Westminster Abbey ★★★
London's great Gothic abbey is packed with the tombs and monuments of British monarchs and some the world's most famous playwrights, poets, scientists, and other notables
This grandiose early English Gothic abbey—officially called "The Collegiate Church of St Peter in Westminster," the greatest Anglican cathedral in London—is one of Europe's major churches and a who's who of deceased Brits—one of the country's greatest honors is to be buried in this hallowed hall.
Every English monarch from William the Conqueror in 1066 to Elizabeth II in 1953 was crowned here (save Edwards V and VIII), and most of them (up to 1760) are buried here as well, some in appropriately fantastic tombs.
Many of the early 16th-century royal tombs were carved by Pietro Torrigiano, a Florentine who studied sculpture with—and bullied—the young Michelangelo (who supplanted Torrigiano as the teacher's favorite when he arrived at the Medici's sculpture school).
The right transept is known as Poet's Corner, with memorials to Britain's greatest writers and creative types, plus the actual graves of Chaucer, Robert Browning, Rudyard Kipling, D. H. Lawrence, Dylan Thomas, Noel Coward, and Sir Laurence Olivier.
Other notables who rest in peace inside Westminster Abbey include Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Lord Baden-Powell (founder of the Boy Scouts), and composers Benjamin Britten and Handel.
You can download the free, official audio tour app (narrated by Jeremy Irons!) to your iPhone or Android before arriving (it's more than 100MB, so download it over WiFi), or just go old-school and grab a hand-held audio tour on site for free by the North Door.
The abbey also offers very worthwhile 90-minute guided Verger Tours for £5.
Although the Royal Chapels are closed on Sundays, you're certainly welcome to attend a service—but no wandering around like a tourist. You must sit in a pew and stay for the entire service.
Tickets
While London is laden with well-known, memorable landmarks, few represent English history and culture better than Westminster Abbey. During this 3-hour Westminster Abbey Tour, led by a local historian with expertise in royal history, we'll explore the central role that this emblem of British Christianity has played in English history, from its founding in the eleventh century to the recent wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. During the tour we will immerse ourselves in the medieval context of Westminster and journey through nearly 1,000 years of British history.
- Westminster Abbey Tour led by historians with extensive knowledge of British royalty.
- Groups capped at 6 people max.
- 1000 years of British history in one building.
- Includes skip-the-line tickets.
Westminster Abbey Tour
Our walk begins in Parliament Square, beside the Abbey. Surrounded by symbols of royal and parliamentary power, we will place the abbey itself in its historical landscape. Originally a marshy knoll along the banks of the Thames and home to one of the poorest populations in the city, we will discuss the area's transformation over the centuries.
History Through Architecture
Using the abbey itself as a kind of textbook, we will learn how to read and understand Gothic architecture. A palimpsest of historical time periods and styles, the building and its decorative elements form the basis for our discussion on the symbolic use of certain features and the actual use of the building complex as a residence, school, and center for the Anglican church. We will explore the hidden areas of the complex, including the gardens (if possible) and the particularly beguiling cloisters. The relaxed, quiet atmosphere of these spaces will enable us to engage in a serious discussion of the abbey's role in the lives and works of such luminaries as Geoffrey Chaucer, who was employed here and probably drew a good amount of material from the goings on for his Canterbury Tales.
Want to see another London highlight? Try our Tower of London Tour.
Fit for a Queen
As the church of the queen (or king, as it may be), Westminster Abbey served as the setting for all coronations. It is also the final resting place for royalty and legions of other notable Britons, from Elizabeth I to Charles Darwin. Experts estimate there may be over 30,000 graves in all within the confines of the church.
Inside the Church
This fact will shape the second half of our walk as we enter the main church itself and wander among the monuments, tombs, and testaments. Taken together, these objects—and the great church itself—will create a narrative of British history. We will trace the reigns of kings, the intrigues of dynasties, and the impact of certain key figures on politics, art, and science. As we move among the monuments, we will trace a millennium of English history. With over 600 memorials inside the nave and transept of the church, the range of topics we might discuss is wide, though certain themes typically emerge. One such theme is the conflict between Protestants and Catholics. Another is the Great War and the Second World War. Another still is the balance between the sovereignty of royalty and the rise of democracy. In the magical atmosphere of Westminster Abbey and in the presence of so much material history, we will conduct a wide-ranging discussion, exploring facets of English history new to us while supplementing our existing knowledge.
