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How To Visit Westminster Abbey in 2024: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More

Eddie Saint-Jean Last Updated: October 26, 2023

A trip to Westminster Abbey is a must on any trip to London for its long and illustrious history. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together this guide on what to expect when you visit Westminster with a brief description of its fascinating history. Here’s everything you need to know about how to visit Westminster Abbey.

Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to London for more planning resources, our top London tours for a memorable trip, and how to see London in a day .

Visiting Westminster Abbey: What We’ll Cover

Westminster Abbey boasts 1,000 years of British history and is arguably the nation’s most historic place of worship. It has been the coronation place for the UK’s monarchs since 1066.

Many of the nation’s royals, prime ministers, and celebrated writers, actors, and scientists are buried or commemorated here. In this guide to visiting Westminster Abbey, here’s what we’ll cover:

• Opening hours and tickets
• How much time to budget for your visit
• What to see in the Abbey
• Guided tour options
• Fascinating facts and history
• Places to eat inside and nearby 

Westminster Abbey Opening Hours and Tickets

Westminster Abbey is open every day, but access to some spaces may be restricted if there are church services. Also, hours may be reduced accordingly.

Please note: Westminster Abbey will be closed to visitors from 25 April until 7 May 2023 to prepare for the King’s Coronation.

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
• Saturday: 9 am – 1 pm
• Sunday: Church Services 
• Seniors £24
• Students £24
• Child (6-17 years) £12
• Child (0-5) Free
• Families (1 adult, 1 child) £27

Address: 20 Deans Yd

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Westminster Abbey tours to take and why .

How Long To Spend at Westminster Abbey

Short answer: 2 hours

If you include sit-downs and café breaks, it’ll take you the full two hours. Bear in mind, there are over 3,000 public figures buried in this sizeable church. Also, you have to factor in many more memorials honouring important figures from British history. Moreover, some hallways are lined on both sides with statues and tombs. Although not all are recognizable names, the craftsmanship of the lavish tombs will have you lingering longer than you’d expect.

Actually, a number of the less well-known tombs are so large and grand that you’ll find yourself drawn to them, expecting a historic figure to be buried there. Figuring it all out and identifying the historic Britons will take time, which is why seeing it with a guide is helpful.

Audio Guide

The audio guide, which is available for free on entry, will help you orientate yourself and learn about the Abbey’s history. At the same time, it will encourage you to spend more time in each section. If you are short on cash definitely take an audio guide, but we highly recommend a guided tour with an expert guide passionate about this historic site and British history.

There’s lots of seating close to the main entrance. Here you can take a break or even make notes if you’re doing research. Seating is found near the following Abbey hotspots: The Choir, The High Altar, and Poets Corner. There’s also seating in an area of the Abbey called The Nave. But it would be impractical to have seating in other areas because of how close they might be to these highly valued and, in some cases, fragile memorials.

Westminster Abbey Gardens

Another feature that might slow your visit is the beautiful Abbey gardens—but that’s not such a bad thing. It’s an ideal stop-off for some quiet reflection. Although not an essential part of the visit, many choose to check out this historic enclosed garden with views of the parliament buildings, fountain features, and a bronze statue of the Crucifixion. Interestingly, centuries ago, only monks were allowed here and grew fruit, vegetables, and healing herbs. 

Popular London Tours

Best Selling Tour

Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London

How can you explore London’s top attractions without getting overwhelmed? By joining this guided small group tour! With 1,000 years of history and acres of buildings, the Tower of London is easier to explore and understand with the help of your local guide. Best of all, you’ll even see the famous crown jewels and have a boat ride down the River Thames.

Top Selling Tour

London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard

This is the perfect tour for someone who wants to get to know the real Westminster Abbey. With skip-the-line entry, you get some quiet time in the nave of the abbey with your guide and small group before exploring the tombs of notable kings, queens, philosophers, and more. Depending on the day, you’ll even get to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the best London tours to take and why .

What To See in Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey, as you’ll see it today, has a history of around 750 years. There’s a lot to discover within its walls. Here is a concise list of the top things to see in the Abbey. For more about what to see inside with more detailed descriptions, check out our article on the top things to see in Westminster Abbey .

• The Grave of the Unknown Warrior
• Coronation Chair
• Poets Corner
• The Queen’s Window, by artist David Hockney
• The Quire Screen
• Tomb of Elizabeth I and Mary I
• Pyx Chamber
• Chapter House
• Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries
• The Lady Chapel

Westminster Abbey Tour Options

When I first planned my visit to Westminster Abbey I thought, “Do I really need a tour of a church?” Then, a friend told me the structure has been used for 1,000 years to coronate kings and is where basically every important Brit that has ever lived is buried. I decided to go with a tour and I was absolutely buzzing afterward.

The guide walked us through English history and the monarchs while bringing the structure to life. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Here are our most popular guided tours with Westminster Abbey for a memorable experience of this historic landmark.

London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London (7 hours)

Our top-selling London tour is a must-do when you’re traveling to the heart of the United Kingdom. Your local guides are highly qualified and can share an unreal amount of cool facts and stories about London’s iconic sites and history. Starting at Westminster Abbey, you’ll be amazed at just how much of London you can see on foot and on a Thames river cruise.

Your skip-the-line tickets help you maximize your time, and your guides know where the best spots to see the Changing of the Guard are found. Your final stop at the Tower of London brings London’s more grisly history to life. It’s the perfect place to end your busy day tour of London!

See tour itinerary, price, and description

London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard (3 hours)

Clients love our skip-the-line access to the famous Westminster Abbey where they can enjoy a few minutes of quiet time with their guide in the nave of the abbey before the public enters. There’s more to see at Westminster than you think, so having a knowledgeable guide to lead you through the Quire, Poet’s Corner, and more, is extremely helpful. And if the Changing of the Guard happens on the day of your tour, they’ll be sure to help you see it from several vantage points.

