Going to London next week and have had trouble getting tickets to St. Pauls at their online site as advised by RS London guide. All info is provided and after checking "buy", I've had multiple "transaction denied" results. All UK transactions have gone smoothly, except this one. Any suggestions other than waiting until we arrive and having the concierge book for us?
You won't need the concierge to buy them for you. Just turn up on the day and buy them. I've never encountered big queues at St Paul's Cathedral.
Also: are you staying at a really fancy hotel? Because I've never come across a concierge in London of the sort you mention. However that doesn't mean they don't exist, just that you must be staying in quite a posh hotel.
Yeah you don't need advance tickets. St. Pauls is a massive building that can hold thousands of people at any one time. Just show up and purchase tickets at the Cathedral.
We also had trouble doing the online booking but it finally went through. We were there two weeks ago and there were no lines mid day. No need to pre book. It was an excellent visit with audio guides. Make sure you also go downstairs to the crypt.
it may be crowded when you are there if you are particularly unlucky, but I doubt it.
Of course I haven't been there at all hours and on all days, but I am by St Pauls quite frequently but I've never seen significant queues, including when I have taken people inside.
I haven't listened to the RS audio tour of the Cathedral yet (thanks for the reminder) but can I strongly recommend the free tour given by the Cathedral, included in your admission. They have always been great.
Can anyone tell me if the London Pass works at St. Paul's? London Pass website says it's included, I read a 2014 post that said it's not. Thanks!
We just returned from London and the London Pass works there.
We went to St Paul's right when it opened and the line for tickets was pretty short. Don't think you'll have a problem.
We were just there two weeks ago, waited all of about 5-10 minutes to get tickets into St. Pauls. Dont worry about it.
We were there about 3 weeks ago and had almost no wait at all. It does open a little earlier than other places, so it's a great place to start the day.
London Pass website says it's included, I read a 2014 post that said
it's not.
Ann, attraction hours, fees, temporary closures, pass inclusions/exclusions, etc. can change at any time so it's always best to use "official" websites for the most up-to-date info. As you've done, reference the London Pass website for the current list of the attractions it covers versus a random post from 3 years ago. :O)
And do check the St Paul's website the day before you go to make sure it's open. I had plans to go recently and it was closed for a founder's day service for their school students.
If you are in the area and want to do a London Walk, I really enjoyed the London Blitz walk in the afternoon.
editing to add: Sorry, I now see the OP was in August and they have already traveled.