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

London Westminster AbbeyPlan Your Visit

Westminster Abbey is an important monument for the British Royal family. Ever since Christmas Day in 1066, every British Monarch has been crowned at the Westminster Abbey. The abbey is an important and symbolic attraction that is worth visiting for all travelers. If you’re planning to visit Westminster Abbey, here’s everything that you will need to know.

Westminster Abbey at a glance

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.

Westminster Abbey Tickets

3 hr. - 4 hr.

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Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Guided Tour

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Flexible duration

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Combo (Save 5%): Westminster Abbey + Tower of London Tickets

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Combo (Save 5%): Westminster Abbey + St. Paul's Cathedral Entry Tickets

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Westminster Abbey opening hours

Timings: 9:30am to 3:30pm (Monday to Friday) and 9am to 3pm (Saturday)

Closed on: Religious holidays, December 23 to 25, and Sundays. On Sundays, the abbey is only open for prayer service.

Best time to visit: Morning hours are the most peaceful for a serene visit.

Detailed Westminster Abbey opening times

Best time to visit Westminster Abbey

If you’re visiting Westminster Abbey without a group, it is best that you arrive when the abbey opens before tour groups enter. Once the tour groups enter, during late mornings and early afternoons, you would be hard-pressed to find a quiet moment in the abbey. You can also visit the abbey on Wednesdays when it is usually open till 6pm and also free from crowds.

It is also better to visit London between March and May in spring. The weather is relatively mild, and the abbey gardens will be green and in bloom. However, post-spring to summer is also a popular time to visit the city.

Westminster Abbey location

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

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Westminster Abbey is accessible by all kinds of public transport, including train, tube, and buses.

Directions to Westminster Abbey

Getting to Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a popular attraction in London and hundreds of visitors and tourists visit the abbey every day. As the abbey is well connected through public transport in London, we would suggest that you either take a bus or a tube to Westminster Abbey.

The nearest underground stations are Westminster and St James Park, each about five minutes away from the abbey.

The nearest train stations are Waterloo and Victoria, each less than a 20-minute walk away from the abbey.

Take bus numbers 11, 24, 88, 148, or 211 and get down at the entrance of Westminster Abbey. Route numbers 3, 12, 53, 53X, 87, 88, 109, 159, and 453 stop close to the abbey as well.

The closest car park is on Great College Street, a three-minute walk from the abbey. There are also other private parking facilities within walking distance.

Get directions to Westminster Abbey

Know before you go to Westminster Abbey

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.

It is recommended that you wear comfortable footwear when visiting the abbey as many of the steps and floor are uneven.
While there is no specific dress code to be followed when visiting the abbey, you should show respect and dress modestly. Gentlemen will be expected to remove their hats when they are inside the abbey.
It may be quite chilly in the abbey, so remember to dress in layers.

Storage facility: You cannot carry large luggage items and backpacks into the abbey. Luggage storage facilities are available at Excess Baggage Company at Charing Cross or Victoria stations, both at walking distance from the abbey.
Toilets: Toilets are located in the Cloisters, including the wheelchair-accessible ones.
Baby-changing areas: Baby-changing facilities are also available at the Cloisters. You can approach the Abbey staff if you need help finding one.
Refreshments: You can get light snacks from the kiosk facility at the abbey.
Gift shop: There is a shop inside the abbey where you can buy souvenirs.

Wheelchair accessibility: Apart from some areas, Westminster Abbey is mostly wheelchair accessible. There is a ramp at the North Door for easier access for wheelchairs. You can also borrow a wheelchair at the abbey by approaching an Abbey Marshal upon your arrival.
Audio guides: An audio-described tour is available for the visually impaired.
Hearing loops: A hearing loop system is available throughout the abbey which is also used during services.
Signed tours: A British Sign Language guided tour is also available for the hearing-impaired. Printed transcripts of the tour are also available 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.

