London Religious Sites: Book Tickets Now

Explore London's historic places of worship.

St Paul’s Cathedral: Entry Ticket

From £28.89

Westminster Abbey: Entry Ticket + Audio Guide

From £35.84

London's great churches have stood through coronations, wars and centuries of daily worship, and many still open their doors to visitors today. Inside, you'll find soaring ceilings, intricate stonework and stories that reach back a very long way.

Browse the sites below and book your tickets online to save your date and time.

More about London's Religious Sites

St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey

These are the two churches most visitors to London want to see, and they sit a short Tube ride apart in the centre of the city. St Paul's stands on Ludgate Hill in the City of London, with the Millennium Bridge close by.

Westminster Abbey sits next to the Houses of Parliament, so it fits easily into a day around Westminster.

Visiting St Paul's Cathedral

Sir Christopher Wren designed St Paul's after the Great Fire of London, and its dome still stands out on the skyline. Inside, the Whispering Gallery runs around the base of the dome, where a whisper against the wall can be heard on the far side.

The crypt holds the tombs of Admiral Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Wren himself.

Visiting Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has hosted coronations since 1066 and many royal weddings since. It's also the resting place of monarchs including Elizabeth I, and of figures such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens, whose memorials fill Poets' Corner.

The mix of royal ceremony, art and Gothic architecture makes it feel like a national story told in stone.

Booking Tickets for St Paul's and Westminster Abbey

Booking tickets online in advance lets you choose the date and time that suit you, and it matters most in summer, at weekends and in school holidays. Because both are working churches, a planned slot also helps you avoid days when sightseeing is limited by services or special events.

With both booked, you can fit the two into a single London itinerary.

Good to Know Before Visiting St Paul's and Westminster Abbey

Book your date and time online in advance, as both churches can sell out on busy days.

Both are working churches, so sightseeing can pause or close for services and special events.

Allow around two hours at each church, and longer if you plan to climb the dome at St Paul's.

The climb inside St Paul's dome involves hundreds of steps, so comfortable shoes are a good idea.

Photography isn't allowed inside Westminster Abbey, so keep your phone away once you're inside.

Respectful clothing is appreciated at both, so consider covering your shoulders.

Expect a security check at the entrance, so travel light and leave large bags behind.

Both are in central London and well served by the Tube and buses, so it's easy to see them on the same day.

London Religious Sites - Gallery

London's Top 5 Picks

Kensington Palace

A royal residence in Kensington Gardens, once home to Queen Victoria and Princess Diana, with State Apartments and changing exhibitions on royal life.

Stonehenge

A prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, built over 4,500 years ago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The View from The Shard

Observation floors near the top of Western Europe's tallest building, with panoramic views of London from 244 metres up.

Tower of London

A 900-year-old riverside fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison and armoury, and today houses the Crown Jewels.

London Transport Museum

A Covent Garden museum tracing the history of London's buses, trams, Tube and railways, with historic vehicles and interactive displays.

FAQs about London Religious Sites

What is the difference between Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral?

Westminster Abbey is a Gothic church traditionally used for royal coronations and burials, functioning as a royal peculiar under the direct authority of the monarch. St Paul’s Cathedral is an English Baroque cathedral that serves as the seat of the Bishop of London and features a massive prominent dome.

Can I take photographs inside Westminster Abbey?

Photography for personal use is permitted inside the Abbey during sightseeing hours, provided that visitors do not use a flash, tripods, or selfie sticks. However, photography is completely forbidden inside the delicate Lady Chapel and during all religious services.

Is sightseeing permitted at Westminster Abbey on Sundays?

The Abbey is closed for general sightseeing on Sundays as it is reserved entirely for regular religious services and private worship. Visitors are welcome to attend the scheduled services throughout the day, which are free and open to everyone.

How many steps must you climb to reach the top of St Paul’s Cathedral?

To reach the highest external viewing platform, known as the Golden Gallery, visitors must climb a total of 528 stone and iron steps. There are smaller intermediate landings at the Whispering Gallery and the Stone Gallery for those who do not wish to complete the entire ascent.

Are there dress codes for visiting these active religious sites?

While there is no strict formal dress code, visitors are expected to dress respectfully as both venues are active places of worship. This generally means avoiding revealing clothing and removing hats or caps when entering the main church buildings.

Where is the tomb of the Unknown Warrior located?

The Unknown Warrior is buried inside Westminster Abbey, situated near the western entrance of the nave. It is a highly respected national monument, and visitors are strictly required to walk around the stone rather than stepping directly onto it.

Can you visit the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral?

The crypt is fully open to sightseeing visitors and is included as part of the standard entry ticket to the cathedral. It is Europe's largest crypt, containing the tombs of notable figures like Sir Christopher Wren, Lord Nelson, and the Duke of Wellington.

Are these churches accessible for visitors using wheelchairs?

Both St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey offer step-free access to their main floors and the crypt areas via dedicated ramps and passenger lifts. However, the upper galleries of the St Paul's dome and certain older split-level chapels in the Abbey are only accessible via steep historic stairs.

How long does a typical visit to Westminster Abbey take?

Most visitors find that it takes between ninety minutes and two hours to fully explore the main nave, the royal chapels, and the cloisters. A multimedia audio guide is included with entry to help navigate the dense history of the building.

Is it possible to hear the choir sing at these venues?

Visitors can experience the cathedral choirs by attending the Choral Evensong services, which take place on most late afternoons during the week. These services are completely free to attend and do not require a sightseeing ticket, though seating is on a first-come basis.