Facts and History of Westminster Abbey

• Since 1066, all Britain’s monarchs have been coronated here.
• The UK’s Queen Elizabeth II was coronated here in 1953. Over 8,000 guests attended.
• It has the oldest door in England, built in 1050.
• The Pyx is the oldest room in London and was built in 1070. Later, it became the royal treasury.
• Between 1245 and 1272, Henry III had his architects restructure the Abbey to what it looks like now. He favoured a French-Gothic style.
• Author Charles Dickens, scientists Sir Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking, and actor Sir Laurence Olivier are among the prominent figures buried here.
• The Grave of the Unknown Warrior is the only grave that visitors are not allowed to walk on.
• The John the Baptist Chapel contains the tallest memorial.
• Oliver Cromwell was buried here, then dug up, and hung from Tyburn gallows in the London area, now known as Marble Arch.
• The Westminster area is named after the Abbey and not the other way round. A minster is a monastic church and this abbey was in the west—therefore, Westminster.

Places To Eat Inside and Nearby

At some stage, you’ll need a longer break and something to eat. At the furthest end of the Cloisters section of the Abbey, you’ll find Cellarium Café. There are a couple more options nearby. If you’re looking for more recommendations, check out our guide to the best restaurants near Westminster Abbey .

Inside The Abbey:

Cellarium Cafe and Terrace : ££ | Afternoon Tea —The furthest end of the Cloisters. In keeping with the architecture of the Abbey, it has ancient-looking oak doors but inside it is a modern space with a light, airy feel. There is a selection of loose-leaf teas, coffee, light lunches, and meals. Traditional English breakfast and snacks, light lunches, and main meals with a distinctly English touch. The Afternoon Tea with scones is a very ‘English’ option but alternatively, coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, and expressos. 

Outside The Abbey:

Westminster Abbey Kiosk: £ | Light Snacks —As you’d expect, they sell lighter snacks than those found in the Cellarium Cafe. Mainly, sandwiches, hotdogs, cakes, and waffles. Also a selection of loose-leaf teas, coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, and expressos. You’ll find it directly outside Westminster Abbey’s west doors on a small stretch of road called The Sanctuary. It’s easy to find, next door to the Westminster Abbey shop .

Café at Storey’s Gate: ££ | Overlooking St. James’s Park —It has a similar food selection as the Cellarium Café but with more of a green focus on health and sustainability. There’s also the added perk of a pleasant outdoor area overlooking St. James’s Park. The cafe building has historic links with King Charles II (1630-1685).

Where To Stay in London

Deciding where to stay at a great hotel in London can take some effort since it’s a massive city. Make your decision easier with our list of the best neighborhoods and hotels in London.

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What To See At London’s Westminster Abbey, The Complete Guide

Westminster Abbey is a iconic landmark that’s an absolute must visit attraction in London. It’s the most historic church in the English-speaking world.

Founded by Edward the Confessor, the abbey is a shrine of the British nation and a UNESCO-listed site. The complex has been an abbey, a cathedral, a coronation church, and a royal mausoleum.

This spectacular medieval “royal peculiar” has hosted every coronation from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II and 16 royal weddings. It’s also the burial place of many royals and notables, including feuding Tudor siblings Elizabeth I and Mary.

This Westminster Abbey guide gives you an overview of the abbey’s 1,000 year history and tells you everything to see inside. I also give you must know tips for visiting.

Here’s a snapshot of what you can see at Westminster Abbey on a visit:

• statesmen aisle
• shrine of Edward the Confessor
• royal tombs
• Henry VIII’s Lady Chapel
• poets corner
• diamond jubilee galleries
• chapter house
• pyx chamber
• coronation throne

Tickets & Tours For Westminster Abbey

You definitely need to reserve a skip the line ticket in advance to visit the abbey. The lines will be long in high season.

Click  here   to pre-book a ticket to Westminster Abbey. The abbey is also free with the London Pass . But the pass doesn’t give you skip the line access to the abbey.

You may want to book a guided tour of the abbey. Click here for a 2 hour private guided tour of the abbey .

This tour gives you a  combined tour of the abbey and the Houses of Parliament . This tour offers a 4 hour Westminster walking tour and abbey tour .

If you gotta see it all, this 8 hour guided tour takes you to Westminster Abbey and other iconic attractions in London.

History of Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has been a place of worship for over 1,000 years. The abbey isn’t a cathedral. It’s techinically a “royal peculiar” – a place of worship that falls under the monarch’s jurisdiction and doesn’t belong to a diocese.

The abbey has the status of a collegiate church. Its official name is the Collegiate Church of Westminster.

In 906, St. Dunstan, the Bishop of England, brought monks from Glastonbury to found a monastery at Westminster. Over 100 years later, in 1042, King Edward the Confessor founded a church on the site.

It was consecrated in 1065. Edward died a few days later.

After his death, Edward’s reputation as a holy and pious man grew. People came to the shrine in pilgrimage, praying for healing.

In 1161, Edward was officially made a saint. Henry III decided to build him a shrine in a more glorious Gothic church.

Construction of Westminster Abbey began in 1245 and continued for a couple centuries. In 1503, Henry VII began to build a new lady chapel, which stands at the far eastern end of the abbey.

In the 16th century, the infamous Henry VIII had fallen out with the pope, who refused to give him an annulment so he could marry Anne Boleyn.

In 1540, Henry VIII broke from the church and launched his own Anglican religion. He dissolved the monasteries and seized their assets to continue funding his castle building ways.

But Henry VIII did, at least, grant the Westminster Abbey cathedral status, thereby sparing it from the looting and destruction other monasteries suffered.

In 1533, Queen Mary took over the crown from her father Henry VIII. As a devout Catholic, she changed the abbey’s status back to a monastery.

Five years later, her sister Queen Elizabeth I came to the throne and reversed Mary’s orders. The abbey became a collegiate church.

Architecturally, the next major milestone didn’t come in 1745. This is when the two west towers were built according to the design of a Christopher Wren pupil. In the Victorian era, the triple portico was built and the rose window redesigned.

In 1995, the exterior stonework was cleaned and restored. In 1998, new statues were added to the Great West Door, including ten 20th century martyrs. You can even see Martin Luther King Jr.

In 2018, the Queen’s Jubilee Galleries were opened in the Triforum. The galleries display the abbey treasures and offer great views down over the nave.

The Coronation Church

39 monarchs have been crowned in Westminster Abbey, beginning with England’s first king William the Conqueror.

In fact, Henry III specifically built the abbey as a coronation church. The long transepts allow plenty of seating for the glitterati.

