Westminster Abbey, situated in the heart of London, is a historical marvel with its awe-inspiring gothic architecture. A must-visit landmark, this iconic structure has been witness to centuries of coronations and monumental events. Delve into the...

Also Known As

Westminster Abbey

Founded On

1269

Founded By

John of Gloucester, Henry of Reyns, Robert of Beverley, Ptolemy Dean

About

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, UK

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

09:30–15:30

VISITORS PER YEAR

1600000

TICKETS

From £ 30

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

1-2 hours (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1987

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Recognized as one of the oldest and most significant buildings in the United Kingdom, Westminster Abbey was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Westminster Abbey houses the oldest surviving Anglo-Saxon door in the country, dating back to 1050.

Westminster Abbey has been the setting for 17 royal weddings, such as that of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, as well as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

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Westminster Abbey Tickets

3 hr. - 4 hr.

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£30

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4 hr.

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What is Westminster Abbey?

Westminster Abbey, a historic architectural gem in London, England, serves as a daily worship site, coronation church, and royal burial ground. First established in 960, this Royal Peculiar and UNESCO World Heritage Site belongs to the sovereign and reflects over a thousand years of British history and culture, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Plan your visit to Westminster Abbey

Opening hours

Location

Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 3:30pm
Saturday: 9am to 3pm
Sunday: Closed (For sightseeing)

Best time to visit: Ideal weather and moderate crowds make spring (March to May) a great time for sightseeing. Events like Easter services can attract additional visitors, but weekdays remain quieter. The cooler temperatures and reduced crowds make autumn (September to November) an excellent time to visit, with less waiting in lines.

Detailed Westminster Abbey timings

Address: Dean's Yard, London, SW1, England

Find on Maps

Westminster Abbey is situated in the city of Westminster, London, England, at the heart of the capital's historic and cultural district.

Closest landmark: Queen Elizabeth II Centre (0.16 km)

Directions to Westminster Abbey

Things to see at Westminster Abbey

Coronation chair

One of the most important pieces of furniture in the world, the Coronation Chair is kept in the St. George’s Chapel. It has been used in the coronation ceremonies for over 700 years by placing it in front of the High Altar, at the center of the Abbey. It was built in 1296 under King Edward I.

Henry VII Lady Chapel

The Lady Chapel was built by King Henry VII on the eastern side of the abbey. It is home to the tombs of King Henry VII, his wife, and James I. Built in the late perpendicular Gothic style, this chapel has a pendant vault fan ceiling and has been called ‘the wonder of the world’ by John Leland.

About the Lady Chapel

Royal tombs

There are over 30 kings and queens buried in the royal tombs of Westminster Abbey, including Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I. The first was Edward the Confessor whose shrine is just behind the High Altar. The church was built by Henry III whose effigy is kept near the shrine.

About the Westminster Abbey tombs

Poets' Corner

Poets’ Corner in the east aisle of Westminster Abbey is a pilgrimage site for literary enthusiasts. Over 100 poets and writers are either buried or have their memorials here. A few of them are world-famous such as William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer, and more.

More about the Poets’ Corner

Pyx Chamber

Built in 1070, it is a low vaulted room in Undercroft and the oldest part of the abbey. There are 2 heavy oak doors from the 14th century and a medieval tiled floor from the 11th century. You will find a large curved medieval chest that stored vestments and others with treaties and foreign documents.

The choir

Attend one of the daily services to listen to the choir sing from their quire stalls, a tradition that dates back to the chanting of songs by the monks in the 10th century. In the 18th century, the original quire stalls were replaced and replaced by the present ones in 1848.

About the Westminster Abbey choir

Abbey gardens

Stroll around the 900-year-old College Garden and find a stone wall built in 1376, the 18th-century Westminster school dormitory, a rose garden, and a water fountain. There are two smaller gardens - Little Cloister Garden with a Victorian fountain, and Garth, bordered by the cloisters.

About the Westminster Abbey Gardens

Modern Martyrs

The space above the West Door had been empty since the Middle Ages. Later, the space was filled with limestone sculptures of victims of racism, Nazism, and religious prejudice, like Dr. Martin Luther King and Wang Zhiming, and unveiled in a service attended by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998.

