About Westminster Abbey Services | Full Details & Schedule

Schedule of Westminster Abbey services

Daily Worship: Morning prayer starts at 7:30am weekdays and 8:40am Saturdays, with Holy Communion at 8:00am and 12:30pm. Services generally last 30 minutes.
Choral Evensong: Held 5:00pm Monday to Saturday and 3:00pm Sunday. Sung by the Abbey Choir, this service blends scripture, prayer, and sacred choral music.
Sunday Eucharist: Sung Eucharist at 11:15am with Morning Prayer 10:00am. Holy Communion takes place 8:00am and 6:00pm. The main service includes music, sermon, and communion.
Special Seasons: At Christmas, Easter, and Remembrance, additional services are added. Exact times are published on the Abbey’s official website calendar closer to each event.

Attending a service

Westminster Abbey interior view with Anglican Church architecture and stained glass.

Entry to services is free, separate from sightseeing admission. Visitors are welcomed at designated entrances and directed by vergers. Seating is on a first-come basis, though certain areas are reserved for clergy and choir participants.

Arrive at least 20 minutes early to secure a good seat.
Admission is through specific service entrances, not the visitor ticket lines.
Seating may be limited at popular services like Evensong or Sunday Eucharist.
Ushers are available to guide visitors toward appropriate seating areas.

Wheelchair accessible route sign with arrow pointing right.

The Abbey accommodates visitors with mobility needs during services. Accessible entrances, staff support, and reserved seating ensure participation. Large-print service sheets are also often available for those requiring assistance with following the order of worship.

Step-free access is available at designated entry points for services.
Seating for wheelchair users and companions is clearly marked and accessible.
Staff are on hand to assist with directions and accessibility requests.
Hearing loops are installed to support visitors with hearing aids.

Visitor in coat and scarf outside Westminster Abbey, London.

Visitors attending services are expected to respect the Abbey’s role as a working church. This means observing silence where appropriate, following service sheets, and refraining from any disruptive activity during worship.

Photography, video, and mobile phone use are strictly prohibited during services.
Dress should be respectful, keeping in mind the Abbey’s sacred setting.
Conversations should be minimal inside the Abbey during worship.

Westminster Abbey interior with ornate arches and choir stalls.

Service lengths vary depending on the type. Short daily prayers last under 30 minutes, while Eucharist or special liturgical services may run over an hour with music, readings, and sermons.

Daily worship averages around 20 to 30 minutes in length.
Choral Evensong typically lasts about 40 to 45 minutes.
Sunday Eucharist is usually an hour or slightly longer.
Special or state occasions often extend beyond an hour.

Special and state services

Royal ceremonies

Westminster Abbey is the site of coronations, royal weddings, and jubilees. These services are highly ceremonial, steeped in tradition, and broadcast globally, setting them apart from the Abbey’s regular worship schedule.

National Remembrance Day

Each November, the Abbey holds Remembrance services honoring those who gave their lives in conflict. These services combine liturgy, silence, and ceremonial tribute, reinforcing the Abbey’s role in national memory and reflection.

Memorial services

The Abbey frequently hosts memorials for notable public figures. These services combine Anglican liturgy with personal tributes, reflecting the Abbey’s place as a spiritual home for remembrance at a national level.

State occasions

From Thanksgiving services to mourning ceremonies, state occasions at the Abbey mark pivotal moments in British history. These rare services bring together national leaders, international guests, and the public in solemn worship.

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Visitor tips

Arrive 20-30 minutes before the service begins, as seating fills quickly for Evensong and Sunday Eucharist, especially when the choir is scheduled.
Check the Abbey’s online service calendar, as special events, commemorations, or royal occasions may alter usual timings or restrict general visitor attendance.
Choir performances are a highlight. If hearing the Abbey Choir is important, aim for Evensong services where their participation is guaranteed.
For quieter worship, weekday Morning Prayer or midday Holy Communion offers a more reflective experience with fewer visitors and less crowded seating.
Popular seasonal services like Christmas or Remembrance often require timed tickets or reservations. Confirm availability well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Sundays are busiest, with longer Eucharist services. Weekday attendance provides a shorter service while still experiencing the Abbey’s music and atmosphere.
Plan onward travel with service times in mind, as evening Evensong finishes later and can coincide with peak hours on public transport.
Photography is never permitted during services, but worshippers may collect official service sheets as keepsakes, which often include hymns, readings, and liturgical notes.
Consider attending multiple services on the same day. Morning Prayer, Holy Communion, and Evensong each provide distinct experiences of worship within the Abbey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Westminster Abbey services

Do I need to book in advance for Westminster Abbey services?

No booking is required for daily services, but seasonal occasions like Christmas and Remembrance may require tickets due to very high attendance.

Can I attend a service and then explore the Abbey afterward?

No, worship services are separate from the sightseeing entry gate. Attendees exit after the service, and sightseeing requires a purchased ticket for later admission.

Are visitors allowed to participate in singing during services?

Yes, congregational hymns are printed in service sheets. Visitors are encouraged to sing along during communal sections but may remain silent if preferred.

Are Westminster Abbey services suitable for young children?

Yes, children are welcome. Shorter weekday services may be easier for younger attendees, while longer Sunday services can feel more formal and structured.

Can I leave a service early if needed?

Yes, but exiting is discouraged except in emergencies. Leaving quietly before the final blessing is possible if absolutely necessary, respecting other worshippers.

Are services available in languages other than English?

Services are conducted in English, but service sheets often include bilingual options during major occasions. Staff may provide additional language resources if requested.