The coronation ceremony follows a procedure that’s largely unchanged over time. The monarch is presented to the people by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Shouts of “God save the King or Queen” ring out from the grandstands.

The monarch signs an oath to govern properly. While sitting in the Coronation Chair, he or she is anointed with holy oil, given the symbols of monarchy, and crowned. Finally, the monarch is moved to the throne where he or she receives the homage of the subjects.

Elizabeth II’s coronation was the first one shown on live TV.

Guide To Westminster Abbey: What To See

Here are the must see highlights of the interior of the Abbey.

I’ve described them roughly in the order you’ll encounter them if you follow the trail on the map above.

1. Entrance

You enter the abbey via the door at the north transept. Your first impression is of a soaring vaulted space.

The history starts the second you walk in the door. You’ll see important figures from British history in the “Statesmen Aisle.”

There are larger than life statues honoring the leading Prime Ministers from the 18th and 19th centuries, including Viscount Patterson, Robert Peel, and Benjamin Disraeli. The tableaux suggests a strong link between the abbey and the British government.

The largest memorial in this area is dedicated to Prime Minister William Pitt. He is buried nearby with his son William Pitt the Younger. There is a plaque honoring the younger near the west door.

The nave is the central part of the church intended to hold the congregation. The abbey’s is a classic English nave.

Like other parts of the cathedral, it also honors important men and women. Set against the west facade facing the nave is the magnificent monument to Sir Issac Newton. He was a great British philosopher, scientist, and mathematician.

The sculpture reflects Newton’s interests. It features optical and mathematical instruments, books, and a globe showing the signs of the zodiac and constellations. Newton is buried just in front of the monument.

The naturalist and biologist Charles Darwin is buried nearby. In the center of the nave in the west end is a green marble stone commemorating Sir Winston Churchill.

The most famous grave in the abbey that of the Unknown Soldier. It’s surrounded by a border of red poppies. I love that an unknown British soldier should be buried among the kings and queens.

The abbey’s world renowned quire is an intimate space. It’s effectively a church within a church.

The quire is divided from the nave by a elaborate screen designed by Edward Blore in 1834. It was gilded in the 1960s.

The quire was where the monks worshipped. Although not in these stalls, which date from the Victorian era. Today, the choir is occupied by eight regular choral services each work.

4. High Altar

The present High Altar dates from 1867. It was designed by George Gilbert Scott.

In front of the altar is one of the abbey’s most precious possessions, the medieval Cosmati Pavement. It was laid down in 1268 on the order of Henry III.

The tiles are made up of more than 80,000 pieces of onyx, porphyry, and glass set into Purbeck marble. The pavement was cleaned and restored before the wedding of William and Kate.

5. Shrine of Edward The Confessor

The Chapel of St. Edward is the spiritual heart of the abbey. It was here that the first pope visited the abbey.

Edward the Confessor’s remains were moved, or “translated,” many times before landing here. It was said that they were responsible for miracles.

The shrine was the work of Henry III, Edward’s biggest fan. He encrusted it with gold and jewels so that it shone like a beacon in then candlelit church.

Today, the shrine is hidden from view behind grills. You can only get a good look at it on a verger tour. (More on those below in the tips section.)

As he wanted, Henry III’s tomb is right nearby in a Purbeck marble tomb. It’s beautifully decorated with mosaics. Henry’s effigy is supposed to be a real likeness.

6. Henry VII’s Lady Chapel

The most beautiful part of Westminster Abbey is the stunning Henry VII Chapel in the eastern end.

The ancient chapel is the last great masterpiece of English medieval architecture, the crowning glory of the abbey, and the mausoleum for much of England’s royalty.

After its debut, the chapel was grandiosely nicknamed a “wonder of the world.”

The chapel is the work of England’s first Tudor monarch, Henry VII. He was the king who vanquished the York king,  Richard III , in the Battle of Bosworth and seized control of England.

The chapel was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1503. It’s known as the Henry VII Chapel, although technically its name is the Lady Chapel. 

The chapel’s architect is unknown. But historians believe that Robert Janyns, Jr. is the design genius.

Built between 1503-16, Henry VII broke the bank for his new chapel. It’s essentially an ornate homage to and keepsake of the Tudor dynasty. The whole chapel has the festive air of a medieval pageant.

Although built during the Renaissance period, Gothic architecture was still in vogue at the time. So, the chapel was built in the Perpendicular Gothic style . 

This style is more ornate than French Gothic and uses highly decorative tracery effects. The chapel contrasts with the plainer Gothic style of the rest of the abbey.

The chapel’s most striking feature is its ornate high vaulted vaulted ceiling. The column piers splay out into a fan shape. 

There’s elaborate highly decorative tracery everywhere. It obscures the structural system and hanging carved pendants.

The pendants seem to defy gravity. They hang down like stalactites hanging from the roof of a fairy cavern.

The choir stalls were designated for all living Knights of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath . It was established in 1725 and is one of the premiere meritorious orders of the crown.

When a knight became part of the order, he received a stall that was adorned with his crest and coat of arms. You can see Lord Nelson’s stall plate on the south side.

Every four years, new knights are installed in a colorful ceremony. It’s attended by the Great Master, currently the Prince of Wales.

Throughout the chapel, you’ll see the motif of the “Tudor rose.” The rose is a mixture of the white rose of York and the red rose of Lancaster.

The motif was used heavily by Henry VII to emphasize the importance of the Tudor dynasty. It reiterated the legitimacy of his claim to the English throne, which was hotly debated during the  War of the Roses .

7. Royal Tombs : Who Is Buried In Westminster Abbey?

Many monarchs are memorialized with impressive tombs and monumental effigies in Westminster Abbey. Some of them were among the most important works of art from their age.

Times change though. Many recent royal burials are marked only by floor stones.

The royal tombs are mostly in the Henry VII Chapel, though not all. 15 kings and queens are buried in the Henry VII Chapel.

Henry VII and his wife, Elizabeth of York, share a magnificent Renaissance tomb. Their bronze gilt effigies were sculpted by Florentine artist Pietro Torrigiano, who had studied with Michelangelo . It lies behind the altar.

You’ll also find Henry VII’s granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth I. She was the daughter of the infamous Henry VIII and his second wife Anne Boleyn. Elizabeth’s royal orb symbolizes she was queen of the entire globe.