History of Westminster Abbey

960 AD: After a fisherman claimed that he had a vision of a church dedicated to St Peter on the spot, a few monks gathered to build a Benedictine Monastery in 960 AD. This large stone church came to be known as ‘West Minster’.
1065: King Edward’s remains were entombed in front of the High Altar in 1065.
13 CE: King Henry III decided to rebuild the abbey in Gothic style in the mid-13th century. It was now not just a place of worship but also the coronation and burials of monarchs. Every monarch has been crowned here since William the Conqueror.
1516: The abbey got a remarkable new addition of Henry VII Lady Chapel in 1516.
1560: Queen Elizabeth I refounded the abbey as a Collegiate Church exempt from the jurisdiction of bishops and archbishops.

Detailed Westminster Abbey history

Westminster Abbey architecture

Who built Westminster Abbey?

The present Westminster Abbey building dates to the time of King Henry III’s reign. The eastern part of the 11th century Abbey, founded by King Edward the Confessor in 1065, was pulled down by King Henry III in 1245. He then rebuilt the abbey in Anglo-French Gothic style for his own burial and dedicated it to King Edward. Although the construction began in 1245, the design was completed under the reign of Richard II.

Construction

The three masons supervising the construction were Robert of Beverly, John of Gloucester, and Henry of Reyns. They took inspiration from new cathedrals Amiens, Reims, and Chartres, to add an apse with radiating chapels. They used Gothic features such as ribbed vaults, pointed arches, and rose windows. You will also find a few English features in the building such as a single aisle and a long nave with projecting transepts.

Design

Westminster Abbey has the highest Gothic vault in England which seemed higher because of the narrow aisles. The design of the Abbey was taken from the continental system of geometrical proportion. Moreover, a spacious area was provided between the start of the quire and the high altar which was the ‘theatre’ for the coronation ceremony. The windows were filled with stunning ruby and sapphire glasses along with a pattern of heraldic shields.

Westminster Abbey on screen

Movies: The Da Vinci Code (2006), The Young Victoria (2009), Army of Shadows (1969), Westminster Abbey (1996), Minions (2015), and more.

TV series: The Prisoner (1967-68), A History of Britain (2000-02), Monarchy (2004-07), The Tower (2021-24), and more.

Music: England Swings (Roger Miller), Different Ways of Living (Bee Appleseed), Lost Art (JR Shitty & the Bean Flowers).

Video games: Watch Dogs: Legion, The Da Vinci Code, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Assassin’s Creed: Project Legacy, Sherlock Holmes: Fenian Dynamite Campaign, The Simpsons: Tapped Out, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions about Westminster Abbey

How big is Westminster Abbey?

Westminster Abbey is spread across 32,000 sq. ft. or 3000 sq. meters.

Can anyone visit Westminster Abbey?

Yes, Westminster Abbey is open to all. However, it's a working church, so access may be restricted during worship services and special events.

Is an audio guide available for Westminster Abbey tours?

Yes, audio guides in English, Russian, Portuguese, Polish, Dutch, Japanese, Italian, Hungarian, Arabic, French, German, and Spanish are often included with the Westminster Abbey tickets.

How long should I plan to spend visiting Westminster Abbey?

Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours at Westminster Abbey, depending on interest in the detailed history and architecture.

Is photography allowed inside Westminster Abbey?

Photography is generally permitted in most areas of the church, except for the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor and St Faith's Chapel. That said, flash photography, videography, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed.

What should I not miss when visiting Westminster Abbey?

Do not miss the Poets' Corner, the Coronation Chair, and the Lady Chapel, all of which hold significant historical importance. Noteworthy artifacts include the oldest door in Britain, medieval paintings, and the tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

Is Westminster Abbey accessible to visitors with disabilities?

Yes, Westminster Abbey is accessible to visitors with disabilities. There are ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets available.

Can I get married at Westminster Abbey?

Only members of the royal family, recipients of the Order of the Bath, and residents of the Abbey's precincts can get married at Westminster Abbey.

What facilities are available for tourists?

Facilities include a gift shop, the Cellarium Café and Terrace, restrooms, and a cloakroom.