St Paul’s Cathedral, where I’m sitting right now, is literally blowing my mind. The very famous London landmark was built by Christopher Wren and accessoried (shall we say) with intricate mosaics after Queen Victoria called it ‘dull, cold, dingy and dreary,’ crikey!
Inside it is utterly astonishing in size and scale with the dome the epitome of beauty creating the centre of the cathedral and of course being one of the most recognisable features of the London skyline. The gilded architecture and beautiful artwork make this building rich in colour and in history.
The nave is sweeping with arches and chandeliers adding to the grandeur. The choir and organs must be absolutely fantastic when it is in session which look onto a gilded alter and a intricate window. After you’ve marvelled about the inside – go up 259 steps to the Whispering Gallery, above the ground floor within the dome and have a go at whispering to a friend on the opposite side, you’ll be amazed that you can hear them.
These steps are easy peasy, and then the second set of 376 stairs up (in total) to the Stone Gallery as a little bit trickier, a little steeper, but just take your time. This is on the outside and you can take photos from here and see a little of London’s skyline through the wall.
If you are not afraid of heights or tight spaces (I only say this as I nearly had a nervous breakdown on the way up) please please pop up the full 528 steps (all the way from the bottom) to the Golden Gallery and hang on to your hat. In fact hold onto everything as there’s only a railing in between you and the outside world.
You can SEE everything from here, London Eye, Shard, Tate Modern, Gherkin, BT Tower, Oxo Tower, London buses, people, bars, gardens the works!!! It’s tight though, very tight so be patient.
The crypt is dark and peaceful, which leads to the gift shop and cafe. There’s also a small garden surrounding it which is the perfect place for a picnic in nice weather.
At £18 to get in, it’s total value for money and j can only (honestly) say that there is only the Tower of London which I enjoyed in equal measure. They would both be at the top of my must-see London list. Visit the St Paul’s website for more information. This review also appeared on Time Out London here.
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