St Paul’s Cathedral opening hours

The direct answer: St Paul’s Cathedral is open for sightseeing Monday to Saturday from 8.30am. The dome galleries open at 9.30am. Last sightseeing entry is usually 4pm, last entry to the dome galleries is usually 4.15pm, and sightseeing ends 30 minutes after last entry. There is no general Sunday sightseeing, because Sunday is a worship day; in 2026 the three dome galleries open on Sundays as a seasonal exception between 15 March and 25 October. Services are free to attend on any day, and times shift for services and events, so check the cathedral calendar for your date.

Sightseeing daysMon–Sat

Doors open8.30am

Dome galleries open9.30am

Last entryUsually 4pm

Last dome entryUsually 4.15pm

Sunday sightseeingNone (seasonal dome only)

The mistake people make

Turning up at half past four on a Sunday. I watch it happen most weekends: a family walks up the west steps, finds a service in progress and no ticket desk taking sightseers, and assumes the cathedral is shut. It is not shut. It is a working cathedral doing the thing it was built for, and they are welcome to go in and sit down for free — they simply cannot tour it. The difference between the two is set out on what is free.

Planning around the hours

The galleries are the constraint, not the doors. They open an hour after the cathedral and stop admitting people before it does, so a visit that includes the 528-step climb needs to start by early afternoon at the latest. Two and a half to three hours is a realistic allowance — see how long you need. Dates around major services move, so check the calendar published at stpauls.co.uk before you commit.

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure on most tours — book now, decide later.

Frequently asked questions

Is St Paul’s Cathedral open on Sunday?

Not for general sightseeing — Sunday is a worship day, and services are free to attend. In 2026 the three dome galleries open on Sundays between 15 March and 25 October as a seasonal exception. Plan the rest of a Sunday around other options.

What time is the last entry to St Paul’s Cathedral?

Usually 4pm for general sightseeing and 4.15pm for the dome galleries, with everyone out around 30 minutes after last entry. Arrive earlier if you intend to climb — see the dome climb.

What time does the Whispering Gallery open?

The dome galleries, including the Whispering Gallery at 257 steps, open at 9.30am, an hour after the cathedral doors open at 8.30am. Book ahead to skip the churchyard queue — see what the ticket covers.