She’s buried in the chapel along with her half-sister, Mary I. At odds in life, they ironically lay together in death.

Henry VII’s mother, Margaret Beaufort, is also buried in the chapel. She was a rather evil (though ostensibly pious) lady who helped Henry VII secure the throne.

Beaufort likely would have been a CEO in today’s world. She died in 1509, shortly after Henry VIII’s coronation.

King James I is also buried in the vault beneath the monument. His tomb was only discovered in 1867 when Dean Stanley searched and excavated the royal tombs looking for James’ final resting place, which had gone unrecorded.

Mary Queen of Scots, who Elizabeth I executed for treason, is also buried there. Her tomb is grander than Elizabeth’s.

Having neglected his mother in life, Mary’s son James I commissioned a costly and majestic white marble monument in memory of his mother.

The Stuart monarchs and Hanoverian monarch are also buried there.

Another famous funerary item in the chapel is a white marble urn, which reputedly contains the remains of the “Princes in the Tower,” Edward V and his younger brother Richard, Duke of York. The casket was designed by the architect Christopher Wren.

The princes were the sons of Edward IV, the brother of Richard III. While living in the  Tower of London , the two princes disappeared in 1483.

Their uncle Richard III was subsequently crowned king. The princes’ fate is the greatest true crime cold case in English history, which I’ve  written about at length .

Thanks mostly to posthumous Tudor propaganda, Richard III was accused of murder. In 1674, nearly two centuries later, workmen discovered the bones of two unidentified children in the tower.

It was immediately assumed the bones were those of the two princes. They were placed in the urn in the abbey on the order of Charles II. However, there’s no archeological, historical, or scientific evidence for that assumption. 

You can also find the remains of the boy king Edward VI. He was Henry VIII’s only surviving son with his third wife Jane Seymour.

8. Medieval Paintings

In the south transept, you’ll find some important medieval paintings. The paintings depict the incredulity of St. Thomas and St. Christopher carrying the baby Jesus.

In 1936, they were discovered behind two monuments during cleaning in the south transept.

The paintings are thought to date from around 1270. They’ve been attributed to Master Walter of Durham, the King’s Painter under Henry III.

8. Poet’s Corner

The Poet’s Corner is also in the south transept. For lovers of English literature, strolling through Poets’ Corner can be a pilgrimage in itself.

This is where men and women of letters have been buried or commemorated for centuries. The tradition began almost by accident.

Geoffrey Chaucer was the first person buried in this part of the Abbey. Not because he was a poet, but because he worked at Westminster Palace next door.

The poet Edmond Spenser wanted to be buried near Chaucer. The precedent was set. The Poets’ Corner was born.

Other famous writers commemorated in Poets’ Corner are William Shakespeare, Robert Browning, Lord Bryon, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Lewis Carroll, CS Lewis, Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, Thomas Hardy, Henry James, and Jane Austen. 

There are even actors like Lawrence Olivier.

As space became more limited in the Poet’s Corner, names of newly honored writers are sometimes placed in stained glass or marble plaques. This is the case for Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde, and Christopher Marlow.

9. Painting of Richard II

A 14th century painting of Richard II hangs in the west end of the Abbey. You might miss if you don’t seek it out.

It’s an incredibly important work of art. It was the first portrait of an English sovereign to be painted in his lifetime. It’s one of the best medieval paintings in existence in any country.

The panting is 7 x 3.5 feet, but seems larger.

You can compare the painting to the king’s tomb effigy. His tomb is a double tomb with his Queen Anne of Bohemia. It’s near the shrine of Edward the Confessor.

For a period in the 18th century, a hole appeared on one side of the tomb. Visitors put in their hand, stealing his bones.

11. Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries

You’ll want to pay the extra 5 pounds to climb up to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries in the abbey’s Triforium. A triforium is a gallery above the arches of the nave and within the thickness of an inner wall.

The galleries opened to the public in 2018, after being hidden away for 800 years. They’re accessible from the new Weston Tower, the first addition to the abbey since 1745.

The galleries are in the eastern Triforium, which dates from 1250. The space were initially intended to be used for chapels. But high chapels fell out of fashion. The space was left empty.

The galleries have their own entrance to the right as you enter the abbey near Poet’s Corner. You can buy a ticket when you arrive at the abbey.

The galleries are 52 feet above the ground floor. It’s 100+ steps to the top.

You’ll have beautiful views of the abbey nave from atop. There’s also a lift, if you don’t want to hike up.

Over 300 special exhibits tell the story of the abbey’s 1,000 year history. You’ll see funeral effigies of the monarchs, rare books, tapestries, crowns, sculptures, swords, and coronation capes. You can even see the marriage license of William and Kate.

One of the most famous objects on display is the Westminster Retable. It was originally designed for Henry III’s high altar in 1269. It’s made of painted and gilded wood and has undergone extensive conservation.

There’s also a remarkable funeral effigy of Henry VII. It was likely modeled on his death mask, yielding an accurate physical representation. It may have been created by Italian artist Pietro Torrigiano.

There’s a massive 9 x 11 feet portrait of Elizabeth II by Ralph Heiman. It shows her on the Cosamati pavement in front of the high altar, on the exact spot where she was crowned in 1953.

Unfortunately, you can’t take pictures in this part of the abbey. The guards are especially vigilant in the area where you look down into the nave.

12. Cloisters

On the southeast side of the abbey as you’re heading out, you’ll find the place where the monks formerly lived, the medieval cloisters. They date from the 13th and 14th century.

The cloisters also housed the monks’ library and were used for recreation.

13. Chapter House

Off the east cloister is a vestibule leading to the Chapter House. This room is one of the largest chapter houses in Britain.

This is where the monks would meet each morning to listen to prayers and get their assigned duties.

The Chapter House was most likely built between 1246-55 on the orders of Henry III. Henry wanted his Chapter House to be “as the rose is the flower of flowers.”

The floor has medieval tiles. The beautiful tiles are some of the finest medieval tiles pavements in England. They were laid as a series of “carpets” running west to east from the entrance.

The designs were stamped via a pattern into clay and then filled with impressions with a lighter colored clay. You can see the coats of arms of Henry III with the three lions of England.