Reading the Church
As we move along, we will continue to pay attention to the intricate architectural decoration that makes this one of the most significant churches in the world, including the Italian Cosmati paving on the high altar, the ornate stone work in the sixteenth-century apse, and the wide range of sculpture represented on the tombs. We will also learn how to read British heraldry (a fundamental talent!) omnipresent elsewhere in Westminster, and indeed throughout London: the portcullis and roses of the Tudors, the lion stretching back to Scotland, and the unicorn, a symbol of Elizabeth I.
Take Aways
Our walk may conclude by witnessing the daily prayer said over the medieval tomb of Edward the Confessor, founder of the church. A rite that has been performed for nearly a thousand years, it give us a chance to wrap our walk with a bit of living history and ponder the continuing legacy of Westminster Abbey.
If you are interested in discovering more about the key role that religion and its architecture has played in British history, we suggest our St. Paul's Cathedral Tour.
FAQ
Do we go inside the venues or just see them from the outside? You will go inside Westminster Abbey.
Will you pre-purchase tickets? You will purchase your Westminster ticket at venue, but your docent will have special access privileges, so you will not wait in line. Admissions: adults £18, seniors and students £15, youth (11-18) £8, under 11 free.
Is this tour good for kids? Yes! We have some excellent family friendly docents who can appeal to the learning styles of children. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Feel free to provide us with information about your children such as favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible docent.
Does this tour include Parliament? No, Parliament only allows their own tours led by their guides. You can view more info here. Keep in mind, Westminster is huge, and Parliament is only one part of it!
Make your own way to Parliament Square, where a bevy of London’s most famous sights, including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, await. Then, meet your guide outside Westminster Abbey and head inside to begin your tour.
Walk along the same aisle that Prince William and Kate Middleton took their first steps on as a married couple, and get up close to the Coronation Chair, where the British Royals have been crowned for hundreds of years. Stroll through the cloisters and see College Garden, thought to be the oldest garden in England, along with the graves of Dickens, Hardy and other famous writers.
After touring the abbey, make the short stroll to the Houses of Parliament, which sits resplendent along the banks of the Thames River. Marvel at the golden spires and statues that stud the building’s grandiose facade, and learn about the much-snapped Elizabeth Tower, which houses the Big Ben bell. Then, continue inside and enjoy a roughly 1.5-hour tour. Take in highlights such as Westminster Hall, Queen’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery and Lords Chamber, and gain a fascinating insight into Britain’s modern-day politics.
Your tour then concludes outside the Houses of Parliament, leaving you free to continue sightseeing independently or make your own way back to your accommodation.
Westminster Abbey is one of the world's greatest churches, with a history stretching back more than 1,000 years. An essential part of any trip to London, the abbey is an architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries and is home to the shrine of St Edward the Confessor, the tombs of kings and queens, and countless memorials to famous figures.
With your entrance ticket, head inside through the North Door and pick up your audio guide to learn about the abbey as you walk around. It has been the setting for every English monarch's coronation since 1066 and has hosted numerous other occasions, including 16 royal weddings, most famously in recent history the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Today, it is also still a church dedicated to regular worship.
Every year, the abbey welcomes more than one million visitors, and thousands come to worship at daily services. Westminster Abbey is typically open to visitors from Monday to Saturday throughout the year. On Sundays and religious holidays, such as Easter and Christmas, the abbey is open for worship only. All are welcome, and it is free to attend services.
Your tour begins with a visit to one of London’s most iconic attractions, The Tower of London. Be one of the first groups admitted on the day before proceeding to the most historic part, The White Tower. Here you will be welcomed by a White Tower warden for a talk on its unique history. Explore all four floors, including the Royal Armouries Collection, and see the Crown Jewels, which are part of the Royal Collection and still used regularly by the Queen.
Then head into the City of London, where you'll see St. Paul's Cathedral and the Bank of England, among many of London’s other famous landmarks, hearing more about the history of this fascinating city. Cross over iconic Tower Bridge before you visit Borough Market.
Borough Market is London’s most renowned food and drink market and dates back to 1014. Both a source of British and international produce, it consists of more than 100 stalls and strands. Producers from all over the country bring a range of fresh produce to the market including fish, meats, vegetables, ciders, breads, cheeses, coffees, and cakes. You'll have time to explore the many stalls and enjoy some of the local delicacies before heading to Westminster Abbey.
