London Weekend Break

St. Pauls Cathedral

St Pauls' cathedral is one of London's best known sights with it domed roof and twin spires. Its pale grey external stonework encloses an equally impressive interior with ornate carvings in wood and stone and some stunning art work.

The building is also filled with paintings by the artist Sir James Thornhill and is the final resting place of some of Britain’s most famous and illustrious sons.

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, St. Pauls has had a massive effect on the London Skyline. Not just because of its distinctive appearance, but because planning laws in London now take account of invisible sight lines called "the plains of St. Pauls". These sight lines prevent any new building being erected in a location that could interrupt an existing view of the cathedral.

More on St. Pauls' Cathedral

The dome of St. Pauls is actually “false” in that it is not self supporting, but has an internal frame generating the impression of a real dome. This is however an engineering feat in its own right and adds to the unique design and construction of the present St. Pauls.

Also unusual is the honouring of American soldiers killed during the Second World War in the building's "American Memorial Chapel". This chapel was built after the conclusion of the war and reflects the gratitude of Britain to the US servicemen based in the United Kingdom during that time.

Many of the cathedral's visitors choose to climb the building’s many steps to reach the galleries at the top of the cathedral from which magnificent views of London are afforded. These offer ideal photographic opportunities.

There is also the attraction of the famous "whispering galleries", renown for their unusual acoustic qualities.

Close to St. Pauls is the Barbican centre and the nearest tube station is St. Pauls.