- Dive deep into the 1,000 years of British history that unravel at the iconic Westminster Abbey, a must-visit attraction.
- Check out Poet's Corner and the Coronation Chair as you navigate your way through the church.
- Visit the Royal Tombs, a burial place that holds some of Britain's most famous Kings and Queens.
- Admire the site where British monarchs have been crowned since 1066.
- Don't forget to walk down the same aisle where Prince William and Kate Middleton got married in 2011.
- Entry into Westminster Abbey
Exclusions
- Entry to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries
- Multimedia guide
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Westminster Abbey and St Pauls Cathedral
- See two of London's top attractions with one single, value-for-money combo ticket!
- Visit Westminster Abbey, a historic monument, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Learn about the structure, which serves as the traditional burial site of British monarchs, and also as the coronation church.
- Walk down the aisles where Prince William and Kate Middleton got married in 2011.
- Explore Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece that has been a place of Christian worship for over 1400 years - St. Paul's Cathedral.
- Climb 530 steps up to the Golden Gallery to get unforgettable views of London.
- Explore the Stone Gallery with its wide corridors and high stone walls and marvel at your surroundings through its gaps.
- For your Cathedral visit, a multimedia guide is available in 9 languages; each language offering an adult or child-friendly format.
- Note: The Whispering Gallery is temporarily closed. Entrance to the Golden Gallery is subject to availability due to capacity controls currently in operation.
Westminster Abbey
- Entry into Westminster Abbey
St. Paul's Cathedral
- Access to all 5 levels of the cathedral (cathedral floor, crypt, Whispering, Stone and Golden Galleries)
- Multimedia guide, available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean
- Audio guide, available in English
- Option to join guided tours and talks (there are limited spots and you must register on arrival)
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combo: Westminster Abbey + Churchill War Rooms Tickets
- Save big as you visit two historic London landmarks with this combo ticket: Westminster Abbey and the Churchill War Rooms.
- Dive deep into the 1,000 years of British history that unravel at the iconic Westminster Abbey, a must-visit attraction.
- Check out Poet's Corner and the Coronation Chair as you navigate your way through the church.
- Visit the Royal Tombs, a burial place that holds some of Britain's most famous Kings and Queens.
- Admire the site where British monarchs have been crowned since 1066.
- Don't forget to walk down the same aisle where Prince William and Kate Middleton got married in 2011.
- Go underground into the secret bunker of Winston Churchill, The Churchill War Rooms, where he plotted Hitler’s downfall.
- Visit the Cabinet Room, Map Room, Transatlantic Telephone Room among others.
- With a free audio guide, this tour provides insights into Churchill’s speeches and testimonials by men and women who risked their lives during the war.
- Entry into Westminster Abbey
- Admission to the Churchill War Rooms
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Golden Tours: 24Hrs London Hop On Hop Off & Westminster Abbey Tickets
- Enjoy a hop-on hop-off tour of London onboard the Golden Tours Bus with entry tickets to Westminster Abbey, a free walking tour, and hop-on hop-off boat ride ticket
- Visit London's many attractions and sights on a fleet of open-topped buses that depart every 15-30min, stopping at over 70 locations across four different routes
- Included are entry tickets to Westminster Abbey, the iconic London monument where monarchs are crowned and laid to rest
- All buses feature free Wi-Fi and some routes feature English-speaking guides, while others have audioguides in 8 different languages
- With all Golden Tours London tickets, you enjoy a hop-on hop-off boat cruise along the River Thames and a free walking tour of the city
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Westminster Abbey Reopens to the Public Post Coronavirus Closure
Westminster Abbey in London reopened to the public on 21 May 2021. Stringent safety measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of all its visitors and staff members. If you are planning a trip to Westminster Abbey, ensure you update yourself with all the relevant guidelines for a safe visit.
COVID-19 Safety Measures at Westminster Abbey
- Ensure you book your ticket and time slot in advance to ensure easier entry to the Abbey
- Card transactions are encouraged but cash payments are also encourages
- Visitors and staff are encouraged to wear face masks
- Hand sanitizers have been made available throughout the Abbey
- Visitors to the Abbey are encouraged to check-in via the NHS Test & Trace app. This measure is in line with the government’s COVID-19 Test and Trace program.
- Those attending a service will be placed in groups and groups will be placed a meter apart.
- Holy Communion will continue to be distributed but clergy will be wearing face coverings during the distribution.
Why Visit Westminster Abbey
- Westminster Abbey is a landmark destination in the City of Westminster in London and is one of the United Kingdom's most notable religious buildings.
- The Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066. It is also the final resting place of 17 monarchs.
- The church you see today was actually begun by Henry III in 1245.
