London Tickets
Tickets
English
GBP
Language
Currency

Plan Your Visit to Westminster Abbey | Timings, Facilities, Directions & More

Contents

Westminster Abbey is an important monument, not just for Christianity, but also for the British Royals. Ever since Christmas Day in 1066, every British Monarch has been crowned as the Westminster Abbey. The abbey is an important symbol that is worth exploring by every travel enthusiast. If you’re planning to visit Westminster Abbey, here’s everything that you will need to know. 

Westminster Abbey Opening Times

Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM)

Saturday: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (last entry at 1:00 PM)

Sunday: Open for services

As the abbey is a working church, it is possible that on some days there may be a relaxed opening with some areas closed off to the visitors. 

  • How long does a Westminster Abbey tour take?

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

Detailed Westminster Abbey Opening Times

What is the Best Time to Visit Westminster Abbey?

If you’re visiting Westminster Abbey as an individual, it is best that you arrive at the opening time before tour groups enter the abbey. On Wednesdays, the abbey is usually open till 6:00 PM. At this time, tour groups are not allowed inside the abbey so the building will be less crowded for you to freely explore. 

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

Westminster Abbey Ticket Prices

Westminster Abbey General Admission Tickets: £28.20

Westminster Abbey + St. Paul's Cathedral Tickets: £42.94

Westminster Abbey + Churchill War Rooms Tickets: £53.20

Golden Tours: 24Hrs London Hop On Hop Off & Westminster Abbey Tickets: £49

Afternoon Tea at Westminster Abbey & Magical Christmas Lights Tour: £125

How to Enter Westminster Abbey?

west door westminster abbey

Westminster Abbey Location

How to Get to Westminster Abbey?

visit 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 the public transport network in London, we would suggest that you either take a bus or a tube to Westminster Abbey. 

Many buses stop directly at the entrance or nearby the abbey and the two nearest tube stations are both about 5 minutes away by walk. You can also catch a train to Westminster Abbey, the closest stations being 15-20 minute walks away from the abbey. 

The abbey is also accessible by wheelchair and offers free entry to the disabled and their carers.

Getting to Westminster Abbey

visit westminster abbey by tube

By Tube

The nearest underground stations are Westminster and St James Park, each about five-minute walks from the abbey.

visit westminster abbey by train

By Train

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

visit westminster abbey by bus

By Bus

Catch route numbers 11, 24, 88, 148 and 211 to 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.

visit westminster abbey by car

By Car

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

What is Inside Westminster Abbey?

inside westminster abbey

Know Before You Go

Pre-Book Your Tickets
Dress-Code
Accessibility
Facilities
Parking
Shop
Food
Stay
Nearby
visit westminster abbey
visit westminster abbey
  • 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.
visit westminster abbey
  • 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 avail a wheelchair for use at the abbey. Approach an Abbey Marshal upon your arrival. 
  • Visually Impaired: An audio-described tour is available for the visually impaired. 
  • Hearing Impaired: A hearing loop system is available throughout the abbey which is also used during services. 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.
visit westminster abbey
  • Locker: You will not be allowed to 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 distances from the abbey.
  • Toilets: Toilets are located in the Cloisters, including the wheelchair accessible ones. 
  • Baby Changing Facilities: Baby changing facilities are also available at the Cloisters. You can approach the abbey staff if you need help finding one.  
  • Photography: Personal photography is allowed only in the church and the cloisters. However, make sure to use no flash. Photography is not prohibited during services.
London taxi
visit westminster abbey
visit westminster abbey

You can eat your packed food at the Cloisters. 

You can also get some light snacks and beverages at the Kiosk at Westminster Abbey.

visit westminster abbey

Budget Hotels: Safestay London Elephant & Castle, Generator London, St Christopher’s Inn Village

Mid-Range Hotels: Hotel Z Victoria, Belgrave Hotel London, Best Western

Luxury Hotels: Hilton London Tower, The Savoy Hotel, The London EDITION

visit westminster abbey

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

  • 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 of the Churchill War Rooms and get a glimpse of life during WWII.

Buy Your Westminster Abbey Tickets

Westminster Abbey Tickets
Instant Confirmation
3 hr.
More details
Go City London Explorer Pass: Choose 2 to 7 Attractions
Free Cancellation
Extended Validity
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
More details
Go City London All-Inclusive Pass: 80 Attractions
Free Cancellation
Extended Validity
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
More details
Westminster Abbey and St Pauls Cathedral
Instant Confirmation
Flexible Duration
Audio Guide
Guided Tour
More details
Guided Tour of Westminster Abbey with Changing of the Guard & Optional Visit to Buckingham Palace
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Guided Tour
More details
Guided Bus Tour of Royal London & Westminster Abbey Visit with Afternoon Tea
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
6 hr.
Guided Tour
More details

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 Visiting Westminster Abbey

Q. Can I visit Westminster Abbey for free?

A. 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. 

Q. Where can I buy tickets to visit Westminster Abbey?

A. You can easily buy online tickets for Westminster Abbey here

Q. How can I enter Westminster Abbey?

A. There are two doors at Westminster Abbey, the North Door and the West Door. You can show your ticket at either of these entrances to enter Westminster Abbey.

Q. What is the best time to visit Westminster Abbey?

A. If you want to explore the abbey while avoiding crowds, then it is better that you come right after the abbey opens in the morning. You can also visit the abbey on Wednesdays when it is usually open till 6 PM and also free from crowds.

Q. How long does it take to tour Westminster Abbey?

A. The tour of the entire Westminster Abbey could take you anywhere between 90 minutes to two hours.

Q. What are the different ways I can visit Westminster Abbey?

A. Westminster Abbey is well connected with all the public transports in London. You can either catch a bus, a tube, a train, or even drive yourself to easily reach the abbey.

Q. Is there parking available at Westminster Abbey?

A. Westminster Abbey doesn’t offer parking, but you can find other parking facilities nearby that are only a few minutes away from the abbey. 

Q. What is the best way to get to Westminster Abbey?

Since Westminster Abbey is well connected to both buses and tubes, it is better that you catch either of these which will take you directly to Westminster Abbey or drop you close nearby. 

Q. What is the cancellation policy on my Westminster Abbey tickets?

A. Unfortunately, once you buy your Westminster Abbey tickets, they cannot be cancelled, amended or rescheduled.