How to Plan Your Visit to Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is the most famous Anglican church in the United Kingdom. The burial place of English kings and queens and where coronations have been held for centuries, the 800-year-old building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in London.

The beautiful Gothic construction is a stunning example of medieval architecture, kept in good condition thanks to ongoing restoration and care. It should be on your list of must-see landmarks in England!

What to See in Westminster Abbey

The Westminster Abbey is one of the greatest architectural wonders of England. Several beautiful buildings stand there, ready for visitors from all around the world to explore. If you're planning to stay near Royal Albert Hall, this magnificent landmark is just a short journey away and offers an unforgettable glimpse into England’s rich past, learn about some of its most interesting spots:

Pyx Chamber

It is one of the oldest parts of Westminster Abbey that has survived almost a thousand years. While the chamber has gone through multiple restorations, it retains its original medieval floors. Wooden chests held in the Pyx Chamber held gold and silver, and the place was used as a treasury in the 13th century.

Royal Tombs

Extremely important in terms of British history, the Royal Tombs hold the remains of 17 royals that have ruled the lands over the centuries. From Edward I to George III, the tombs provide a fascinating glimpse into the history of British monarchy of different eras and the royal funerary customs.

The Cloisters

Benedictine monks living in the Abbey used the cloister area, which primarily dates from the 13th to 15th centuries. The place used to be covered with wall paintings and traditional lamps that hung under the arched ceilings, but none of them have survived to this day. The Cloisters provide a nostalgic insight into the daily life of local monks.

Chapter House

Finished in the mid-13th century, this area was a meeting place for the monks living in the Abbey. This is where they discussed current monastic events and where the abbot would make important decisions regarding the Abbey and the monk's everyday life. The Chapter House is one of the parts of Westminster Abbey where wall paintings are still visible and tell the visitors stories of religious significance. The place also features what is widely considered Britain's oldest surviving door!

The Poets' Corner

A quiet spot where some of the greatest poets, playwrights, and authors are buried and commemorated. Among them are Geoffrey Chaucer, Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy, and Elizabeth Gaskell. Graves, memorial stones, and plaques fill the place and serve as a reminder of how many great figures that shaped the history of literature and art have come from Britain. The Poets' Corner is a place every literary enthusiast or history buff must visit.

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Westminster Abbey Tickets and Opening Hours

Tickets can be bought at the Abbey or online; we strongly recommend the latter to avoid waiting in the queue. The Westminster Abbey offers a variety of admission options:

• Regular ticket for £30

• Reduced for students and adults aged 65+ for £27

• Children aged 6-17 for £13

• Family tickets for one adult and one child for £30

Children under 6, disabled visitors with caregivers, and Abbey Association members enter for free. You can also use your London Pass or National Rail 2 for 1 voucher for extra savings.

The Westminster Abbey Cloisters, Chapter House, and the Pyx Chamber are generally open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm. St Margaret's church opens at 10.30 pm and closes at 3 pm, while the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries are open from 10 am to 2.30 pm.

On Sundays, the Abbey is open for worship services only.

How to get to Westminster Abbey

The Westminster Abbey is conveniently close to the city's centre and accessible by public transportation. The nearest tube station is Westminster (with Jubilee, Circle, and District lines stopping there), and the other is St James's Park. Both are within a walkable distance from the Abbey.

Alternatively, visitors can take a bus; lines 11, 24, 26, 148, and 211 stop around Westminster. Bicycles are a popular choice, too, and you can rent one from various docking stations in the city.

Unfortunately, parking spaces are very limited due to the high traffic and the number of tourists visiting. We advise you to use public transit or park your car further from the area.

If you enjoy walking, Westminster Abbey is perfectly situated for a leisurely stroll from other landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace and the Jewel Tower. Guests at the Park Grand Hotel Kensington will find it easy to navigate the city’s historic sites, with the Abbey, Royal Albert Hall, and numerous museums within reach.

Westminster Abbey: Visitor Tips

• As the site is also a place of worship, please respect the religious significance of it and act accordingly. Avoid revealing clothing or loud behavior, and be mindful of others.

• When photographing the interiors, turn off the flash, and do not eat or drink inside.

• Check the service times to avoid disrupting any ongoing ceremonies.

• Before your visit, check for closures for specific areas of the Abbey - sometimes maintenance is needed, and certain sections may be temporarily closed.

• Consider booking a guided tour of the Abbey to learn more about its significance and history from a knowledgeable guide.

Plan Your Visit to the Westminster Abbey

If you want to marvel at the remarkable architecture, see the tombs of the royals, and find out more about Westminster Abbey history, be sure to visit. The place is a must-see for everyone who wants to learn about English cultural heritage.

The admission cost is a bit higher than that of many other London attractions, but it is completely worth the experience - not many places in the United Kingdom provide such a rich look into the past. Find the time to visit the Westminster Abbey, and you will remember it forever.