- Westminster Abbey is a treasure house of artefacts where you will get a chance to view the Coronation Chair, the Lady Chapel, the Royal Tombs and the Chapter House.
- Explore the exquisite Henry VII Lady Chapel which stands at the far eastern end of Westminster Abbey.
Your Westminster Abbey Tickets Explained
Westminster Abbey Tickets
- These tickets will give you access to Westminster Abbey.
- You will get a chance to explore its history and check out highlights like the Poets' Corner and the Coronation Chair.
- Discover the Royal Tombs where some of Britain’s most famous Kings and Queens have been buried.
- Attend a service and listen to the beautiful music that resonates within the walls of the abbey since centuries.
- Explore the beautiful gardens that have been in cultivation for the past 900 years.
Combo: Westminster Abbey + St. Pauls Cathedral Tickets
- These tickets will give you the option to visit Westminster Abbey along with St Paul's Cathedral, another historic London Landmark.
- Explore the history of Britain through the magnificent architectures of both Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Explore the abbey and learn about how the different British Monarchs contributed to the beauty of this church.
- Visit the dome of St Paul's Cathedral to enjoy gorgeous panoramic views of London.
Combo: Westminster Abbey + Churchill War Rooms Tickets
- These tickets will give you the option to visit Westminster Abbey along with Churchill War Rooms, a historical location that helped end the tyranny of Hitler.
- Discover the church that has been the center of all British coronations since 1066.
- Head underground into Churchill's secret bunker where he plotted Hitler's downfall.
- Learn about the many men and women who risked their lives during the war with the free audio-guide available with these tickets.
Afternoon Tea at Westminster Abbey & Magical Christmas Lights Tour
- Enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience amidst the historic surroundings at Westminster Abbey.
- After tea, embrace the festive spirit and head out into London city to marvel at the beautiful Christmas lights.
- Get on a coach and explore the London city along with a guide and learn interesting stories about the history of the city.
Super Flexible Cancellations: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.
24Hrs London Hop On Hop Off + Westminster Abbey Tickets
- Get a chance to witness London on a hop-on hop-off tour and get entry tickets to Westminster Abbey, a free walking tour and a hop-on hop-off boat ride ticket.
- This ticket is comprehensive and gives you the opportunity to witness all parts of London while also getting access to Westminster Abbey.
Super Flexible Cancellations: Get a full refund on canceling this ticket up to 24h before the schedule
What is the Best Way to Book Tickets To Westminster Abbey in London? Buy Tickets Online
The best and most efficient way to buy tickets for Westminster Abbey is by purchasing them online. Online tickets are safe, they encourage contactless transactions and also have a range of additional benefits
- Advanced Reservations: Book your tickets to Westminster Abbey several weeks in advance to avoid losing access to tickets.
- Convenience: Book your Westminster Abbey tickets online in the comfort of your home and avoid the hassle of long queues and hours of waiting.
- Customer Support: Online booking ensures efficient customer service via phone, email or chat.
- Great Offers: Our platform offers you excellent discounts and offers that you can avail when you book your tickets for Westminster Abbey.
Westminster Abbey Highlights
Poets’ Corner
Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey is a sacred place for literature lovers. More than 100 poets and writers, including Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and the Bronte sisters, are buried or have memorials here. The first poet to be buried here was Geoffrey Chaucer, author of 'The Canterbury Tales' in 1400. This area is located in the eastern aisle, the 'corner', of the south transept.
Coronation Chair
The Coronation Chair in St George’s Chapel is considered to be one of the most precious pieces of furniture in the world. It has remained the centerpiece of coronations for over 700 years. There have been a total of thirty eight coronation ceremonies for reigning monarchs held at the Abbey. The back part of the Chair has graffiti as a result of Westminster schoolboys and visitors carving their names in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Henry VII Lady Chapel
The Lady Chapel is a magnificent example of late medieval architecture with a spectacular fan-vaulted ceiling. It is the burial place of fifteen kings and queens including Elizabeth I, Mary I and Mary Queen of Scots. The chapel has been used for installations of Knights of the Order of the Bath since 1725. Around the walls you will notice 95 statues of saints. Henry VII spent huge sums on his new Lady Chapel which began construction in 1503 and was completed in 1506.
Library & Research
If you have an aptitude for study, Westminster Abbey also has a library with almost 14000 books printed before 1801. The collection also includes some modern books and pamphlets on the history of Westminster Abbey, St Margaret’s Church, British coronations and much more. Apart from this, the library also has a rich muniment collection, record series and catalogs of the abbey’s collections.
