Can you take photos inside St Paul’s Cathedral?
Where the good pictures actually are
Two places, and neither is the one people crowd around. The first is the Whispering Gallery at 257 steps, where you are level with Thornhill’s painted scenes in the inner dome and looking down the drop to the floor. The second is the Stone Gallery at 376 steps, outdoors, where the City and the river open up and you have a horizon rather than a ceiling. Both are on the 528-step route, which is stairs only. Without a flash you are relying on a steady hand, and since tripods are refused, brace on the balustrade.
The rules in full, and the manners
Usually included
- Personal photography on the sightseeing route
- Phones and ordinary cameras, handheld
- Assistance dogs
- Small bags within 45cm × 30cm × 25cm
Not included
- Flash photography of any kind
- Selfie sticks and tripods
- Oversize luggage — and there is no left luggage on site
- Pets other than assistance dogs, and unaccompanied minors
The manners matter as much as the rules here. Prayers are said on the hour and the building stops for them; so should you. Services take priority over sightseeing throughout, which is also why parts of the cathedral close at short notice — check the hours for your date. Commercial and press shoots are a separate matter entirely and go through the cathedral directly at stpauls.co.uk. If you want the building explained while you photograph it, the guided options include a multimedia guide in nine languages as standard.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take pictures inside St Paul’s Cathedral?
Yes, personal photography is permitted under the cathedral’s filming and photography guidance. Flash is not permitted, and selfie sticks and tripods are refused. The best vantage points are up the dome staircase.
Can I photograph the dome paintings and the crypt?
Yes, within the same guidance and without flash. The dome paintings photograph far better from the Whispering Gallery at 257 steps than from the cathedral floor — see what to see inside.
What can I not bring into St Paul’s Cathedral?
Bags over 45cm × 30cm × 25cm including handles and wheels, oversize luggage, selfie sticks, tripods and pets other than assistance dogs. Unaccompanied minors are not admitted. There is no left luggage, so plan around it — see getting there.