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Where is Westminster Abbey | Routes, directions & travel advice

Located next to the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey is a prominent religious structure in the United Kingdom. Ever since 1066, and the coronation of William the Conqueror, all British Monarchs have been crowned here. With more than 3300 people buried here, the 'Royal Peculiar' attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. If you’re planning a visit to Westminster Abbey, here’s all the information you need on its location and how to get there.

Where is Westminster Abbey located?

Address: Westminster Abbey, 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom

​Find on Maps

Located in Dean’s Yard, Westminster Abbey shares history with other precincts around it. There are school buildings, a church house, and other abbey offices located nearby. The entire complex sits close to the banks of the River Thames.

Nearest landmark: Big Ben (200 m)

Plan your visit

Getting to Westminster Abbey by public transport

  • Best for: Affordable travel and quick access
  • Travel time: Around 10–15 minutes from Victoria Coach Station
  • Closest stops: Westminster Abbey (Stop R), Parliament Square
  • Timings: London buses generally run from 5am to midnight, with night buses covering key routes across the city after midnight.

Considering the bus? Routes 3, 11, 24, 26, C10, and 148 stop right outside Westminster Abbey. From Victoria, buses take 10-15 minutes, dropping passengers conveniently close to the Abbey entrance at Parliament Square.

  • Best for: Visitors arriving from outside London
  • Travel time: About 5–10 minutes on foot from Victoria Station
  • Closest station: London Victoria
  • Timings: Trains to Victoria run frequently from across southern England, with early morning services starting around 5am and continuing until late night.

London Victoria is the nearest major station to Westminster Abbey. From here, it’s a straightforward 10-minute walk via Victoria Street, leading directly to the Abbey entrance at Parliament Square.

  • Best for: Fast city travel within London
  • Travel time: Around 4–5 minutes on foot from Westminster Station
  • Closest station: Westminster Station (Jubilee, Circle, District lines)
  • Timings: London Underground operates from approximately 5am until midnight, with Night Tube services on select lines during weekends.

Westminster Station is the most convenient stop, placing you right beside the Abbey. Exiting via Parliament Square brings you directly to the entrance within minutes.

Getting to Westminster Abbey by car

Driving route

Travel time: Around 60 minutes from Heathrow Airport

From Heathrow, take the M4 toward Central London. Continue onto the A4 through Hammersmith, following signs toward Westminster. Pass Hyde Park Corner and travel down Constitution Hill, leading directly to Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey.

Parking facilities

  • Q-Park Westminster (300m)
  • Abington Street Car Park (650m)
  • Victoria Station Car Park (800m)
  • Q-Park Victoria (1km)

Getting to Westminster Abbey from popular stops

  • Exit St. James’ Park Station via Broadway and walk east along Victoria Street for 200 meters toward Sanctuary.
  • Turn right onto Sanctuary, a direct route leading straight to Westminster Abbey beside Parliament Square.
  • Alternatively, turn left onto Broadway, continue to Tothill Street, then head toward Sanctuary for access to Westminster Abbey.
  • The entire walk takes 5-7 minutes, with clear signposts guiding the way to the Abbey.
  • Exit Westminster Station and head toward Parliament Square, where Westminster Abbey stands prominently across from the Houses of Parliament.
  • Walk via Bridge Street or St. Margaret Street, continuing toward Sanctuary, which provides direct access to the Abbey’s main entrance.
  • The walk takes about 4-5 minutes and is clearly signposted, making it an easy and straightforward route for visitors.
  • Exit Victoria Station and walk east along Victoria Street for about 15 minutes, covering one mile toward Parliament Square.
  • Continue straight past Westminster Cathedral until Westminster Abbey comes into view, standing prominently across from Parliament Square.
  • The walk is straightforward and clearly signposted, offering visitors a pleasant and convenient route to the Abbey’s main entrance.
  • Alternatively, take the Tube from Victoria to Westminster Station, a quick four-minute ride placing you directly beside Westminster Abbey.
  • Walk from Waterloo Station across Golden Jubilee Bridge, continuing along Victoria Embankment for 18–20 minutes with Thames and London Eye views.
  • Take the Jubilee Line from Waterloo to Westminster Station, just one stop away, then walk 4-5 minutes to Westminster Abbey.
  • Alternatively, board bus route 11 from Waterloo Station’s Upper Taxi Road, reaching Parliament Square in 10 minutes beside Westminster Abbey.

Walking to Westminster Abbey

  • Best for: Travelers wanting a scenic city walk
  • Travel time: 10-20 minutes depending on where you start your walk from
  • Distance: Around 1-1.6 km

Walking to Westminster Abbey is straightforward, with routes from stations like Victoria, St. James’s Park, or Westminster offering city views. Along the way, spot landmarks including Big Ben, Parliament Square, and Westminster Cathedral before reaching the Abbey’s grand Gothic entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions about where Westminster Abbey is

Is there a dedicated drop-off point for taxis or rideshares near Westminster Abbey?

Yes, Black Cabs and rideshares usually drop passengers along Broad Sanctuary or Victoria Street, both offering quick pedestrian access to the Abbey entrance.

Which nearby landmarks can help me easily identify Westminster Abbey’s main entrance?

The main entrance faces Parliament Square, directly opposite Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, making it simple to locate visually.

Can cyclists park near Westminster Abbey before visiting?

Yes, bicycle racks are available on Broad Sanctuary and Victoria Tower Gardens, providing secure spots close to Westminster Abbey’s entrance.

How crowded do surrounding streets get during weekday mornings?

Commuter traffic around Parliament Square and Victoria Street can be dense between 8-10am, so allow extra walking time during weekdays.

Are signposts available around central London specifically pointing towards Westminster Abbey?

Yes, clear brown tourist signs with walking directions appear around Westminster Station, St James’s Park, and Victoria areas, guiding pedestrians towards Westminster Abbey.

Are there scenic walking routes to Westminster Abbey from nearby parks?

Yes, walking through St James’s Park offers a picturesque approach, with the Abbey visible beyond Horse Guards Parade and Parliament Square.

How does the Abbey’s location relate to Buckingham Palace?

Westminster Abbey is about a 15-minute walk from Buckingham Palace, via Birdcage Walk or St James’s Park for a scenic route.

Does Westminster Abbey have visible evening lighting to help visitors navigate after dark?

Yes, the Abbey is beautifully illuminated at night, serving as an unmistakable landmark for orientation after dusk around Parliament Square.

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All screenshots of maps found on this page are sourced from Google in accordance with fair use. All rights to such screenshots lie with the specific platform, and their use is solely for informational or guidance purposes.

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