Westminster Abbey: Entry Ticket
Step into British history on a self-guided tour of London's most famous Abbey
- Westminster Abbey: Entry Ticket
Westminster Abbey Tickets and Information
- Westminster Abbey Address: 20 Dean's Yard, SW1P 3PA, London
- Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 09:30 - 15:30. Sunday: CLOSED
Is Westminster Abbey Worth Visiting
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is steeped in history, so we definitely think so, yes!
- Its also one of the most popular tourist attractions in London.
What You Can See At Westminster Abbey
- Incredible architecture
- Poets’ Corner
- Coronation Chair
- The Lady Chapel
- Royal Tombs
- Pyx Chamber
- Unknown Warrior
- Cloisters
- More…
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About Westminster Abbey
One of London’s 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Westminster Abbey holds a significant amount of British history. A place of royal weddings and funerals and the final resting place of many royals and other famous people.
Westminster Abbey holds a unique status in that although it’s an 'Abbey', it was granted “Royal Peculiar” status in 1560 which means it belongs to the ruling monarch and is not governed by the Church of England. This is also where the name of “Collegiate Church of St. Peter, Westminster” came from, now more commonly known as Westminster Abbey though.
It sits in the heart of London adjacent to the Houses of Parliament and the Palace of Westminster and the Abbey dates back over a thousand years to 960AD. It has been the setting for all Coronations since 1066, when William the Conqueror was crowned there and is home to the ancient 'Coronation Chair', which sits at St. George's Chapel.
It’s also the final resting place for 30 royals including Queen Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Edward the Confessor, as well as many other notable figures from history including poets, scientists, politicians and others. Famous faces such as Charles Dickens, Issac Newton and Charles Darwin, amongst many others. At Poet's Corner you will find more than 100 famous poets and writers that were either buried at the abbey, or have been commemorated there, including Jane Austen and Geoffrey Chaucer.
In the Lady Chapel, which is the area of the abbey where the royals are buried, you can see the vast vaulted ceilings and the tombs. The Chapter House which is in the East Cloister you can see ancient murals. Everywhere you look in the abbey, you can soak up the history of this proud British building.
Westminster Abbey may be one of London’s top tourist attractions but it continues to hold daily services and ceremonies as it is a place of worship in its first instance.
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Westminster Abbey FAQs
- What is Westminster Abbey?
- Westminster Abbey is a historic Gothic church in London which is famous for its amazing architecture, royal coronations, and being a resting place for multiple notable and famous figures.
- Where is Westminster Abbey?
- Westminster Abbey is in Westminster near the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
- Is Westminster Abbey free to enter?
- No, tickets are required if you are visiting as a tourist. It is free for worshippers attending services.
- Do I need to book tickets in advance to visit Westminster Abbey?
- Tickets are available at the entrance of Westminster Abbey, however, booking online in advance is recommended to avoid long queues, especially during peak summer season.
- How long does it take to see Westminster Abbey?
- A typical visit lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how much you want to explore.
- Are there guided tours available for Westminster Abbey?
- Yes. Click HERE for Westminster Guided Tour ticket options.
- What is the Poets’ Corner at Westminster Abbey?
- Poets’ Corner is a section of Westminster Abbey that is dedicated to celebrated writers and poets, such as Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Dickens.
- Can children visit Westminster Abbey?
- Yes, Westminster Abbey is family-friendly, and there are also activities designed for children.
- Is Westminster Abbey wheelchair accessible?
- Most areas are accessible, and wheelchairs are available on request.
- Can I attend a service at Westminster Abbey?
- Yes, services are open to the public, and they’re free to attend.
Westminster Abbey Fun Facts
- Coronation Tradition: Every British monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066 has been crowned at Westminster Abbey.
- Royal Weddings: The Abbey hosted the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011.
- Architectural Marvel: It features a classic Gothic style with intricate stained glass windows and towering spires.
- Resting Place of Kings and Queens: Westminster Abbey is the burial site of 16 monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots.
- Sir Isaac Newton’s Grave: The famed physicist is buried here, near Charles Darwin.
- The Coronation Chair: The ancient chair has been used since the 13th century and is one of the Abbey’s most iconic artifacts.
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site: Westminster Abbey was designated a UNESCO site in 1987 due to its historical and cultural significance.
- It’s Over 1,000 Years Old: Westminster Abbey was originally a Benedictine monastery which was founded in the 10th century, so the Abbey has a millennium of history behind it!
- Memorials to War Heroes: The Abbey honours many war heroes, including the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, a symbol of remembrance.
- Daily Worship: Despite it being a major tourist attraction, Westminster Abbey still remains an active place of worship.
- The Abbey in Films: The building has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including The Da Vinci Code and Doctor Who!
- The Westminster Abbey Garden: Its garden, dating back to the 10th century, is one of the oldest in England!
Useful Information About Westminster Abbey
Tips for Visiting
- Book Tickets Online: Westminster Abbey is one of London's most popular tourist attractions so it does get very busy indeed. Booking your tickets online means you can avoid the queues that form at the ticket office and enjoy more time inside!
- Combination Tickets: Consider of our great combination tickets for Westminster Abbey that give you access to more than one attraction in London. Click HERE for details.
- Best Time to Bisit: Close to opening time can be slightly quieter but as its so popular, you will never have the place to yourself.
- Be Respectful: Although it is a tourist attraction, please remember it is a religious building.
How to get there
- Westminster Abbey, 20 Dean's Yard, SW1P 3PA, London
Opening Hours
- Monday: 09:30 - 15:30
- Tuesday: 09:30 - 15:30
- Wednesday: 09:30 - 15:30
- Thursday: 09:30 - 15:30
- Friday: 09:30 - 15:30
- Saturday: 09:00 - 15:00
- Sunday: Closed
