St Paul's Cathedral

What makes it special

At 111 metres, St Paul's dome is the only dome on an English cathedral, though the medieval cathedral before it stood taller.

The bright, sparkling mosaics were made between 1891 and 1904. Look for the Creation and other Bible stories, Old Testament and historical figures, angels, the Crucifixion and the Risen Christ, among many animals, birds and flowers.

The lowest of the dome's three galleries is the Whispering Gallery. Whisper against its wall and the sound carries to the opposite side.

Down in the crypt are the tombs of Nelson and of Wren himself, among many artists and scientists. Above Wren's, a Latin epitaph speaks to the reader: if you seek his monument, look around you.

Visiting

Climb first, while your legs are fresh, then work down through the building. A large, twisting stair takes you up to the Whispering Gallery, and the climb carries on to the Stone Gallery.

The last stretch, to the Golden Gallery, feels more like a fire escape, with gaps in the treads you can see down through.

Then come down to the cathedral floor, and finish in the crypt below it. Once you are in, the ticket has no time limit until closing.

Evensong is the other way in, with no ticket: most days at five, and at three on Sundays, for about three quarters of an hour.

Guided or on your own

The free multimedia guide comes in nine languages and includes a video fly-through of the gallery levels, which shows you the upper galleries if you skip the climb.

Ticket holders can also join free tours and talks on the day, subject to the timetable and space, and places cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Tips

If heights or tight spaces trouble you, stop at the Stone Gallery. The Golden Gallery leaves little room between your feet and the edge, and the cathedral advises anyone with a medical condition, mobility difficulties or a fear of heights or confined spaces not to climb.

Take photographs without flash on the floor, in the crypt and on the Stone and Golden Galleries. They are not allowed on the Whispering Gallery or during a service, and nor are tripods, selfie sticks or video.