Some rare medieval paintings also survive on the Chapter House walls. They were painted around 1400 in the International Gothic style of art.

These paintings are the best preserved paintings from this era in all of England. They depict scenes from the apocalypse in a series of visions describe by St. John.

In the early 14th century, the crypt below the chapter house was used to store the regalia and royal money chests.

But it was broken into during the reign on Edward I when he was away on campaign. Though to be an inside job, nearly 50 monks were sent off to the Tower of London. They were only exonerated after a long trial.

14. Pyx Chamber

The ancient Pyx Chamber is a room off the southwest corner of the cloisters. It dates from somewhere between 1065-90. It was originally the sacristy for Edward the Confessor’s old church, and is one of the few surviving remnants.

The Pyx Chamber has round arches and massive supporting columns. The chamber has a 13th century tiled floor.

If you walk through the dark rooms, you’ll come to the Little Cloister. This was the monks’ infirmary.

Beyond the Little Cloister is the abbey garden. At 900 years, it’s the oldest garden in England. This was where the monks grew herbs to make medicine. The garden is open to the public on certain days on the week.

10. Coronation Chair

The Coronation Chair is on display just before you leave Westminster Abbey. It’s the oldest piece of furniture in Britain still used for its original purpose.

While coronations have taken place at the Abbey since 1066, the chair has only been used for the last 700 years. The lions around the base were added in 1727.

Originally, it was sumptuously decorated and gilded. But it’s been rather abused over the years, with graffiti carvings and the like.

The chair once held the famous Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny. In 1296, the stone was captured by Edward I as spoils of war, taken to the abbey, and fitted into the wooden chair.

In 1996, the stone was restored to the people of Scotland and moved to Edinburgh Castle. But it will return for the next coronation upon the death of Elizabeth II.

Unfortunately, you can’t get too close to the Coronation Camber, which is behind glass. But that’s understandable given its age and significance.

Practical Guide & Tips For Westminster Abbey

Here are some must know tips for visiting the Westminster Abbey.

1. Should You Visit Westminster Abbey Or St. Paul’s Cathedral?

Ideally, you should visit both of these iconic landmarks on a visit to London. But you may not have time. And they could not be more different. If pressed, I would pick the abbey.

Westminster Abbey is more centrally located in the heart of the city. It’s steeped in history and will appeal to lovers all of things ancient and Gothic.

In addition, if you are interested in royal history, the abbey is where you can pay homage to your favorite king or queen.

St. Paul’s is also a worthy bucket list attraction and Christopher Wren’s defining architectural masterpiece. The Baroque architecture, mosaics, monuments, and the dome itself are all stunning.

One key advantage St. Paul’s has over Westminster Abbey are the viewing galleries in the dome. You have fantastic views of all of London. You can read my complete guide to St. Paul’s Cathedral .

2. Where To Stay Near Westminster Abbey

Want to stay near Westminster Abbey? It’s a good area for sightseeing with many attractions nearby.

The best place to stay is the St. Ermin’s Hotel , a place of sophistication and elegance. You enter through a tree-lined courtyard.

The Guardsman is also a fine choice. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel in heart of London with the feel of a members club. It has a location fit for kings and queens near Buckingham Palace.

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate has five star luxury suites, with restaurants and an in house spa.

3. When To Visit Westminster Abbey

Try to arrive about 20 minutes before opening time at 9:30 am. There may already be a line. But tourist groups will start coming later and the abbey will be even more crowded.

4. How Long To Visit Westminster Abbey

This totally depends on your interest in the individual monuments and effigies. I estimate 90 minutes to 2 hours for most people.

But you could easily spend 3 hours there, if you have a more leisurely schedule and want to read everything.

5. Verger Tours Of Westminster Abbey

Vergers are abbey staff who attend to the cathedral’s important visitors and help the clergy. Verger tours last approximately 90 minutes.

You can only book one at the information desk after your arrival at the abbey. You can’t book them online. They cost an additional £10.

I highly recommend taking one if you can! The vergers are incredibly knowledgable abbey experts. They can take you to places not accessible on a general visit, such as the tomb of Edward the Confessor.

But you need to plan your visit in advance to coincide with the tours. They leave at 11:00 am, 11:30 am, and 2:00 pm.

6. Other Practical Information

Address : 20 Deans Yard London

Hours : Click here for hours. The abbey isn’t open on Sunday.

Ticket Prices :

The standard ticket price for the abbey is £ 25. You have free entry with the London Pass , but cannot enter via the fast trick line. It’s free to visit the abbey during a service, but you cannot sightsee. An audioguide is free with admission.

Tube Station : Westminster is the closest. Victoria and St. James are the next nearest.

Westminster Abbey App :

The abbey has a multimedia guide that you can download in advance on your phone.

Photography : You can take photos for non-commercial use in the abbey, but not in the Queen Galleries.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Westminster Abbey. You may enjoy these other London travel guides:

• 3 Days in London Itinerary
• 5 Days in London Itinerary
• One Day In Bath Itinerary
• Guide To Free Museums in London
• Guide To the National Gallery of Art
• Harry Potter Places in London
• Guide To the Churchill War Rooms
• Guide To St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Guide To The Wallace Collection
• Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
• Guide To the Tower of London

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Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

Visiting Westminster Abbey: Helpful tips, photos & history

This is my guide to visiting Westminster Abbey, an essential stop on many London itineraries. This guide will help you make the most of your visit . Visiting Westminster Abbey is one of the highlights…

About the Author: David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian with 30+years experience exploring Europe. His work regularly appears in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, and The Guardian.

This is my guide to visiting Westminster Abbey, an essential stop on many London itineraries. This guide will help you make the most of your visit .

Visiting Westminster Abbey is one of the highlights of any trip to London. We’ll show you what to see in Westminster Abbey, from architectural highlights to the many great monuments inside.

I’ll also share Westminster Abbey tips to make your visit as smooth as possible and show you how to buy tickets in advance to avoid the lengthy queues.

Visiting Westminster Abbey is one of the absolutely essential things to do in London. Whether you’re spending as little as a day in London or as much as a month, you simply cannot miss it. Along with Big Ben, St Paul’s and Tower Bridge, this is one of the most famous London landmarks .

Many know it best as the venue for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. Yet the history of Westminster Abbey goes back well over a thousand years. The place is crammed wall-to-wall with history.

