St. Paul's Dome closure - worth it?
 

In researching St. Paul's in London I found the following information...Please note that the two external dome galleries (Stone and Golden Galleries) will close from Monday 11 September to Friday 10 November 2017 to allow vital maintenance work to take place. During this time, visitors will reach the Whispering Gallery via a little-used 'secret' staircase, offering new sights of Wren's great design. For more information visit www.stpauls.co.uk/galleryclosures2017

The entrance fee to St. Paul's is 44pounds for our family of 4 (kids9 & 11). This is their first trip to Europe. We will also be visiting St. Peter's in Rome during this visit.

Wondering if anyone visited between 27 February to 31 March or 24 April - 1 June 2017 when they also had closures. Trying to decide if it is worth the admission fee or if we should choose another site.

We really wanted to go to Buckingham Palace but it closes the day before we arrive.

Additional information.... The internal Whispering Gallery will remain open throughout the works and as well as access via the main staircase, visitors will also have the opportunity to walk to the Gallery via an additional, little used route. This 'secret staircase' offers sight of some of the flying buttresses Wren had designed to be kept hidden and views into the roof space above the quire in which WW2 bomb damage and repairs are still visible. This alternate route is via steep and narrow stairs and may not be suitable for all visitors.

I am still looking for information so forgive the multiple posts...

During this closure time will we still be able to see the Cantilever staircase in the western bell tower? ( I read it was used in the Harry Potter movie "Prisoner of Azkaban" as the staircase leading to the astronomy tower.)

Thanks

Only a teensy % of visitors climb to the top. and ony a few. More even climb to the whispering gallery. it being closed would have no affect at all on your seeing anything in the cathedral.

We recently returned from London and visited beuriful St.Paul's. We did not climb up but rather down to the intersting crypt after spending quite a bit of time in the sanctuary. My favorite, however, remains Westminster Abbey. Tey to visit both.

You'll have to price it out, but would the 2FOR1 admission be better than the family ticket you mention?

We've visit St. Paul's several times and only climbed to the top on our fist visit. It is well worth the visit on any level!