Westminster Abbey is a landmark church of great religious significance so remember to conduct yourself accordingly while visiting it.
Westminster Abbey does not have an official dress code. However, it is expected that visitors show respect and sensitivity and wear modest clothing. Please do not wear low-cut or sleeveless outfits, mini-skirts, shorts, or hats inside the abbey.
Bags bigger than 40x30x25 cm are not allowed inside the church.
Alcohol, drugs, and sharp objects are restricted at Westminster Abbey.
Video recording, flash photography, extra lighting, selfie sticks, and tripods are not permitted.
Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed inside the abbey. There are several cafes nearby if you want a meal before or after your visit.
Only service animals are allowed inside. Pets are not permitted.

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.
If you need any help during your visit, you can approach the Abbey staff.
Wheelchair users and their caregivers get free admission every day.
Wear comfortable shoes because the old stone floors can be uneven and you will be walking around a lot.

There are no parking facilities at Westminster Abbey.

The closest car park is at Great College Street, which is a three-minute walk away from Westminster Abbey.
Apart from this, there is a Q-Park Victoria on Arneway Street and a Waterloo Car Park on York Road.

Parking near Westminster Abbey

There are two shops available at Westminster Abbey, where you can buy tea, tapestries, gifts, and other spiritual items.

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

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Westminster Abbey shops

Cellarium Cafe & Terrace: Located at the end of the west Clositers, Cellarium Cafe offers an elegant eating experience. The restaurant has a gorgeous vaulted ceiling and provides a stunning view of Westminster Abbey. Make a quick pitstop for Afternoon Tea here.
The Red Lion (0.3 km): This cozy restaurant offers traditional British cuisine. Visit Fuller's Kitchen’s The Red Lion for delicious tavern food, and don't miss Fuller's London Pride pie!
Sapori (0.8 km): Sapori is an Italian high-end restaurant famous for authentic dishes like Spezzatino di Vitello (slow-cooked veal stew with mushrooms). Enjoy a good cocktail with a fine cigar!

Luxury hotels: The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place (from £214 | 770 m), Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment (from £226 | 930 m), London Marriott Hotel County Hall (from £368 | 590 m)
Mid-budget hotels: Best Western Corona Hotel (from £101 | 1.6 km), Park Plaza County Hall London (from £132 | 790 m), Novotel London Waterloo (from £138 | 790 m)
Budget hotels: The Walrus Bar & Hostel (from £36 | 900 m), London Waterloo Hostel (from £41 | 1.1 km), Colliers Hotel (from £46 | 1.4 km)

After you visit Westminster Abbey, you can also visit iconic landmarks close to it:

Churchill War Rooms (482 m): Delve into the heart of British wartime strategy at the Churchill War Rooms. Explore the secret underground bunker where Winston Churchill and his Cabinet made critical decisions that shaped the course of World War II.
London Dungeon (804 m): The London Dungeon is a thrilling and immersive experience that takes you on a journey through London's darkest history.
Shreks’ Adventure! London (804 m): Go on a hilarious and interactive adventure through the magical world of Far Far Away. Join Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and other beloved characters in this experience.
SEA Life London Aquarium (804 m): Dive into an underwater world at SEA Life London Aquarium and see sharks, rays, seahorses, and colorful tropical fish.
London Eye (965 m): Soar above the London skyline on the London Eye. Enjoy panoramic views of the city's famous landmarks, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament, from a unique bird's-eye perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Westminster Abbey

Can I visit Westminster Abbey for free?

Westminster Abbey provides free entry for attending services and individual prayer. However, if you want to visit Westminster Abbey for a tour, you will have to buy a ticket here.

Can I visit Westminster Abbey multiple times in one day with the same ticket?

Tickets generally allow single entry only, so plan to see everything in one visit.

Are guided tours available at Westminster Abbey?

Guided tours are available and highly recommended to make the most of your visit. They offer insights into the abbey’s history, architecture, and notable figures buried within.

What is the cancellation policy on my Westminster Abbey tickets?

Except for the Skip-the-Line Guided Tour and the Guided Tour with Changing of the Guard, your tickets cannot be canceled or rescheduled.

Are children allowed at Westminster Abbey?

Absolutely, children are welcome! There are also family-friendly audio guides to make the visit engaging for younger visitors.

What are some must-see highlights inside Westminster Abbey?

The Shrine of Edward the Confessor, the Royal Tombs, the Coronation Chair, and Poet’s Corner are all iconic features you won’t want to miss.