Table of Contents

What is Westminster Abbey, London ?

Westminster Abbey is the nearest thing England and Great Britain has to a national church. It has been the venue for coronations of kings and queens of England since 1066, when William the Conqueror assumed the Crown.

It is also the resting place for many British monarchs, with 17 kings and queens buried at Westminster Abbey. Subsequently, many Westminster Abbey burials have included British luminaries, from the fields of politics, literature and science.

The nearest equivalents in Europe are the Pantheon in Paris, and the Panteao Nacional in the Alfama district of Lisbon Throw in a few royal weddings and funerals, and you have a church at the very heart of the nation. For sheer volume of history, no other church – or even building – in the UK comes close. Along with the Houses of Parliament and St Margaret’s Church next door, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Westminster Abbey should not be confused with Westminster Cathedral. The Abbey is an Anglican church, whereas Westminster Cathedral, 1 km along Victoria Street, is a much later building. It’s the Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of London.

W estminster Abbey History

The first church to be built on the site near the River Thames was begun in 960 AD. By the time of King Edward the Confessor , this London abbey had assumed great importance. He was laid to rest in the church after dying in January 1066, and his shrine remains intact to this day.

Little else survives from the time of Edward the Confessor, other than a wooden door dating from around 1050 and the Pyx Chamber next to the Cloister. This was part of the monks’ dormitory, and most likely dates from around 1100.

Most of what we now see dates from the 13 th century, King Henry III commissioned a Gothic church with pointed arches and a lofty vaulted ceiling. The main body of the church – the nave and choir date from this period.

As with many great medieval churches, other additions were made over time. These include the sublime Lady Chapel, built in the English Perpendicular style in the early 16 th century.

The twin towers at the west end of the church were added in the 18 th century. 

Tips For Visiting Westminster Abbey

Westminster abbey visiting hours.

Westminster Abbey opening hours differ slightly throughout the year.

The church is open between 9.30 am and 3.30 pm Monday to Friday. There is additional late opening on Wednesdays between 4.30 pm and 6.00 pm, but several of the most interesting parts of the church aren’t open during these sessions.

Westminster Abbey visiting hours vary on Saturdays. During the spring and summer season – May to August – it’s open between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm. During winter it is only open between 9.00 am and 1.00 pm.

On Sundays, the Abbey is only open for services, with no time scheduled for tourist visits.

W hen is the Best Time To Visit Westminster Abbey ?

If you’re visiting during peak season, especially spring and summer, we strongly suggest you book ahead or arrive at 9.30 am when the Abbey opens. Otherwise you could be in for a long wait.

If you’re keen to avoid the London crowds altogether, then the best time to visit London is during winter. It’s the one time of year when you can enjoy your London sightseeing without having to queue for everything. The weather may be grey, but it’s the most romantic time to visit London. It’s also when places like Westminster Abbey can be savoured most.

W estminster Abbey Tickets

Tickets for Westminster Abbey can be bought online, or you can walk up and buy a ticket.

The advantage of booking Westminster Abbey online is that you are allocated a time slot. You may not always get in quite on time, but this is a far better bet than just turning up, especially in peak season.

It can take an hour or more waiting for Westminster Abbey admission – not the best idea in hot or wet weather.

The Westminster Abbey entrance for visitors is in the north transept. It’s next to the much smaller St Margaret’s Church, on the Parliament Square side of the building.

Westminster Abbey Ticket Prices

The standard online Westminster Abbey entry fee is £21 for adults, while the walk-up cost is £23. Children under 5 accompanied by an adult are allowed in for free.

Children aged 6-16 can visit Westminster Abbey for £9 if tickets are booked online, or £10 if tickets are bought at the Abbey.

Concessionary tickets (over-60s and students) cost £18 online, or £20 at the Abbey.

How to Get to Westminster Abbey ?

The Abbey is in the heart of historic Westminster, across Parliament Square from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Wherever you choose to stay in London, Westminster is easy to reach. Westminster Tube station is a good option. It’s on the Circle, District and Jubilee lines, and is situated next to Westminster bridge, directly opposite the Big Ben clock tower. It’s a five-minute walk from there to Westminster Abbey.

Otherwise, several major bus routes have stops very close to Westminster Abbey. These include the 11, 24, 148 and 211. Some stop a few minutes away at Victoria Street, stop R.

Things to See in Westminster Abbey ?

Visitors enter Westminster Abbey church via the north transept door. You turn right to explore the nave, where the congregation sits during services.  The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier can be found near the west window. The Coronation Chair is also housed here, in St George’s Chapel. You then reach the south transept, where you’ll find the Poets’ Corner.

After this, you enter the chancel, which contains the magnificent choir, high altar and the wealth of tombs in the ambulatory chapels around the edge of the building. You glimpse the Shrine of Edward the Confessor, which is off limits to most visitors, before reaching the astounding Lady Chapel. It’s one of the best examples of Perpendicular architecture, a uniquely British form of late Gothic style. 

Within the body of the Church, there is also the Westminster Abbey museum, housed high up in the triforium level above the church. Officially known as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, it’s an astounding exhibition space, and a wonderful use of part of a church you would never normally see.

It holds a collection of Abbey treasures, from ancient manuscripts to statues and sculptures, and the marriage licence of Prince William and Kate Middleton, now known as the Cambridges.

After visiting the main body of the Church, you can avoid the crowds in the beautiful Cloister.  This also affords amazing views of the south side of the church. You can also visit the splendid Gothic Chapter House and the nearby Little Cloister, a tiny secret garden with a view to the Victoria Tower of the Houses of Parliament

Westminster Abbey Guided Tour ?

When visiting Westminster Abbey, you will most likely get a lot more out of your visit if you take a tour. The Westminster Abbey verger tour is conducted by a member of the Abbey staff, and the explanations go beyond that of the audio guide. This is the one way you can also get a better view of the Shrine of Edward the Confessor.

As well as taking a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, you can also book a combined tour. One possibility is the Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard tour, which also includes the famous daily ceremony outside Buckingham Palace.

W ho is Buried at Westminster Abbey

Seventeen English monarchs are buried in Westminster Abbey. These include Henry III, Edward I, Henry V and Henry VII, the founder of the Tudor dynasty, and his grand-daughter Elizabeth I. Many other royals and members of the nobility are also interred there.

