london sightseeing

Fifer

I should mention that although I'm an atheist, I love architecture and I do visit churches and cathedrals, but I certainly wouldn't object to paying an entrance fee towards their upkeep, nor would I expect someone who had no interest in or opportunity of doing the same, pay tax for its upkeep.

Becles

black-saturn wrote:

Since when has St Pauls been charging? Last time I went it was free.

A long time now. I went in 1994 and we had to pay to get in then.

black-saturn

Becles wrote:

A long time now. I went in 1994 and we had to pay to get in then.

Really? I'm amazed I'm sure I only put a donation in the box last time.

Becles

I know they were charging then, as I married that year and we were totally skint. Someone had paid for us to have a weekend in London with a show as a wedding gift, but we had time to fill in during the day. As we had no money, we went to St Pauls thinking it would be free, but we didn't go in as there was an admission charge and we couldn't afford it.

LondonDiva

lisyloo wrote:

Don't christains believe that everyone should be welcome in the house of the god?

Yep!

Any worshipper or anyone seeking to find god or ask questions - therefore St Paul's is free for any of the many many services and I believe there are other opportunities to engage with the ministry team and the worshipping congregations.

Tourists and picture takers pay.

Both are welcome:)

Stonk

I find it slightly odd that Government has made all London's major museums and galleries free, and not done so with St Paul's.

LondonDiva

Stonk wrote:

I find it slightly odd that Government has made all London's major museums and galleries free, and not done so with St Paul's.

St Paul's is a church, museums and galleries are state institutions.

THe government has very little to do with the running of the church

zappomatic

There's plenty of free stuff in London, such as the lovely parks, brilliant museums and galleries, street theatre, concerts, the Greenwich Observatory and just the general history around you in the streets. On Fridays and Saturdays you can graze on all the free samples at Borough Market!

It's good to check out some of the less well-known museums like the Museum of London (Barbican), the Theatre Museum (Covent Garden) and the Geffrye Museum (Old Street).

LondonDiva

Don't forget the Wallace Collection behind Selfridges - lovey place & good loos:p

Also the Protrait gallery - always overshadowed by the National round the corner, but very good value, even for a quick 20 min visit.