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From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Gayle Dadekian
US

Gayle

United States
Aug 2025
5/5
review-image
Our guide , Adrian, was amazing. Very informative and animated- he held our grandson's attention. We learned so much history . The tour was at a great pace for all 3 generations in our group.
Joseph Michael Mayer
US

Joseph

United States
Jul 2025
5/5
review-image
My family discovered my 13th great grandfather was buried in Westminster Abbey so we visited today and found where he and his wife are buried. His name was Sir Giles Daubeny. We appreciate the assistance from one of attendants there to help us find his burial spot. We are overwhelmed with this finding!
Fenita Villaveces
ES

Fenita

Spain
Jul 2025
5/5
review-image
The queue is exceptionally well organized; if you arrive around the time on tyour ticket, you will inmediately be let in. The crowd is a bit much, making walking thorugh the narrow spaces sometimes complicated and not leaving enough time to view special corners like the tombs of Queens Mary and Elizabeth. The audioguide is ok, but could be better if it dealt more in depth with historic questions (perhaps and additional chapter for those interested?) Walking into the abbey is like walking into history itself and being able to relieve it from the present. All this is a bit lost because of the size of the crowd and the way they sometimes behave (as an example: I saw a family happily walk over the memorial stone for Churchill at the exit, not because the were not paying attention to where they went, but because they made a point out of it and filmed each and every member doing it)
Nathan Crago
AU

Nathan

Australia
Jul 2025
4/5
review-image
I really enjoyed the early entry and refreshments to start the day. I felt we got a head start on the crowds. Our guide was knowledgeable and managed to keep the tour engaging and on schedule.
Gervasio Parente
DE

Gervasio

Germany
Jul 2025
5/5
That's what we needed: I think that paying the single ticket isn't sometime worthy for some attraction but the London ticket prices was fair enough.
Abdulaziz Albassam
SA

Abdulaziz

Saudi Arabia
Apr 2025
5/5
The pass allowed for spontaneous planning and enabled easy access to multiple locations through one ticket. I loved the variety of options and how clear the instructions were.
Robert Eng
US

Robert

United States
Sep 2024
4/5
We chose 3 because we only had 1 day. It was great because it did not require reservations for Westminster Abbey which was sold out for the day.
Oliver Nash
GB

Oliver

United Kingdom
Aug 2024
5/5
The exhibition was phenomenal. Well worthy of a trip to London. 5 stars Like nothing we have ever seen before Great value as well Best wishes Oliver Nash Author of The Primate Puzzle

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Westminster Abbey guided tours aren’t just about old stones and royal ghosts (though there are plenty). Get the real stories—coronations, scandals, and legendary figures—all told by guides who know every hidden detail inside this 1,000-year-old masterpiece.

Why choose a guided tour of Westminster Abbey?

Tourists listening to a guide inside Westminster Abbey, London.

Enjoy the company of an accredited Blue Badge guide

Tour the Abbey with a certified Blue Badge guide, trained in British history and storytelling. Many guides are multilingual and know the hidden details that most visitors miss.

Visitor in coat and scarf outside Westminster Abbey, London.

Get priority access and minimize your waiting

Some guided tours include priority access, helping you bypass the ticket queue and head straight inside. More time to take in the architecture, less time managing logistics.

Tomb inside Westminster Abbey with stained glass windows in the background.

See more in less time

In just 1.5 to 2 hours, visit key areas including the Coronation Chair, Poets’ Corner, and the Royal Tombs. A structured route ensures you won’t miss anything essential.

Medieval mural depicting a coronation scene at Westminster Abbey.

Learn the stories behind the stones

From royal coronations to wartime resilience, your guide brings the Abbey’s history to life with fascinating stories, context, and interactive moments that turn facts into memories.

Westminster Abbey's Great West Door with visitors in London.

Engaging and interactive experience

Your guide encourages questions and participation, whether you're curious about a specific monarch or want to understand how Westminster fits into British tradition today.

What to expect on a guided tour of Westminster Abbey?

Westminster Abbey facade in London, ideal for family tours.
High Altar at Westminster Abbey with ornate gold detailing and religious artwork.
Tomb monument inside Westminster Abbey, featuring intricate carvings and Latin inscriptions.
Westminster Abbey Poets' Corner with intricate memorials and sculptures.
Cloisters of Westminster Abbey with vaulted ceilings and visitors exploring.
Westminster Abbey shop entrance with stained glass window in background.
1/6

Meet your expert guide and enter with ease

Your guide will meet you at the designated meeting point near the North Door or the ticket office. With your tickets sorted in advance, you'll pass through security and enter without delays. Your guide will then begin the story of this 1000-year-old institution right from the nave.

Start with the heart of royal ceremonies

Begin at the Quire and High Altar, where monarchs are crowned and major state events are held. Your guide will explain how the Coronation Chair, used since 1308, plays a central role in royal tradition and British identity.

Explore the royal tombs and chapels

Wander through the Lady Chapel and Henry VII’s Chapel, burial sites of monarchs including Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. Hear the dramatic histories that led them here and the symbolism built into their resting places.

Step into the literary legacy of Poets’ Corner

Enter the Abbey’s most iconic memorial area, where figures like Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Dickens are honored. Your guide connects each person to the larger story of Britain’s artistic and intellectual heritage.

See hidden corners and historic artefacts

Some tours include quieter sections like the Chapter House or the Cloisters, where monks once studied and worshipped. These spaces offer a more reflective moment and a deeper look at Westminster’s monastic roots.

Wrap up and explore at your own pace

The tour typically ends in the Cloisters or by the Abbey shop. You're welcome to stay inside the Abbey afterward to revisit areas or browse the museum and gift shop at your leisure.