There are far too many Westminster Abbey tombs and memorials to list. However, it’s worth noting some of the great British figures who are buried in the Abbey.

Geoffrey Chaucer, the medieval author of The Canterbury Tales, was buried there as he was a tenant resident in the Abbey Close. Later, more and more literary figures were buried in the same area in the south transept, and it became known as Poets’ Corner.

These Include Dr Samuel Johnson, compiler of the first Dictionary in English, and the 19 th century genius Charles Dickens.

Great British scientists buried in Westminster Abbey include Sir Isaac Newton (who discovered gravity), and Charles Darwin (who proposed the Theory of Evolution). Most recently, modern great Sir Stephen Hawking was also interred in Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey Services

Another way of getting inside Westminster Abbey is to attend one of the daily services there. It’s the one way to see Westminster Abbey free of charge, but don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a chance to do some sightseeing on the cheap. Think of it more as an experience, one that we wholeheartedly recommend.

A Westminster Abbey Evensong can be memorable, especially as the service is sung. You sit in the Quire stalls, close to the Abbey Choir. It’s an incredible setting, underneath the soaring Gothic arches and vaulted ceiling. Holy Communion services are often held in the Nave, but also around some of the side chapels and at Edward the Confessor’s Shrine.

Places to Visit Near Westminster Abbey

Many popular places to visit in London are close by including the following:

• Houses of Parliament
• Churchill War Rooms
• Buckingham Palace
• St James Park
• Banqueting House
• 10 Downing Street

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

You can find more places to visit in our England travel guide .

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Westminster Abbey

Setting for every coronation since 1066 and for numerous royal weddings.

Westminster Abbey is England's main religious building. Originally built in Saxon times in the 7th century, its real importance dates from 1065 with Edward the Confessor setting up his throne here.

Since that time Government has always been centred on Westminster, with commercial activity centred on the City of London to the east.

Every year Westminster Abbey welcomes over one million visitors and is very much part of the standard tourist trail complete with large coach parties. It should be remembered the Abbey is very much a working church. It is closed Sundays for worship and restrictions are regularly applied ad hoc in response to religious events.

For a really special day out we also offer a full Royal London Experience: Royal London tour with Westminster Abbey & Afternoon tea .

For more information on Royal days out in London see our page: Royal Palaces and Castles in London .

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WESTMINSTER ABBEY ENTRANCE TICKET WITH AUDIO GUIDE

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• Traditional coronation site for English monarchs and burial place of kings, queens, statesmen and poets • Admission to Westminster Abbey •  Multimedia guide in 14 languages

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Westminster Abbey with Fish & Chips meal at Poppie's

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Westminster Abbey history

The present church was begun by Henry III in 1245. By the 16th Century in Tudor times, Westminster Abbey had become the setting for coronations, royal marriages and funerals.

Every monarch since William the Conqueror, with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII who were never crowned, has been crowned in the Abbey.

The first documented coronation here was that of William the Conqueror in 1066, the most recent was that of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953. The decision to televise the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953 made it possible for the general public to witness the ceremony in its entirety for the first time.

The Benedictine monastery at Westminster was dissolved in 1540 as part of the impact of Henry VIII's creation of the Church of England breaking away from the Catholic Church. Since then Westminster Abbey has just performed the role of church.  

Westminster Abbey opening times

Westminster Abbey is usually open to visitors from Monday to Saturday throughout the year. Opening time is 9.30am and closing time 3.30pm on Wednesdays there is late opening to 6pm.

As a fully working church, Westminster Abbey is subject to closures at short notice, so please check opening times on the official Westminster Abbey website prior to visiting.

On Sundays and religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas, the Abbey is open for worship only. However, all are welcome and it is free to attend services.

Westminster Abbey closes for visiting one hour after the published entry closure time, so it is recommended you give yourself plenty of time.

How to get to Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is located on Parliament Square facing the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. The London Eye, 10 Downing Street, London Dungeon and Churchill War Rooms are major London attractions within 5 minutes' walk. Buckingham Palace is a 10-minute walk across St James's Park.

Westminster Underground Station is on the other side of Parliament Square to Westminster Abbey. Trains on the Circle, District and Jubilee Lines stop at Westminster.

Hop-on, hop-off buses & river services

All of London's hop on, hop off sightseeing buses have stops at Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Pier is on the other side of Parliament Square by Westminster Underground Station and is one of London's busiest river service piers with many services including the very popular service to the Tower of London .

Tickets, queues and audio-guides

Westminster Abbey is one of London's main visitor attractions, the busiest time of all for visitors is July and August but it is busy at all times.

Long entrance queues are a normal sight on arrival.

Best times for independent visitors is to be there for opening before the tour groups and school parties start arriving.

On Wednesday afternoons the Abbey is normally open until 6pm - this is not well publicised and for many the best part is that no groups or tours are allowed inside at these extended hours.

Audio-guides are free with your individual entry tickets. Audio guides are available in British Sign Language, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Polish, Dutch, Hungarian, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese as well as English. You can download the shortened version of the guide on your mobile or tablet, or use one of the devices from Westminster Abbey. English language commentary is by Oscar-winning actor, Jeremy Irons.

Ticketing is straight forward with concessions for children and seniors and no discounting, including on-line.

You can purchase your tickets in advance on-line where you have to stipulate your visit date.

Westminster Abbey & London's attraction passes and promotions

Railways 2 for 1 Promotion - The railways 2 for 1 entrance promotion is valid at Westminster Abbey with the printed voucher and a qualifying railway ticket. You need to pre-book your tickets in advance online.

The London Pass - Westminster Abbey is supported by London's most popular attraction pass, for full details follow the banner link below: (with over 80 top London attractions). Top attractions on the London Pass list include the London Zoo , Westminster Abbey, St, Paul's , View from the Shard and the Tower of London . The London Pass offers incredible savings over buying individual attraction tickets.

Go City London Explorer Pass - this pass is similar to the London Pass only instead of allowing entry for a set number of days, it gives entry for up to 60 days, and you purchase by the number of attractions you wish to visit.

To purchase either of these passes follow the banner links below.