Music at the Abbey
Music is an integral part of Christianity, and Westminster Abbey has been resounding music every day for more than a thousand years. Established almost 600 years ago, the abbey choir sings every day, giving life to the beautiful walls of the abbey. There are two organs at the heart of the abbey’s music, the Harrison & Harrison organ and the Queen’s organ. The abbey also hosts other musical events all year long, including choral concerts, weekly organ recitals and the famous Summer Organ Festival.
Royal Airforce Chapel
Situated at the eastern end of the Henry VII Lady Chapel, the Royal Airforce Chapel is dedicated to brave men that died in the Battle of Britain in 1940. When bombs rained down, the chapel was damaged and a hole made in the stonework was covered with glass and preserved. The chapel has a stained glass window called the Battle of Britain memorial window with visions on four panels that symbolize Redemption.
Royal Tombs
Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of 30 kings and queens. King Edward the Confessor and Henry III are buried next to each other. In the Confessor’s chapel, you will find the tombs of Edward I, Eleanor of Castile, Edward III, Philippa of Hainault, Richard II and Anne of Bohemia. George II was the last monarch to be buried in the Abbey.
Chapter House
The Chapter House is situated in the East Cloister. It was a meeting place where monks gathered with the abbot to ‘hold chapter’: to pray, read from the rule of St Benedict and discuss the day’s business. Construction began in 1246 and was completed in 1255. It is in the shape of an octagon with seating for up to 80 monks.
Westminster Abbey in Wartime
After the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, many of the abbey’s treasures were evacuated for safekeeping, including the Coronation Chair, the 13th-century Retable, tomb effigies, misericords, manuscripts, statues, and also the bronze grille from Henry VII’s tomb. The Pyx Chamber was used for Air Raid Precautions, the college hall and the library were used to keep watch, and the museum in the Undercroft was turned into a dispensary.
Westminster Abbey also survived bombing raids, the worst one in its history being on the nights of 10th and 11th May 1941. While most fires were put out quickly by volunteers, a menacing fire on the lantern roof burned through the lead and fell into the open area below. This area was mostly used for the enthroning of monarchs during their coronations. Flames shot up to almost 40 feet, but the fire was put out with relative ease because of the spacious open area.
Westminster Abbey Mission & Values
Mission & Values
Westminster Abbey is a living symbol of faith at the heart of the British nation. The staff at the abbey works hard to maintain the abbey’s persona as an inclusive working church. Their missions include;
- To serve the Almighty by offering divine Worship daily and publicly.
- To serve the Sovereign with daily prayer and ready response to any requests made in the name of Her Majesty.
- To serve the Nation by upholding the abbey as a place of Christian religious faith and actively engaging with those holding positions of public service, including the Parliament and Whitehall.
- To serve everyone that visits the abbey and maintain the tradition of hospitality.
The people of Westminster Abbey also believe in serving each other and assume honor in providing service to everyone that believes in their values; truthfulness, integrity, empathy and excellence.
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Current Roles & Future Plans
The abbey welcomes more than one million paying visitors every year and ensures that while they are welcomed with open arms, the visitors also understand the abbey’s primary role towards religious faith. The abbey works towards improving public education through its Education Center and St Margaret’s Church. The abbey also wishes to enhance its relations with the Parliament and play crucial roles in establishing lasting relationships with other churches, both within the borders and overseas. They encourage collaboration with charitable organizations and also promote apprenticeship schemes at the abbey to strengthen their purpose towards better social engagement.
Westminster Abbey is already working hard towards achieving this vision and will continue to put in their best efforts to not just maintain, but also enhance their persona of Faith at the Heart of the Nation. You can learn more about their current roles and their plans for the near future here.
Safeguarding at Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is committed to creating a safe environment for everyone that visits them, especially children, young adults and adults at the risk of abuse and allows them to grow in the light of Christianity. The Dean and Chapter are committed to the care, nurture and safeguarding of all children and adults that come to the abbey. They work towards establishing a loving environment that follows the culture of informed vigilance and take active steps towards safeguarding everyone.
Plan Your Visit to Westminster Abbey
Unless you’re visiting the abbey for individual prayer, you will need to buy a ticket to enter Westminster Abbey. As the abbey is a working church, it may be closed partially or completely for events or ceremonies. It is better that you check the abbey’s schedule and pre-book your online tickets to ensure entry.
You can show your ticket directly on your phone at the entrance before entry. Make sure to carry a valid ID proof as well.
Book Your Westminster Abbey Tickets
- It is recommended that you wear comfortable footwear when visiting the abbey as much of the steps and floor are uneven.
- While there is no specific dress-code to be followed when visiting the abbey, it is better that you show respect and dress modestly.
- Gentlemen will be expected to remove their hats whenever they are inside the abbey.
