with you on the day. Unfortunately, these visits are only for the group leaders, plus ones are not allowed. Risk assessments are your responsibility. 

Do we pay on the day?

No, you will be invoiced by us when we confirm your booking.

Will there be any services during our visit?

Yes. See our What's On page for details on all the services we have. You are very welcome to attend any services. All visitors on the Cathedral floor are also asked to be quiet for the Lord’s Prayer which is said every hour on the hour.

Can international schools visit St Paul's?

Schools from outside of the UK are very welcome to visit St Paul’s Cathedral but will need to book via our Group Visits page.

For general admission rates please visit our page on sightseeing types and prices. Prices include access to the Dome & Galleries as well as use of our multi-media guides which are available in nine languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean.

If you are a non-UK school but are following a UK curriculum and would like a Guided or Virtual Visit please contact us to discuss on +44 (0) 20 7246 8353 or by emailing learning@stpaulscathedral.org.uk

On the day

Where should we go when we arrive?

Please refer to your confirmation email. Entrance for guided groups is via the North Crypt entrance and you will be met inside at the Crypt Stewards’ desk. Self-Guided groups enter via the main entrance. Bags will be checked by our security team at both entrances. Our accessible entrance is on the south side of the Cathedral.

Are there facilities for children with Special or Additional Needs?

The Education Centre is wheelchair accessible, as is the Crypt and Cathedral Floor. We regret that it is not possible to take wheelchairs, or people with walking difficulties up to the Dome and Galleries since there is no public lift.

Visit our page on SEND students for more information the support and resources we can provide.

Where are the toilets?

There are public toilets in the Crypt which you can use when you arrive.

Can we take photos?

Yes, but not during services. Please visit our page on filming and photography for more information. 

Can we eat packed lunches?

Only schools booked on the 10.30am guided visit can eat packed lunches in the Cathedral, either in the classroom or in the Crypt. If you are a 10.30am guided group you will be informed about where to eat your lunch on the day of your visit. Unfortunately, due to health and safety/overcrowding concerns, all other groups are not permitted to eat lunches in the Cathedral. In good weather, however, you can picnic in the garden.

A school group stands in the Quire listening to Charlie from the Learning team giving a talk.

Visit with your school

St Paul's is an inspiring place to learn for students of all ages. From hands-on history classes that explore Cathedral life during World War II, to thought-provoking sessions that ask big questions about ethics and religion, we are sure you will be able to find the perfect visit for your group.

Visit with your school