St. Paul’s Cathedral Crypt – tickets, famous burials, chapels

Did you know that the Crypt at St. Paul’s Cathedral covers the church’s entire footprint and not just a portion of it?

In fact, it is so massive it remains the largest crypt in Europe!

This section of the cathedral is as impressive as the medieval and Baroque-styled structure above it. 

It is the final resting place for many of England’s heroes—including the cathedral’s architect, Sir Christopher Wren.

Here’s everything you need to know before visiting the Crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Understanding the Crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral

If you are into intrigue and secrets, the Crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral is sure to astound you.

Legend has it that the old cathedral from the Medieval ages was completely destroyed in the Great Fire of London (1666). 

But that isn’t true. 

The new cathedral, built and designed by Sir Christopher Wren, still has a remnant preceding the events of 1666—the statue of the Metaphysical poet John Donne.

If you buy the St Paul’s Cathedral Fast-Entry Ticket, your tour guide will also point out sections in the Crypt’s walls that carry stones from the old cathedral.  

Apart from housing several prominent chapels underground, St. Paul’s Cathedral Crypt is also famous for being the final resting place for many of England’s heroes.

This is why wandering through the Crypt’s corridors could take one back in time, making it almost a pilgrimage that drives into the very soul of the English nation.

Are you up for some adventure? Buy the London Outdoor Escape Game: The Great Fire ticket and follow the path of the 1666 Great Fire of London that razed some of the city’s most iconic attractions to ashes. Unlock clues and solve puzzles on your phone while reenacting the story of amateur fireman Gregory Grail on this self-guided tour.

Tickets to St. Paul’s Cathedral crypt

St. Paul’s Cathedral has been captivating visitors since the 1600s. That being said, it’s one of the most visited attractions in the UK—meaning it’s always crowded.

But worry not, we’ve got you covered: Buy the St Paul’s Cathedral Fast-Entry Ticket online in advance and skip the long lines at the ticketing counter.

You can walk right in to explore the cathedral floor and the crypt and go up the galleries.

Also, if you are looking for a step-free entrance, make sure to use the North Transept entrance.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (18 to 64 years): £29
Student Ticket (with valid ID card): £26
Senior Ticket (65+ years): £26
Child Ticket (6 to 17 years): £12
Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free

The who’s who of St. Paul’s Cathedral Crypt

As you venture into the Crypt of St. Paul’s Cathedral, what you notice first is the solemnity of the surroundings.

It is afterall the burial place of some of England’s most distinguished Individuals.

There are two entrances to the Crypt; whichever one you choose, the first tomb you encounter would be the imposing sarcophagus of the Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley.

Hard to miss as it occupies a central position, the Wellington Memorial is adorned with symbols of martial prowess and statesmanship.

Adjacent to Wellesley’s tomb is the final resting place of Britain’s most celebrated naval heroes, Admiral Horatio Nelson.

If you gaze above Nelson’s tomb, you can spot a replica of his flagship HMS Victory.

As you walk further ahead, you’ll come across the humble tomb of Sir Christopher Wren himself, the visionary architect behind St. Paul’s Cathedral’s iconic design. 

Wren was, in fact, the very first to be buried in the Crypt’s tombs.

Other notable names interred within the Crypt are British monarchs King Charles II, King William III, and Queen Anne.

Sir Joshua Reynolds—founder of the Royal Academy of Arts, and Sir Alexander Fleming—the man who discovered penicillin, are also buried here.

Did you know that a hidden library in St. Paul’s Cathedral was recently available for an overnight stay on Airbnb? Called a ‘literary escape’ by Abby Parker who hosted the stay, lucky guests even had access to a curated collection of over 22,000 books—including Penguin Random House U.S.’s upcoming releases. While this was a one-off stay, we suggest you keep your eyes peeled for more ‘now open’ stays at the library.

Calling all Potterheads! Embark on a magical Harry Potter-themed walking tour across London. This guided tour, available in English, Italian, German, Spanish, and French, takes you through Diagon Alley and The Leaky Cauldron. Stop by St. Paul’s Cathedral and marvel at the spiral geometric staircase featured in ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’.

The chapels of the Crypt

You’ll be surprised to know that the Crypt houses several chapels apart from the tombs and memorials you just visited.

The most notable among these is the Order of the British Empire (OBE) Chapel, established in 1917 by King George V. 

You’ll find the chapel’s walls adorned with plaques and memorials celebrating the achievements of OBE recipients.

If you walk further along the corridors of the Crypt you’ll come across a chapel dedicated to the Anglo-Saxon English saint, Dunstan.

St. Dunstan’s Chapel is a sight to behold and you’ll end up being caught in awe as you marvel at the site’s beautiful stained glass windows and ornate carvings.

Apart from the above, the Crypt also houses the Chapel of St. Michael and St. George.

This place of worship is dedicated to the memory of all those who have served in the diplomatic service of the United Kingdom. 

While you are here, take note of the chapel’s elegant design and tranquil ambiance, reflecting the complexities of global politics and harmony among nations.

Did you know that the Crypt’s Western end is today used to host events such as formal gala dinners, award ceremonies, and presentations? This includes the Nelson Chamber which can seat up to 250 guests!