- It may be quite cold in the abbey. Remember to dress warmly.
- Wear a face mask when visiting the abbey or the shop.
Monday - Friday: 10 AM - 2 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 1 PM
Sunday: Closed
As Westminster Abbey is a working church, the opening times are subject to change. However, you can select the desired date and time while you're booking your online tickets.
More Details on Westminster Abbey Opening Times
Address: 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
Find on Maps
By Tube
Nearest underground stations are St. James's Park and Westminster. Both are five-minute walks from Westminster Abbey.
By Train
Nearest stations are Victoria (an 18-minute walk away) and Waterloo (a 16-minute walk away).
By Bus
Routes 11, 24, 88, 148 and 211 pass the Westminster Abbey entrance
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The abbey is mostly wheelchair accessible, except for some areas that are inaccessible to wheelchairs and visitors with reduced mobility. If you’re visiting on a wheelchair, you can enter the abbey through the North Door where there is a ramp available.
- Wheelchairs are also available for use at the abbey. You can ask for one to an Abbey Marshal upon your arrival.
- Visually Impaired: There is an audio-described tour available at the abbey.
- Hearing Impaired: There is a hearing loop system available in the entire abbey and is used during services as well. There is also a British Sign Language guided tour available at the abbey. There are also printed transcripts of the tour available in 14 different languages.
- Assistance Dogs: Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other assistance dogs are welcome into the abbey. No other animals are allowed inside.
- Locker: Large luggage items and backpacks are not allowed inside the abbey. There is no locker or luggage storage facility available at the abbey, but you can leave your luggage at Excess Baggage Company at Charing Cross or Victoria stations, both of which are at walking distances from the abbey.
- Toilets: There are toilets located in the Cloisters, including the wheelchair accessible ones.
- Baby Changing Facilities: Baby changing facilities are also available at the Cloisters. They may be located quite far away from certain parts of the abbey, so ask a staff member of the abbey for the fastest route.
- Photography: Personal photography is permitted in the church and the cloisters. However, make sure to use no flash. Photography is not allowed during services.
- The kiosk at Westminster Abbey serves light snacks and cold drinks
- The Cellarium Café and Restaurant at Westminster Abbey is currently closed but will re-open soon.
- Other popular restaurants near Westminster Abbey include Blue Boar Pub, The Pem, The Bay and Bracket and The Quilon.
There are two shops available at Westminster Abbey.
Main Shop Address: Westminster Abbey Shop, Broad Sanctuary, London SW1P 3JS, United Kingdom
Cellarium Shop Address: Cellarium Shop, Dean's Yard, London, SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
You can buy tea, tapestries, gifts and other spiritual gifts at the Westminster Abbey shop.
More About Westminster Abbey Shop
Some popular stay options near Westminster Abbey are:
- Danubius Hotel Regents Park
- Great Scotland Yard Hotel
- St. James Court, A Taj Hotel, London
- The Grand at Trafalgar Square
Once you finish visiting Westminster Abbey, you can visit iconic landmarks close to it such as:
- Tower of London: An iconic monument in London and one of the oldest sites in the city.
- Tower Bridge: One of London's most striking bridges with neo-Gothic architecture.
- Churchill War Rooms: Walk through the corridors Churchill War Rooms and get a glimpse of life during WWII.
- National Gallery: An art museum that houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.
- The British Museum: With over eight million works it is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world.
Visitor Tips
- Try and book your tickets in advance with a time slot to ensure entry and avoid long lines. You can also get some great discounts when purchasing tickets online.
- Face coverings are optional but social distancing is encouraged in small and confined areas.
- If you need any help during your visit, you can approach the abbey staff.
- Wheelchair users and their caregivers get free admission every day.
- Westminster Abbey does not have an official dress code. However, it is expected that visitors show respect and sensitivity and wear modest clothing.
- Men will have to remove their hats once they are inside the building.
- Wear comfortable shoes because the old stone floors can be uneven and you will be walking around a lot.
- Westminster Abbey is a landmark church of great religious significance so remember to conduct yourself accordingly while visiting it.
- Video recording, flash photography, extra lighting, selfie sticks and tripods are not permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Westminster Abbey
Yes, with updated COVID-19 guidelines, Westminster Abbey is now open to visitors.
If you're visiting for prayer or to attend any other service, the entry into Westminster Abbey is free. However, if you wish to take a tour of the abbey, you will need to buy tickets.
You can buy your Westminster Abbey Tickets online here for the best deals and discounts.
Anyone who visits Westminster Abbey for worship can do so for free. However this does not allow access to all the tombs, monuments, or the Abbey Museum.
Yes, visitors are allowed to attend mass at Westminster Abbey.
