The majestic St Paul’s
One of my old colleagues recently started working at St Paul’s Cathedral and found out that we’d coincidentally booked the same afternoon off work. He kindly offered to take me on a tour of his new stomping ground and I got an amazing behind the scenes view. Here are some photos:
Hogwarts staircase
Henry Moore sculpture
The organist
Choir area
The American Chapel
A rocket was even built into the woodwork in the American Chapel…
The OBE Chapel in the Crypt
View from up high
Sir Christopher Wren’s original wooden model – hidden deep in the Cathedral. Apparently Sir Christopher would take the King inside this wooden model to show him the plans.
Random pieces like this are found in all parts of the Cathedral, you just have to keep your eyes open.
There was so much more to the day than these photos. I would have loved to have taken a picture of the library which is one of the best rooms I have ever visited – the smell of old leather and books infuses it and the strong daylight we had still made it feel like stepping back in time to some old rich person’s astonishing collection.
We didn’t make it to the top of the dome, but that’s ok, it was a ridiculously windy day, and Mr Man forced me to climb it years ago – the view from the top is well worth it.
We didn’t go for tea inside the Cathedral but I’ve heard that it’s really good and that the prices are fine. You can book for afternoon tea there on their website. We went to Bea’s of Bloomsbury just across the road in No.1 New Change, a place I’m constantly raving about, and where I think do London’s best cheap cake-tea combination.
If you haven’t already been inside St Paul’s, you have to go. If you can, join a guided tour as you can learn so much about one of the world’s most iconic buildings, steeped in so much history. I know the entry isn’t cheap, but how about popping in for Evensong (5pm most days) or taking advantage of their free Cathedral Lates evenings which are taking place over the summer? There will be seven of them, starting next week – Monday 30 July, Friday 3 August, Monday 6 August, Friday 10 August, Friday 31 August, Monday 3 September, Friday 7 September, all 6-10pm so easy enough to pop in on your way home from work – a bit of calm, history and food – a no brainer really.
P.S. Thank you very much Friend E who works at St Paul’s!
I forgot to mention that this was actually the 4th time I’ve been inside the Cathedral. Last time I went, look who I “bumped into”! His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.
Brilliant! Loved it.
FM
Thank you!
This is so cool. The only time i’ve been in St. Paul’s was in January when my friends booked an afternoon tea. The price IS reasonable – about 15 – but having experienced afternoon teas elsewhere, i have to say this one wasn’t impressive. what is worth it is the entrance to the cathedral which was free with our reservation. unfortunately we didn’t arrive with enough time to wander about inside. boo.
i’ve done afternoon tea at Bea’s. IT was my first experience, actually, and remains my favourite. it’s very inexpensive (17) and was really COOL. cupcakes instead of dried up tea cakes, and the sandwiches and scones were fantastic. and the interior is great too, of course. i likey. i went shortly after i had been assaulted at work, so it was a really nice pick me up.
Awww. Everyone loves Bea’s! Just fabulous.
This is such an amazing opportunity to tour for free, can’t believe you saw the Dalai Lama one time as well! I’ve been around St. Paul’s a lot the last few weeks and I would really like to go inside and see it all now.
I didn’t know about the afternoon tea. So if I book that I can wander around inside for free or is it just enter to go to my tea?