Visiting Westminster Abbey – Tickets, tours & FAQs

Everything you need to know to plan and book your visit to Westminster Abbey

Visiting Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey Facts and Figures!

1. Westminster Abbey was founded in the 10th century and is where every British monarch since 1066 has been crowned.
2. The Coronation Chair (which has been used since the 14th century) can be seen in the abbey.
3. It was constructed between 1245 and 1517 and is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world.
4. The tombs of 17 monarchs and located in the Abbey.
5. 16 royal weddings have taken place in the Abbey including the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011.
6. Poets’ Corner contains memorials to many of England’s greatest writers, including Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Austen.
7. The abbey’s famous “Oak Screen” was carved from a single oak tree and is considered one of the finest examples of medieval wood carving in England.
8. Westminster Abbey was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
9. The abbey’s bell tower, known as the Great West Tower, is the largest and highest of its kind in the UK. Its bell – known as “Great Tom” – is the largest bell in the country.
10. Many famous people are buried in the Abbey including Sir Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, George Frederic Handel, Laurence Olivier and Charles Dickens.

What to see at Westminster Abbey

If you are visiting Westminster Abbey as part of your London itinerary it is good to know a little before you visit so you don’t miss anything which is of particular interest.

• Poet’s Corner – located in the south transept more than 100 poets and writers are buried or have memorials here.

• Coronation Chair –is located in a specially-built enclosure within St George’s Chapel at the west end of the Nave. The chair has been used for the Coronation of British monarchs since 1399.

• Royal Tombs – at the eastern end of the church are the tombs of 30 kings and queens

• The Lady Chapel – is located at the Eastern end of the church and has a spectacular fan-vaulted ceiling

• The grave of the Unknown Warrior – on 11th November 1920 a body was brought from France to be buried here. The grave is located at the west end of the Nave.

• The Cloisters – is the area where the monks would have spent most of their time

• The Quire – is where the choir sit and is located in the centre of the Abbey.

• Pyx Chamber – is one of the oldest parts of the Abbey and was built around 1070 and is located off the East Chapter.

• Chapter House – is a meeting place where the monks gathered with the abbot the Chapter House is located in the East Cloister.

• The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries – Located 16 metres above the floor of the Abbey the galleries display treasures and tell the history of the Abbey. Additional charge – timed tickets.

Getting to Westminster Abbey

• Tube: The closest tube station is Westminster (Circle, District and Jubilee lines) which is less than a 5 minute walk to the Tower of London.

• Overground rail: Victoria Station

• Bus routes: There are a number of bus routes that pass by the Abbey including 11, 24, 88, 148, 211

• Uber boat: Westminster Pier

• Sightseeing buses: All major sightseeing buses pass by the Westminster Abbey

Opening hours

Westminster Abbey is a church and as such is open for services on Sundays but not for sightseeing.

• Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 3.30 PM

• Saturday – 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries

• Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 3.00 PM

• Saturday – 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

When is the best time to visit

• Westminster Abbey is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London so expect it to be busy!

• It can be especially crowded on Saturdays and during London’s peak season.

• If possible plan your visit for a weekday.

• Visit as early in the day as you can – be there before opening time or book a tour which allows early access or skip the line like this one.

Services at Westminster Abbey

There are regular services at Westminster Abbey which can be attended by the public and are free of charge.

• Evensong
• Morning Prayer
• Holy Communion
• Evening Prayer
• Sung Eucharist

Choral services are sung daily during term time by the Choir of Westminster Abbey. Sundays are the best time to visit to hear the choir as there are a number of services held. Alternatively, attend for Evensong during the week which is held around 5.00 PM.

Do check the official calendar when planning your visit.

What other London attractions are located near Westminster Abbey?

• The Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster)
• Big Ben
• Churchill War Rooms
• Whitehall
• 10 Downing Street
• London Eye
• Buckingham Palace

Tips for planning your visit

1. Personal photographs are allowed in the church but the use of a flash is forbidden. No pictures are allowed during services nor permitted at any time in the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor, St Faith’s Chapel or The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries.
2. Food and drink – Meals are served throughout the day at the Cellarium Café and Terrace. There is also a Kiosk that offers snacks, a light meal and drinks. A popular and affordable afternoon tea is served at the Cellarium Café and Terrace.
3. A multimedia guide is included with the entry ticket – it is available in 14 languages. The app can be downloaded before you visit – Apple here, Android here or you can use a device supplied upon entry to the Abbey.
4. The floor of the Abbey and steps are uneven so ensure that you are wearing sensible footwear.
5. Bag checks are carried out before entry to the Abbey. There is no facility to check large bags or suitcases.
6. There is no dress code but visitors are requested to dress respectfully.

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