You’ve seen it on TV for royal weddings and state funerals, but turning up in person can be chaos: slow‑moving lines, confusing one‑way routes, and 1,000 years of history that’s hard to decode on your own. This how to visit Westminster Abbey guide sorts all that out—skip‑the‑line tactics, what actually matters once you’re inside, and where to refuel afterward.
Visiting Westminster Abbey
If walls could talk, Westminster Abbey would have stories to rival any soap opera. This 700-year-old church has crowned kings, buried queens, and eulogized everyone from Charles Darwin to Stephen Hawking. It’s where history, royalty, and reverence collide under one impossibly high vaulted ceiling.
Thinking of going? Here’s what to know before you visit Westminster Abbey.
Westminster Abbey Tickets & Hours
So, how much does it cost to visit Westminster Abbey? Here’s what you need to know:
Ticket Prices
- Adults: £30
- Seniors/Students: £27
- Children 6‑17: £13 | Under 6: Free
Opening Hours (2025)
- Mon – Fri: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Sat: 9 am – 3 pm
- Sun: open for services only (free to attend, no sightseeing)
- Always check the official Westminster Abbey website for up-to-date hours.
👉 No tickets left on the official Westminster Abbey site? We purchase extra tickets for our Westminster Abbey tours just for this reason.
How to Get to Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey sits just behind the Houses of Parliament in the heart of London, between Parliament Square and Victoria Street. It’s an easy walk from Big Ben and the Thames, though the heavy foot traffic can make it feel farther than it is.
- On Foot: 5 min from Big Ben, 10 min from Buckingham Palace via The Mall, 15 min from Trafalgar Square.
- Tube: Circle, District, or Jubilee lines to Westminster station—exit 4 drops you at the West Door.
- Bus: Routes 11, 24, 148, 211, N136 all stop at Parliament Square.
- River Boat: Disembark at Westminster Pier and walk three minutes past the Houses of Parliament.
- Taxi/Uber: Tell the driver “The Sanctuary, Westminster Abbey”—road closures around Parliament Square are common, so you may walk the last 100 m.
Interessante Fact: The Abbey’s main door (c. 1050) is the oldest in England—and was long believed to have once been sheathed in human skin. This legend was debunked only in 2005.
👉 Want minimal navigation worries? Our London in a Day Tour starts right outside the Abbey and bundles in a Thames cruise to the Tower of London.
Best Westminster Abbey Tours
With over 1,000 years of stories, this is a place best experienced with someone who knows the secrets.
👉 Not ready to book? Check out our guide to the Best Westminster Abbey Tours to Take and Why.
How Long Does It Take to Visit Westminster Abbey?
A typical guided tour of Westminster Abbey takes about 90 minutes and covers the major tombs, chapels, and royal highlights. On your own, plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to take it all in at a comfortable pace. Give yourself extra time if you want to light a candle, explore Poet’s Corner, or visit the museum and gift shop.
Top Things to See in the Abbey
If you wander without a plan, you’ll miss the most jaw-dropping details. Here’s what to keep an eye out for.
- The Coronation Chair: Used for every royal coronation since 1308. Cromwell even used it, despite being anti-royal.
- The Grave of the Unknown Warrior: Soil from a French battlefield, framed by red poppies, and never to be stepped on.
- Poets’ Corner: Final resting place or memorial site of Dickens, Kipling, the Brontë sisters, and Shakespeare.
- Lady Chapel: Home to the tombs of Elizabeth I and Mary I—stacked one on top of the other.
- Chapter House: The birthplace of England’s Parliament. Don’t miss the stained glass or the UK’s oldest surviving door.
- Pyx Chamber: The oldest room in London. 11th-century tiles, medieval chests, and heavy treasury doors.
- Queen’s Window: A bright and modern stained-glass design by David Hockney in his Yorkshire style.
Interessante Fact: The Cosmati Pavement in front of the High Altar has been called the most important medieval mosaic in Britain.
👉 By privy to the intriguing stories behind each on our Private Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard Tour.
What to Skip
You won’t have time for everything. Here’s what most people regret doing.
- Winging it without a guide or map: You’ll miss the major tombs and won’t know why they matter.
- Assuming the queue will move fast: It doesn’t.
- Trying to see it all in 30 minutes: Allow at least two hours.
- Relying solely on the audio guide: Great supplement, but not a substitute for a guide.
Interessante Fact: Oliver Cromwell was buried here, then dug up and posthumously executed. His head was later displayed on a spike.
Secret Tip for Visiting Westminster Abbey
Want to avoid crowds? Book the 9:00 AM slot on our Premium Westminster Abbey Tour with Breakfast and London Eye. You’ll be in before most, enjoy a light breakfast of pastries, coffee, and tea, and take a ride on the London Eye all before noon.
Interessante Fact: The Abbey gardens were once used to grow fruit and healing herbs for the monastic community.
Top Hotels in London
The Marylebone Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Near Soho · Large Pool · Room Service
This hotel stands out for its elegant bedding, convenient on-site restaurants, and attentive concierge service.
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Modern, cozy, and affordable—just right for families or travelers who want everything within easy reach.
Where to Eat Nearby
You’ll need fuel after diving into centuries of history. Here’s where to eat without straying far.
Cellarium Cafe & Terrace | ££ | Inside the Cloisters
Elegant English breakfasts, loose-leaf teas, and light mains in a modern space with medieval flair.
Westminster Abbey Kiosk | £ | Directly outside
Hot drinks, pastries, and grab-and-go sandwiches next to the Abbey Shop.
Café at Storey’s Gate | ££ | Healthy with a view
Great lunch spot overlooking St. James’s Park. Sustainability-focused.
👉 Hungry for more? See our picks for the Best Restaurants Near Westminster Abbey.
More Attractions in London
Why stop here? These make great additions to your London itinerary.
- Tower of London: London’s symbol of power and control since 1078.
- Parliament Square Statues: Snap photos of Churchill, Gandhi, and Fawcett with the clock tower looming behind.
- London Eye: Cross Westminster Bridge for a 30-minute spin above the Thames.
- Churchill War Rooms: Underground bunker that steered Britain through the Blitz.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tower of London
The Abbey is usually open Monday–Saturday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, but hours vary on service days—always check the official calendar before you go.
Yes—pre-booking online secures your entry time and lets you skip the slower walk-up ticket queue.
Plan on 90 minutes to two hours to see the nave, chapels, Poets’ Corner, and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries without rushing.
As a working church, the Abbey asks visitors to dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) and remove hats inside.
Arrive right at opening on a weekday to beat the tour-group rush, especially outside summer and holiday peaks.
How to Visit Westminster Abbey: Final Thoughts
Westminster Abbey isn’t just a stop for royal superfans—it’s where England comes to life. Book a tour, take your time, and let a guide decode the symbols, tombs, and traditions inside. It’s one of the most powerful places in London—don’t rush it.
Still planning your trip? Check out:
Best London Tours to Take in 2025 and Why
Best Food Tours in London to Take and Why
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.
