St Paul’s is London’s cathedral and its symbol of survival. It rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of London of 1666, the masterpiece of the architect Sir Christopher Wren, and famously survived the bombing of World War 2 giving hope to millions of Londoners. One of the main reasons to visit is to marvel at its elegant clean-lined architecture, and admire the detail of its wood carving and mosaics.

We will explore its considerable history and visit the graves and memorials of great Britons such as the Duke of Wellington, Admiral Nelson and Sir Winston Churchill, and the other great military leaders who have clustered around them.

St Paul’s also has a famous art collection with works by William Holman Hunt and Henry Moore, and numerous artists have been buried or memorialised in Artists’ Corner, gathered around the grave of the great Sir Christopher Wren himself.

Today St Paul’s is a venue for important national occasions, including the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1981, the celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond and Platinum Jubilees, and the service of commemoration and thanksgiving on HM The Queen’s death. It is also home to the country’s largest order of chivalry, the Order of the British Empire, where the country recognises those who have distinguished themselves through public service and excellence in the arts and sciences.

Discover this icon of the London skyline and the location of so much of London’s, and Britain’s, history!

Note: There will be time allowed at the end of the tour for those who wish to climb to the Stone and Golden galleries of the dome (this is included in your ticket price)

St Paul's Cathedral ticket: this is included in your ticket price of £30.50 (concessions) and £33.50 (adults)

Meeting time: 1:30pm for a prompt start at 1.45pm

Meeting Place: at the main entrance at the west front of St Paul’s Cathedral, between the statue of Queen Anne and the great west steps

End: approx. 3:45pm at St Paul’s Cathedral

Post-tour drinks: Caroline will not be booking a table for post-tour drinks, but there are plenty of options near the end of the tour which she can recommend