Steeped in more than a thousand years of history, the Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of 17 monarchs. The present church, begun by Henry III in 1245, is one of the most important gothic buildings in the country. Take a comprehensive tour as your guide brings the story of the Abbey to life. Top off the day with a sumptuous afternoon tea at the Cellarium Café located inside the Abbey complete with sandwiches, scones, cakes and your choice of tea. Your tour will end here so you can enjoy your afternoon tea at your own pace.
Please note: A state of the art audio-guide system is used during the walking sections of this tour. You'll receive a personal headset to ensure you never miss a word of the guide's commentary.
Experience two top London sights and one of Britain's best traditions on this full-day combo tour. Visit Westminster Abbey; get an inside look at Buckingham Palace, the Queen's official London residence; and watch the Changing of the Guard, a wonderful display of British pageantry. Then, cap your day with an indulgent afternoon tea at a luxury London hotel.
Meet your guide by the column opposite the west entrance of Westminster Abbey, one of the world’s greatest churches and the site of royal coronations for 1,000 years.
Step inside this 700-year-old monument for a guided tour highlighting its most important and fascinating features. Learn how the abbey is a significant structure in British history, welcoming kings, queens and statesmen, and playing host to state funerals and royal weddings — most recently the marriage William and Kate.
Next, follow your guide to see the Changing of the Guard. Depending on the day, you'll either watch the ceremony at Buckingham Palace or at House Guards Parade. Your guide will make sure you’re in a prime position to get the best views and regale you with details on the history and pageantry behind this beloved event. Please note: In heavy rain, the Changing of the Guard does not take place.
After a break for lunch (own expense), it’s time to visit Buckingham Palace, the residence of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, for an audio-guided tour. See the balcony where the royal family appears during major events, and hear stories of intruders and princes scaling the walls to get both inside and out. Then, separate from your guide and head inside to see the magnificent State Rooms, which are only open to the public for two short months out of the entire year.
Join back up with your guide, and then end the day with a sumptuous afternoon tea. Savor delicious scones topped with jam and clotted cream, a selection of sandwiches and cakes, and a pot of fresh tea, all served on fine china in the magnificent setting of a traditional London luxury hotel.
On the morning of your tour, make your own way to Westminster Abbey to meet your guide. Sitting alongside Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the history-steeped Gothic showstopper is one of the world’s most spectacular churches. It’s also been the site of all of England's royal coronations — with the exception of two — since the crowning of William the Conqueror in 1066.
With your guide and prebooked ticket, which entitles you to fast-track entry, head inside to learn more about the abbey’s storied past. Follow in the footsteps of some history’s most fascinating characters, from Elizabeth I to Queen Elizabeth II, as you walk down the black-and-white checkered isle toward the Coronation Chair. Peer out at the 900-year-old College Garden while you stroll through the impressive Cloisters, and spot the graves of some of the world’s most famous wordsmiths, including Dickens, Hardy and Tennyson in Poets’ Corner.
After touring Westminster Abbey, take a stroll to Horse Guards Parade or along the Mall to watch the Changing of the Guard. Listen to your guide talk about the ceremony’s history as the Queen’s Foot Guards, in their cherry tunics and bearskin hats, or the plumed Household Cavalry pass right in front of you.
Finish your tour outside Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official London residence. See the balcony where William and Kate kissed before the public after their wedding in 2011, and hear stories of intruders and princes scaling the walls before bidding your guide goodbye.
Please note: If there is heavy rain — or if the Changing of the Guard is rescheduled to early morning — the ceremony will be replaced with an extended walking tour.
These might include Westminster Abbey
More toursTips
A quick spin only takes about 30 to 45 minutes—though the shuffle around the ambulatory and Royal Chapels can be a bit slow during the summer rush, and history buffs will likely want to linger longer over their heroes.
Me? I'm usually inside for 90 minutes.
Expect to wait in an entry line for a good 10–20 minutes, especially in summer.
NOTE: The last entry is a full 1 hour before closing time (so you must get here before 3:30pm weekdays, 1:30pm Saturdays).
If you feel the need for some food right before or after visiting Westminster Abbey, I recommend either:
- The sandwich kiosk by the Abbey's West Towers is good for a quick bite of sandwiches, snacks, cakes, muffins, coffe, and tea.
- The Abbey's Cellarium cafe if you really need a sit-down break—and have the time to take 30 minutes or so to dine in the former 14th century storage room for the monk's food, or (in nice weather) on the adjacent outdoor terrace. It's open weekdays from 8am to 6pm (to 9pm in Wednesdays), Saturdays 9am to 5pm, and Sundays 10am to 4pm.
