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Westminster Abbey entrances | A detailed guide on how to access the attraction

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TL;DR: Which entrance should you use at Westminster Abbey?

  • Shortest queues (most days): Main visitor entrance with a pre-booked timed ticket or guide-led priority entry
  • Skip-the-line: Main visitor entrance via guide-led or priority group entry
  • Timed tickets: Main visitor entrance on the west side
  • Guided tours meet here: Main west-side visitor entrance area; follow the meeting details on your Headout ticket
  • Wheelchair access: North Door, using the step-free route and staff-managed access
  • Everyone goes through security screening
  • → Jump to Choose the best entrance for you

For visitor planning, Westminster Abbey has 2 main access points to remember: the west-side main visitor entrance for sightseeing visits, and the North Door for step-free access. Worshippers attending services are usually admitted separately from the sightseeing queue, typically via the Abbey’s west front. The Abbey sits by Broad Sanctuary and Parliament Square, and tickets are required for sightseeing visits. We’ll help you pick the right one.

Map of entrances

Map of Westminster Abbey entrances, including the west-side main visitor entrance and the North Door step-free access point.

Book Westminster Abbey tickets - Ticket → Entrance mapping

TicketUse this entranceSkips the ticket line?Notes

Westminster Abbey Tickets

Main visitor entrance (timed-entry line)

Yes (ticket desk line), No for security

Includes entry to the Abbey and the onsite multimedia guide

Westminster Abbey Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry

Main visitor entrance via guide-led or priority group entry

Yes (public ticket line), No for security

Includes a professional English-speaking Blue Badge guide

Westminster Abbey Guided Tour with Changing of the Guard

Main visitor entrance via guide-led priority entry

Yes (public ticket line), No for security

Small-group tour with licensed English-speaking guide

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Guided Tour

Main visitor entrance or priority group entry, depending on option booked

Often (priority group entry on eligible options), No for security

Some options include a guided Abbey tour; check your booked variant before arrival

Westminster Abbey + London Eye Tickets

Main visitor entrance (timed-entry line)

Yes (ticket desk line), No for security

Your Abbey entry remains a standard timed visit with multimedia guide

Combo (Save 6%): Westminster Abbey + Tower of London Tickets

Main visitor entrance (timed-entry line)

Yes (ticket desk line), No for security

Westminster Abbey portion includes timed entry and multimedia guide

Choose the best entrance for you

Main visitor entrance

  • Location: Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA
  • How to spot: The Abbey’s west front facing Parliament Square, with the twin towers and main public queue area • [Maps pin]
  • Best for: Westminster Abbey Tickets, timed online tickets, same-day sightseeing visitors, combo ticket holders, and most guide-led priority bookings
  • Accessibility: This is not the best route if you need step-free access; use the North Door instead
  • Pro tip: If you booked Westminster Abbey Tickets or a combo that includes Abbey entry, open your mobile ticket before you reach security. Standard visitors can face the longest waits here on busy mornings, while guided or priority products can save about 60–90 mins versus the public line in peak periods
  • CTA: Book Westminster Abbey Tickets or Westminster Abbey Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry

This is the entrance most first-time visitors need. If you’re arriving from Westminster Underground station, it’s the most direct approach: come out toward Parliament Square, keep the Abbey in front of you, and head for the west-side visitor line. It’s also the right choice for visitors using Westminster Abbey Tickets, combo tickets that include Abbey admission, and most paid sightseeing experiences sold on Headout.

North Door

  • Location: North side of Westminster Abbey, near North Green, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA
  • How to spot: A staff-managed side entrance on the north flank of the Abbey rather than the main west-front sightseeing queue • [Maps pin]
  • Best for: Wheelchair users, visitors who need step-free entry, stroller users, visitors using guide dogs, and anyone who wants the Abbey’s accessible route from the start
  • Accessibility: Step-free access is provided here; the nave floor is mostly level, the cloisters offer an accessible exit route, accessible restrooms are in the cloisters, and a lift serves the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries. Some smaller chapels still have 1–2 steps. Braille support and a hearing loop system are available, and wheelchairs can be loaned subject to availability
  • Pro tip: If you need the accessible route, head straight here instead of joining the west-side line first. It saves a mid-queue redirect and makes arrival much smoother
  • CTA: Book Westminster Abbey Tickets

The North Door is the practical choice if mobility matters more than the most obvious approach. Westminster Abbey is only partially accessible, so using the correct entrance makes a real difference. This is the step-free route to know if you’re traveling with a wheelchair, stroller, or walking aid, or if long waits in the main public queue would be difficult.

Accessible entrances at Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey does have an accessible way in, but it’s important to use the North Door rather than the main west-side visitor entrance.

  • Step-free entrance: Use the North Door for wheelchair-friendly access
  • Inside the Abbey: The nave floor is mostly level, and the cloisters provide an accessible exit route
  • Upper level access: A lift serves the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries
  • Facilities: Accessible restrooms are in the cloisters
  • Support features: The Abbey offers Braille support and a hearing loop system
  • Guide dogs: Welcome
  • Wheelchairs: Available on loan, subject to availability
  • Ticket support: The venue provides free tickets for disabled individuals

Do keep expectations realistic: Westminster Abbey is a historic building, so some smaller chapels still have 1–2 steps and not every area is fully level. If you’re booking a guided experience, check whether that specific tour is suitable for wheelchair users before you choose it — some guided products in the Headout inventory are not fully accessible, even though the Abbey itself has an accessible route.

For official planning details, use Westminster Abbey’s accessibility guidance before your visit: [Official accessibility guide]

Navigation between entrances

If you reach the main west-side visitor entrance but need step-free access, follow the Abbey’s outer edge toward the north side and enter through the North Door instead. If you’re coming from Westminster Tube for a sightseeing visit, stay on the Broad Sanctuary/Parliament Square side and head to the west front first. Worshippers should join the service entrance line, not the sightseeing queue.

Security, bags & re-entry

  • Expect airport-style security screening at entry
  • Large bags, suitcases, backpacks, and rucksacks aren’t allowed inside
  • Prohibited items include alcohol, food and beverages, drones, sharp metallic objects, weapons, whistles, banners, flags, and political slogans
  • Flash photography is prohibited inside the Abbey
  • Westminster Abbey is a place of worship, so modest dress is recommended
  • Re-entry is not allowed once you exit

Frequently asked questions about Westminster Abbey entrances

Use the main visitor entrance on the west side of the Abbey. That’s the standard arrival point for most timed sightseeing tickets, including Westminster Abbey Tickets and combo products that include Abbey admission.

More reads

About Westminster Abbey

Learn the history, layout, and major highlights before your visit.

Best time to visit Westminster Abbey

Plan around crowd levels, timings, and the best visiting windows.

What to see at Westminster Abbey

Discover the must-see tombs, chapels, and galleries inside the Abbey.

Getting to Westminster Abbey

Compare Tube, bus, walking, and nearby arrival routes for a smoother visit.