Discover the rich historical tapestry at Westminster Abbey, an architectural masterpiece and chronicle of British heritage. It’s the centrepiece of every royal ceremony, at the heart of London in the City of Westminster. With roots dating back to 960 AD, the Abbey has hosted coronations, weddings and burials since 1066 (nearly 1,000 years)!
Ready to explore everything Westminster Abbey has to offer? You’ll find all you need to know here.
Things to see and do at Westminster Abbey
Around 1.1 million people visit Westminster Abbey annually, and for good reason! Seeing a building that’s been called a wonder of the world is reason enough to visit, but there’s plenty more inside.
The Abbey isn’t only decorated with religious imagery. Beyond the usual statues and scriptures are stained glass windows depicting engineers and scientists at work. Look out for dedications to the Royal Army Medical Corps and British prisoners of war who lost their lives in World War I.
Tickets
Admission to Westminster Abbey is ticketed, allowing access to the Abbey’s main attractions. Tickets bought online double as annual passes, so you can visit three times for the price of one.
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|
| Adults |
£29 |
| Students and over 65s |
£26 |
| Children |
£13 |
| Under 5s |
Free |
For more information, visit the Westminster Abbey ticket site.
Poets’ Corner
Entering the Abbey, you’re walking in the footsteps of monarchs and literary giants. It’s the final resting place of Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters and Sir Isaac Newton (quite the lineup!).
Literature lovers travel far and wide to visit plaques in Poets’ Corner dedicated to their favourite artists. The tradition is still recognised today, with modern greats like Ted Hughes, C.S. Lewis and Philip Larkin (the most recent inductee, memorialised in 2016) all buried there.
Coronation Chair
The Coronation Chair is marked by nearly 800 years of royal history and 39 coronation ceremonies from Henry IV to King Charles III. It’s one of the world’s most iconic pieces of furniture, and the UK’s oldest chair is still used for its original purpose. Discover the chair’s royal significance and decorative symbolism at Westminster Abbey.
The Lady Chapel
The Lady Chapel was commissioned by Henry VII in 1503, costing £14,000 (more than £12 million today!). But you’d never believe it was built over 500 years ago.
Half a century has passed, but the gold fan-vaulted ceiling remains spectacular, the tallest in the UK. It’s a marvel of medieval architecture, featuring 95 saintly statues and the tombs of 15 monarchs.
Royal Tombs
It’s not just literary figures; since 1066, 30 monarchs have been buried at Westminster Abbey. The first was King Edward the Confessor, whose spectacular tomb towers behind the High Alter. Discover Britain’s history through the royal tombs, learning about Henry V’s Battle of Agincourt and King George II’s Battle of Dettingen (the last monarch to fight alongside his soldiers and the last buried in the Abbey).
The Weston Tower
The Weston Tower is a wonder of Purbeck marble, Portland stone, and Kentish ragstone, with bronze and lead features. It was completed in 2018, a rare new addition to the Abbey’s architecture but no less impressive than the rest. Admire views over the Palace of Westminster and the Chapter House as you ascend to the Galleries.
The Galleries
Climbing the Weston Tower, 52 feet above the Abbey’s floor, you arrive at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries. The medieval triforium was recently opened to the public for the first time in 700 years. Crowds gather to see 300 treasures, including England’s oldest altarpiece, the 14th-century Libar Regalis manuscript detailing the Coronation Service, and the Prince and Princess of Wales’s marriage certificate. Entrance to the Galleries is ticketed.
The Galleries admission fees:
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| Adults |
£5 |
| Children (under 17) |
Free |
Guided tours
Discover distant history close-up on a thousand-year tour of Westminster Abbey. The Abbey’s vergers lead its guided tours, promising unparalleled insights. Each lasts around 90 minutes, leading you through exclusive areas (like Edward the Confessor’s shrine) that aren’t accessible with general admission.
Tours run Monday to Saturday. Tickets can’t be purchased online, so book your slot on arrival.
Guided tour admission fees:
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|
| Adults |
£10 |
| Students at over 65s |
£6 |
| Children (6-17) |
£6 |
| Under 5s |
Free |
Things to do near Westminster Abbey
There are plenty of things to do nearby once you’ve explored the Abbey. Stroll along the Thames, soaking up the sights, towards the London Eye, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views over London Or make your way to Buckingham Palace for a tour of the State Rooms. South Bank Centre has some of the best exhibitions in London and, if you’re feeling peckish, the neighbouring food market is one of the best in the city.
Tips for enjoying Westminster Abbey
- Know when to visit – Westminster Abbey is open from 9:30 to 15:30 from Monday to Friday and 9:00 to 15:00 on Saturdays and Sundays for services only.
- Wear appropriate footwear – as the Abbey’s worn surfaces are uneven.
- Leave large items at home – oversized luggage isn’t allowed inside, and the Abbey has no lockers or storage areas.
- Bring buggies and prams – but know that the Abbey has no buggy park, and some areas have steps.
Food and drinks
The Abbey’s own Cellarium Café offers visitors a delightful respite with its charming ambience and delectable offerings, from freshly prepared sandwiches and salads to indulgent pastries. Enjoy a range of hot and cold drinks, relaxing and reflecting in the heart of London's iconic Westminster Abbey.
Outside in the Sanctuary, the Kiosk serves a range of sandwiches and hot and cold drinks for those looking to grab and go.
Westminster Abbey accessibility
Westminster Abbey is committed to ensuring a welcoming experience for all visitors. The Abbey offers free admission for disabled visitors and accompanying carers. Wheelchair users should enter through the ramped North Door. There are ramps and lifts for wheelchairs and accessible toilets. Wheelchairs are available when requested in advance by contacting the dedicated team at +442072225089 or emailing info@westminster-abbey.org. Assistance dogs are welcome.
For more information, visit Westminster Abbey’s accessibility page.
