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Plan your visit to Westminster Abbey | Timings, facilities, directions & more

Planning a visit to Westminster Abbey? Here’s everything you need to know before you go. From ticket tips and opening times to dress codes and quiet hours, this guide covers it all so you can enjoy a smooth, well-prepared experience at one of London’s most iconic historic sites.

Westminster Abbey at a glance

visit westminster abbey
  • What are Westminster Abbey’s opening hours?

Monday to Friday - 9:30am to 3:30pm, Saturday - 9am to 3pm, Sunday - Open for services.

  • Where is Westminster Abbey located?

Westminster Abbey is located at Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom. Get directions.

  • How long does a Westminster Abbey tour take?

It takes about 90 minutes to two hours to explore the entirety of Westminster Abbey.

  • How many entrances does Westminster Abbey have?

Westminster Abbey has three entrances: the Great West Door, the North Door, and the North Entrance.

What are the Westminster Abbey opening hours

  • Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 3.30pm
  • Saturday: 9.00am to 3.00pm
  • Sunday: Closed to visitors, open only for worship

Please note that opening hours may vary on special occasions or for scheduled services. When booking online, you’ll be able to choose your preferred date and time.

  • Closure dates: Westminster Abbey is closed on 6 December and 24 to 25 December.
  • Recommended visit duration: Most visitors spend 90 minutes to two hours inside. If you're joining a guided tour or planning to see key areas like Poets' Corner and the Lady Chapel, allow at least two hours.

Best time to visit Westminster Abbey

  • Best days to visit: Tuesdays to Thursdays usually mean fewer visitors. With less foot traffic, you can explore the Abbey’s historic spaces at your own pace without feeling rushed or crowded.
  • Best season to go: Spring brings milder weather and blooming gardens around the Abbey. It’s the perfect time to combine indoor highlights with a peaceful walk through nearby floral paths.
  • Best for special events: From royal weddings to Christmas Evensong, the Abbey hosts remarkable events. Check the official schedule to plan your visit around these unique and meaningful occasions.
  • Best time with kids: Try weekday mornings when it’s calmer and easier to manage little ones. Family-friendly activities and storytelling tours help keep kids interested while learning something new.
  • Best for a quiet visit: Wednesday evenings offer extended hours until 6pm with fewer tour groups. The peaceful setting is ideal for those wanting reflection and space to take it all in.

Westminster Abbey location

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

​Find on Maps

Westminster Abbey is located in central London, next to the Houses of Parliament and close to the River Thames, surrounded by historic landmarks, leafy squares, and key government buildings.

Closest landmark: Palace of Westminster (16m)

Directions to Westminster Abbey

Getting to Westminster Abbey

Man with backpack standing at a train station as a train passes by.

By public transportation

  • By underground: The nearest station is Westminster, served by the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines. The Abbey is just a three-minute walk from the station exit.
  • By bus: Several routes stop near the Abbey, including 11, 24, 88, 148, and 211. Most buses stop along Victoria Street or Parliament Square, just a short walk away.
Visitor in coat and scarf outside Westminster Abbey, London.

By self

  • By car: Driving in central London can be challenging, and Westminster Abbey falls within the Congestion Charge Zone. The nearest car park is Q-Park Westminster, roughly a five-minute walk from the Abbey.
  • On foot: From Trafalgar Square, it’s a pleasant 10-minute walk down Whitehall and past Big Ben. If you’re coming from Victoria Station, the Abbey is about 15 minutes on foot.

Know before you go to Westminster Abbey

Visitors exploring the ornate interior of Westminster Abbey, London.

You can enter the Westminster Abbey from one of the three entrances:

  • The Great West Door: This is the main entrance for the public
  • The North Door: This is for the guests who are visiting clergy or have a Church pass
  • The North Entrance: This entrance is opposite the Parliament Square

You will need to buy a ticket to take a tour of Westminster Abbey. However, you can enter for free if you wish to pray or attend a service. As Westminster Abbey is a working church, there may be some days when the abbey is closed or some portions are unavailable for visits. Make sure that you buy your tickets beforehand to ensure entry into the monument.