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Combine Westminster Abbey with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus ticket

Golden Tours is one of the three main hop-on, hop off sightseeing bus companies in London. A great package is to combine Westminster Abbey with a hop on bus tour, saving you pounds on purchasing separately. Hop on tours are excellent for your first day in London, quickly getting you up to speed and orientated with the layout of London and your guide pointing out sights and destinations you might have not previously considered visiting.

From your hop-on bus tour see sites such as the Tower of London , Shakespeare’s Globe and spectacular Westminster Abbey, as well as, of course, Buckingham Palace , as well as many more iconic London scenes.

With the 24-hr and 48-hr tickets you also get a Thames River Cruise thrown in for free. Cruise from Westminster to St Katharine’s Pier, and soak in panoramic views of the capital’s most iconic landmarks for a sightseeing experience like no other!

All this on top of entry to the 700 year old Westminster Abbey.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY WITH HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS TOUR

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Around Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is at the heart of a small district that contains lots of London's A1 attractions. Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye are just some of the “Must Sees” within a few minutes' walk.

Westminster self-guided walk

Westminster self-guided walk map

Westminster Palace and the Elizabeth Tower or Big Ben

Westminster Abbey stands to one side of Parliament Square. On the other side sits an equally fine building Westminster Palace, commonly known as the Houses of Parliament.

Westminster Palace is where the British government meets to manage Britain's political affairs. The most famous part of Westminster Palace is The Elizabeth Tower, more commonly known simply as Big Ben after the name of the famous bell, an iconic image of London.

When parliament is sitting after dark, a light shines from the top of the Elizabeth Tower. For obvious reasons, security is out in force.

It is possible to arrange tours, visit debates in the chamber, even climb the Elizabeth Tower. However don't expect just to turn up and walk in. For UK residents going through their own MP it is much easier than for foreign visitors who can only tour during the summer opening with tickets purchased in advance.

On the green area in the centre of Parliament Square there are normally political protesters of one sort or another with placards and sometimes tents.

This central area is not solid earth, if a vehicle strayed onto the green there is a chance it may fall into the London Underground line below.

Westminster Palace and Saint Margaret's Church

Saint Margaret's Church stands between Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament and is commonly called “the parish church of the House of Commons” on account of it being so handy for politicians on the other side of the road.

Saint Margaret's Church is impressive in its own right, a lot of visitors enter mistaking it for Westminster Abbey next door.

The reason why two such great churches are adjoining is that Westminster Abbey was originally a Benedictine Abbey.

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Westminster Abbey

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Gautier Houba / TripSavvy

Westminster Abbey was founded in AD960 as a Benedictine monastery. This was when most European Christians were Roman Catholic, but following the Reformation in the 16th century the Church of England was formed. Many traditions remain in the Abbey but services are conducted in English, and not Latin.

Westminster Abbey is the nation's Coronation Church and also the burial and memorial place for historical figures from the last thousand years of British history. Westminster Abbey is still a working church and all are welcome to attend the regular services.

• Westminster Abbey Parliament Square London SW1P 3PA

Nearest Tube Stations

• Westminster
• St. James's Park

Nearby you'll find a popular Harry Potter Film Location in London .

Opening Times

• Monday to Saturday: 9.30am - 4.30pm
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9.30am-4.30pm (last admission 3.30pm)
• Wednesday: 9.30am-7.00pm (last admission 6.00pm)
• Saturday: 9.00am-3.00pm (last admission 1.30pm)
• On Sundays the Abbey is open for worship only.

Check official website for current opening times .

90 minute verger-led tours, in English only, are available to individuals for a small additional charge. Audio tours (English version narrated by Jeremy Irons) take around an hour and available in seven other languages: German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese. They are available at the Abbey's Information Desk near the North Door.

Photography and Cellphones

Photography and filming (pictures and/or sound) of any kind is not allowed in any part of the Abbey at any time. Visitors can take pictures in the Cloisters and College Garden for personal use only. Postcards showing the interior of the Abbey are available to buy in the Abbey shop. The use of mobile phones is permitted in the Cloisters and College Garden. Keep mobile phones switched off within the Abbey church.

Official Website

www.westminster-abbey.org

See Westminster Abbey for Free

You can see inside Westminster Abbey for free. The Abbey never charges people who want to worship but they rely on admission fees from visitors to cover running costs. Evensong is the most beautiful of services where the Abbey choir sings. The Choristers of the Choir are educated at Westminster Abbey Choir School and are all extremely talented. Evensong is at 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, plus at 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

What To See

Even without an audio guide, or guidebooks, I would say you could enjoy a visit to Westminster Abbey as it's an awe-inspiring building. I was gob-smacked the first time I went inside: at the architecture, the history, the artifacts, the stained glass windows, oh by everything!

Top Tip: The Abbey staff are extremely knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions. I've learned much more from speaking to Abbey staff than from guidebooks.

Do try to see the various British royalty tombs and the Coronation Chair near the Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor, plus the additional Coronation paraphernalia in the Abbey Museum. Poet's Corner has tombs and memorials for such well-known writers as Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, Thomas Hardy, D H Lawrence, and Alfred Lord Tennyson.

The Grave of the Unknown Warrior is a fascinating story of a body brought back from France after the First World War, along with 100 barrels of French soil to bury him. The black marble slab is from Belgium and the gold lettering was made from shell cases collected on the fields in France .

The only Congressional Medal of Honor given outside of the US was presented to the Unknown Warrior on 17 October 1921 and this hangs in a frame on a pillar nearby. College Garden is thought to be oldest garden in England at nearly 1,000 years old. Pick up a leaflet at the garden entrance to learn about the planting. College Garden is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

• Family Top Tip: Children can dress as a monk and have their photo taken in the Cloisters. Go to the Abbey Museum and ask to borrow a costume!
• Christmas Top Tip: St. George's Chapel has a stunning nativity scene each Christmas which adults and children always adore.

Where to Dine Locally

Opposite the Abbey is the Methodist Central Hall . There is a cafe in the basement which is nothing fancy (plastic chairs and vinyl tablecloths) but does serve decent hot and cold food at reasonable London prices. It's a huge dining space and I've always found it a haven from the hustle and bustle of Parliament Square. The Supreme Court is opposite too and has a great cafe in the basement.

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