Westminster Abbey guided tour vs self-guided tour

Guided tours

  • Expert-led experience: A guide brings Westminster Abbey’s history to life with wild royal tales, hidden gems, and all the juicy details you’d miss solo.
  • Skip the long lines: No wasting time in endless queues! Your guide gets you straight in so you can enjoy the Abbey, not just its entrance.
  • Hidden spots unlocked: Some tours take you beyond the usual route—think secret chapels, historic chambers, and epic views most visitors never see.
  • All your questions answered: Have you ever wondered how they clean medieval stained glass? Or who’s got the fanciest tomb? Ask away because your guide’s got the answers!

Self-guided tours

  • Go at your own pace: Linger over Poets’ Corner, speed past the tombs—your visit, your rules. No schedule, just pure Abbey appreciation.
  • Explore your interests: Whether you’re here for royal history, architecture, or just cool old stuff, you decide what deserves your full attention.
  • Soak in the atmosphere: With no tour group, you can take your time, find a quiet spot, and appreciate the Abbey’s beauty without distractions.
  • Budget-friendly flexibility: No need to book in advance or follow a strict itinerary—grab a ticket, walk in, and explore whenever it suits you.

Highlights covered on the tour

Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey with red drapery backdrop.

Coronation Chair

See the chair used at every English coronation since 1308, housed near the High Altar and guarded behind glass.

Sculptures and tomb in Poet's Corner, Westminster Abbey, London.
Tomb inside Westminster Abbey with ornate columns and detailed carvings.
Henry VII Lady Chapel interior with ornate ceiling and colorful heraldic banners.
Ornate choir stalls with golden detailing at Westminster Abbey, London.

Things to keep in mind when you go on a tour

Walking tour in nature with close-up of sneakers on a path.
  • Bring a printed or digital tour confirmation and carry a valid photo ID if you’ve booked a discounted or concession ticket type.
  • You’ll be on your feet for most of the tour, so wear comfortable shoes that support walking on uneven or sometimes slippery stone flooring.
  • The Abbey can feel quite cool inside, even in summer, so pack a light jacket or scarf if you’re sensitive to cold indoor spaces.
  • Only small day bags are allowed inside, and security checks are strict, so leave bulky backpacks, tripods, and large items at your hotel.
Books on a shelf at Westminster Abbey shop, including works by Shakespeare.
  • Washroom: Restrooms are located near the Cloisters and the main entrance, so it’s best to use them before the tour begins, as breaks aren’t guaranteed.
  • Restaurant: The Cellarium Café serves hot meals, cakes, and drinks, making it a good option if you’re arriving early or want to relax afterward.
  • Gift shop: The Abbey gift shop near the exit stocks souvenirs, historical guides, and religious gifts and it is absolutely worth visiting once your tour ends and you’re free to browse.
No pets, smoking, or outside food signs against blue sky.
  • Respect the space: Westminster Abbey is an active place of worship. Please speak quietly, dress modestly, and avoid touching memorials, sculptures, or sacred objects during your visit.
  • Mind the tombs: Many areas contain burial sites. Please do not walk on graves, especially the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, and avoid physical contact with tombs or memorials.
  • Bring a valid ID: All visitors should carry an accepted form of identification. Guests under 17 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the visit.
  • Food and drinks not allowed: Eating and drinking is only permitted in designated areas like the café. You won’t be allowed to bring snacks or drinks into the Abbey itself.
  • Photography policy: You can take photos for personal use inside the Abbey and Cloisters, but flash, video recording, tripods, and selfie sticks are strictly prohibited.
  • Service animal policy: Only registered assistance dogs are allowed inside the Abbey. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted.
  • Bag restrictions: Any bags larger than 40cm x 30cm x 25cm are not allowed inside. It’s best to leave large items at your hotel or accommodation.
Westminster Abbey and surrounding buildings in London during exclusive tour.
  • Arrive 15-20 minutes early so you have enough time for security screening and can easily find your guide before the group departs.
  • Ask your guide about the best photo spots. Some areas, like the Quire stalls and Lady Chapel ceiling, offer incredible views that are often missed.
  • Mention any specific interests, like royal history or architecture, at the start; many guides will adjust commentary slightly to match your focus.
  • If you’re sensitive to sound, bring basic earplugs, because the Abbey acoustics can amplify other groups’ noise, especially during busy morning slots.
  • If your tour ends near the Cloisters, ask your guide if the College Garden is open. It's peaceful, free to visit, and often overlooked.

Frequently Asked Questions about Westminster Abbey guided tours

Is the tour suitable for kids?

Yes, guided tours can be engaging for children aged 8 and up. Some guides offer family-focused formats with storytelling elements. The Abbey’s mix of kings, queens, poets, and knights often captures young imaginations.

What happens if I’m late?

Arriving more than 10 minutes late may mean you miss your group, especially for skip-the-line tours. Private guides can sometimes adjust timing, but it's best to arrive early and allow time for security checks.

How much walking is involved?

Expect to walk and stand for about 90 minutes. Seating is limited inside the Abbey, but there are a few rest stops in the Cloisters and side chapels. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I explore on my own after the tour?

Yes, once your guided tour ends, you're welcome to stay and explore at your own pace until closing time. You can revisit areas, stop by the café, or browse the gift shop.

Can I access the Houses of Parliament with this tour?

Not on all tours. If you want to visit the Parliament, choose a combo tour that explicitly includes both sites. Access to the Palace of Westminster requires its own booking or combo ticket.

What’s the difference between a private tour and a small-group tour?

Private tours are tailored entirely to you and your group, with flexible timing and pacing. Small-group tours follow a set route but allow for some interaction and questions in a more social format.

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