visit westminster abbey
  • Toilets: Restrooms are available in the Cloisters, including accessible facilities for wheelchair users.
  • Baby changing facilities: Baby changing stations are also located in the Cloisters. As they may be a bit of a walk from some areas, feel free to ask Abbey staff for the quickest route.
  • Audio guides: Complimentary audio guides are included with your ticket and available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese, Polish, and Hungarian.
visit westminster abbey
  • Wheelchair access: Most areas of Westminster Abbey are accessible by wheelchair, though a few historic sections may be difficult to reach. Step-free entry is available at the North Door via a ramp.
  • Assistance dogs: Guide dogs, hearing dogs, and other registered assistance animals are welcome throughout the Abbey. Other pets are not permitted.
  • Wheelchair availability: Visitors can borrow a wheelchair on-site. Just speak to an Abbey Marshal upon arrival and they will assist you.
  • For visitors with vision impairments: An audio-described tour is available for those with visual impairments, offering detailed narration of key features throughout the Abbey.
  • For visitors with hearing impairments: A hearing loop system is in place throughout the Abbey and is used during services and events for clearer sound.
  • British sign language tour: A BSL-guided tour is available, along with printed transcripts of the audio tour in 14 languages for those who prefer reading assistance.
Dress code guidelines for visiting SplashMania.
  • General advice: Westminster Abbey is a place of worship, so visitors are expected to dress modestly. Shoulders should be covered, and low-cut tops, short skirts, shorts, and flip-flops are not allowed.
  • Hats: All visitors must remove their hats while inside the Abbey as a sign of respect.
  • Footwear: Wear comfortable, flat shoes for your visit. The Abbey has uneven floors and stone steps, so high heels are best avoided.
No dogs allowed sign at Berjaya Times Square Theme Park entrance.
  • Respectful conduct: Westminster Abbey is an active place of worship. Please speak quietly, dress modestly, and avoid touching any statues, memorials, or decorative features.
  • Tomb etiquette: Keep a respectful distance from burial sites. Do not step on graves, especially the Unknown Warrior’s tomb. St. Edward’s tomb and the Wesley memorial are strictly off-limits.
  • ID requirements: Carry valid photo identification. All visitors under 17 must be accompanied by an adult throughout their visit.
  • Food and drink: Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the Abbey, except in clearly marked designated areas.
  • Photography policy: Personal photography is allowed in the church and cloisters, but flash, tripods, selfie sticks, and video recording are not. No photos may be taken during services.
  • Animals: Pets are not allowed inside. Only registered guide dogs and assistance animals may enter the Abbey.
  • Bag restrictions: Bags must not exceed 40 x 30 x 25 cm. Larger items cannot be brought inside and cannot be stored on-site.
Westminster Abbey shop entrance with stained glass window in background.

Westminster Abbey has two fantastic shops for anyone interested in history, royal keepsakes, or unique gifts. The Main Shop, open to all without a ticket, and the Cellarium Shop, located inside the Abbey, offer everything from books and jewellery to medieval-inspired souvenirs. Every purchase directly supports the Abbey’s preservation and daily operations.

Westminster Abbey shops
Salad with avocado, arugula, and tomatoes at The Salad Kitchen, London street food.

At Westminster Abbey

  • Cellarium Café and Terrace: Located within the Abbey grounds, this café serves breakfast, lunch, drinks, and classic afternoon tea in a peaceful, historic setting.
  • Abbey Kiosk: Grab a quick bite or drink at the kiosk offering sandwiches, waffles, hot dogs, cakes, muffins, and fresh coffee—perfect for a casual break.

Nearby options

  • The Pem: Enjoy an elevated twist on British cuisine with dishes like lion’s mane mushrooms, poached Cornish cod, and roast sirloin in a stylish setting.
  • The Bay and Bracket Victoria: A lively pub serving hearty fare including triple threat burgers, avocado pesto salad, and pizzanova dough balls. Ideal for relaxed dining.
  • The Quilon: Michelin-starred and full of flavor, this spot serves standout southwest Indian dishes like seafood moilee, Malabar lamb biryani, and crispy okra.
Choir singing from sheet music at Westminster Abbey.
  • Beat the crowds: Get there right at opening or swing by in the late afternoon. It's the best way to enjoy Poets’ Corner or the tombs without elbow-to-elbow traffic.
  • Bring your own earphones: The free multimedia guide is super handy, but communal headsets? Not the vibe. Bring your own wired earphones for a cleaner, comfier experience.
  • Check the Abbey website last-minute: State events can lead to surprise closures, so give the official site a quick peek the night before. It saves disappointment and wasted travel.
  • Shoes matter more than you think: Go for comfy and quiet shoes. Stone floors echo like crazy, and you’ll be on your feet, shuffling slowly, more than you’d expect.
  • Want to attend Evensong?: Arrive early to snag a spot near the Choir stalls. The acoustics there are magical, and it’s one of the most atmospheric parts of the Abbey.
  • Jubilee Galleries need pre-booking: These galleries are breathtaking but have limited entry. If you’re keen on those high-up views from the triforium, grab tickets in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Westminster Abbey

Can I enter Westminster Abbey again after exiting during my visit?

No, re-entry is not permitted. Once you leave the Abbey grounds, your ticket becomes invalid for further entry, so make sure you’ve seen everything before heading out.

Are there lockers or a cloakroom to store bags or coats?

There are no cloakrooms or locker facilities inside the Abbey, so pack light. Bags larger than 40 x 30 x 25 cm aren’t allowed inside.

What’s the latest time I can enter before closing?

The last entry is typically 60 minutes before closing time, but it’s best to arrive at least 90 minutes before to fully enjoy the visit without rushing.

Are there places to sit down inside the Abbey if I get tired?

Seating is limited, but there are a few benches and resting spots, particularly in the Nave and Cloisters. Staff can assist if you need somewhere to rest.

Are there any days when the Poets’ Corner or Lady Chapel is not accessible?

Yes, certain sections may be closed off for services, choir rehearsals, or maintenance. Staff at the entrance will let you know what’s open on the day.

Are there any special services I can attend without a ticket?

Yes, regular daily services like Evensong and Morning Prayer are free and open to all. Seating is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is the Abbey open during UK public holidays?

The Abbey is open on most public holidays, but hours may change. It's usually closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day, and sometimes for royal or state events.

What happens if it rains? Will my visit be affected?

The entire visit is indoors or covered, so rain won’t disrupt your plans. However, if you’re joining a service or visiting nearby gardens, bring an umbrella just in case.

Can I visit the Abbey as part of a combined London pass or attraction bundle?

Yes, the Abbey is included in several city passes. Be sure to check if your pass covers the main Abbey visit or only general entry without extras like the Galleries.

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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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