English
English
- Westminster Abbey
- Henry VII Lady Chapel
- Poets' Corner
- History
- Architecture
- Inside
- Coronations
- Burials and Tombs
- Choir
- Gardens
- Library & Research
- Bells
- Christmas
- Christmas in London
- London Theatre Tickets
- Harry Potter London Tours
- London Eye
- Tower of London
- Madame Tussauds London
- London To Windsor Castle Tours
- Up At The O2 Climb
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium
- London To Stonehenge Tours
- Buckingham Palace
- Tower Bridge
- The Shard
- Frameless London
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- Kew Gardens
- Hampton Court Palace
- Downton Abbey
- Churchill War Rooms
Contents
Why go on a Westminster Abbey guided tour
- Get insider knowledge: Engage with Westminster Abbey's expert guides on a guided tour to uncover deep insights into its storied history, architectural grandeur, and hidden gems often missed on self-guided visits.
- Discover exclusive spaces: Guided tours grant access to areas typically closed to the public, including the sacred Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor, revealing the Abbey's most revered and significant sites.
- Maximize your visit: Guided tours efficiently navigate Westminster Abbey's intricate layout, ensuring that you experience all key highlights within the limited time available at this iconic landmark.
- Better personal engagement: Guided tours at Westminster Abbey provide a personalized experience, allowing for interaction with the guide, ensuring an enriching exploration. Plus you get to ask questions and get them answered in real time.
Westminster Abbey guided tour vs self-guided tour
Guided tours
- Expert guidance: Tours are led by skilled tourist guides, offering profound insights into the Abbey's history and architecture.
- Exclusive access: Gain entry to otherwise restricted areas with detailed narratives on pivotal sites, including the Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor.
- Efficient exploration: Structured tours are designed to guide you through the Abbey's expansive layout, ensuring all significant highlights are covered effectively.
- Personalized experience: These tours offer interactive opportunities to engage with guides, ask questions, and delve deeper into the rich tapestry of the Abbey's historical and cultural importance.
Self-guided tours
- Freedom to explore: You are invited to explore the Abbey at your leisure, dedicating time to areas that most captivate your interest.
- Flexibility: A self-guided tour offers a spontaneous exploration experience, permitting you to dwell longer in favored spots or swiftly navigate to other places as desired.
- Personal reflection: The serene ambiance of the Abbey encourages a space for individual reflection and contemplation amidst its hallowed halls.
- Cost-effective: An optimal choice for those seeking a budget-conscious visit, this option supports independent discovery of the Abbey's rich heritage.
Westminster Abbey tour highlights
The Great West Door
The Great West Door is a focal point for Westminster Abbey tours due to its beautiful carvings. The words "Sancta Maria" are written on either side of it in Latin, which means "Holy Mary". Above the door, you can see the 10 statues of Modern Martyrs who sacrificed their lives. The West Towers are located on either side of the door.
The Nave
After Henry III’s death, the old nave remained attached for centuries until it was completed in 1517. On the right is the Coronation Chair, vital to coronations since 1308. Ahead is the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, remembering WWI soldiers. Further ahead is the memorial for Sir Isaac Newton, along with other floor stone memorials.
The Quire
Further along is the Quire, where you can see choir stalls on either side. This part of the abbey was where monks prayed until its dissolution in 1540. The stalls were made in the 19th century in Victorian Gothic style to match the abbey’s architecture. Here, you can see dedicated seats for the King and the Commonwealth.
About the choir
High Altar
Ahead of the crossing is the High Altar, where all British coronations occur. Royal weddings take place on the left side, which extends to the North Transept. Above the High Altar is the Triforium, where the Diamond Jubilee Galleries are situated. Beneath the High Altar is the Cosmati Pavement, said to predict the end of the world.
North Transept
The North Transept or the Statesmen’s Aisle is where the remains of Prime Minister William Pitt lie. It leads to the North Door, exiting which you would see St. Margaret’s Church, dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch. This church was built for locals to take mass, ensuring the abbey monks would remain undisturbed during prayers.
Chapel of Saint Edward
To the left of the Crossing and before the Statesmen’s Aisle, the right-side aisle leads to the Chapel of Saint Edward and the Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor, built by King Henry III. You can also see the tombs of other monarchs, including King Henry III. Today, the Shrine is still a pilgrim site for anyone who wants to offer prayers.
Henry VII Lady Chapel
Down the stairs, you’ll enter the Lady Chapel. Gaze up to see the beauty of the fan-vaulted ceiling. King Henry VII constructed this chapel as a burial ground for himself, and his wife, Elizabeth of York. Their marriage is said to have ended the Wars of the Roses, allowing successors to have an undisputed claim to the throne.
About the Lady Chapel
Tomb of Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I
To the left of the Lady Chapel, is the joint tomb of Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Mary I, that interestingly only has Elizabeth’s effigy. After the dissolution of monasteries, Queen Mary I turned the abbey into an Anglican Church, while Queen Elizabeth I named it the Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster.
Tomb of Queen Mary of Scots
On the right side of the Lady Chapel is the tomb of Queen Mary of Scots. She tried to claim the English throne during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and was held captive for 19 years before she was beheaded. After her son, James I of England and VI of Scotland, took to the throne, he constructed a tomb for her at the abbey.
Westminster Abbey history
Poets’ Corner
To the right of the Crossing, along the seating area, is the Poets’ Corner. Marvel at tombs, memorials, sculptures, and floor stones for authors, poets, and artists. Charles Dickens was among the few buried at Poets’ Corner. In 2012, on Dickens’ 200th birthday, King Charles and Queen Camila laid a wreath at Westminster Abbey.
About Poets' Corner
Chapter House
Right next to Poets’ Corner, an alley to the left leads to the Cloisters, further connected to the Chapter House and the Pyx Chamber. The Chapter House in the East Cloister is where monks ‘hold chapter’: pray, read, and discuss business for the day. The Chapter House was a part of Henry III’s rebuilding of the abbey and was completed in 1255.
Pyx Chamber
The Pyx Chamber is the oldest surviving room, where you can find architectural elements used in King Edward the Confessor’s building, including floor tiles that date to the 11th century. This room was used as a sacristy during Henry III’s reconstruction. The Pyx Chamber gets its name from “Trial of Pyx” — melting silver coins to check their purity.
Westminster Abbey map
Book Westminster Abbey tickets
Frequently Asked Questions about Westminster Abbey guided tours
How long does a Westminster Abbey guided tour take?
Westminster Abbey is filled with many riches from the past. We suggest that you give yourself at least two to three hours to complete the tour of Westminster Abbey.
Can I tour Westminster Abbey after I have offered my prayers?
You can enter Westminster Abbey for free to offer prayers. However, to tour the abbey afterward, you have to buy a ticket. Make sure to book your tickets online and beforehand to make sure that your visit goes smoothly.
Are guided tours available every day?
Guided tours are available most days, but the schedule may vary due to special services and events.
Can children participate in guided tours?
Yes, children are welcome on Westminster Abbey guided tours, and family-friendly options are available to make the experience engaging for younger visitors.
Is photography allowed during guided tours?
Photography is restricted within certain areas of the abbey during guided tours to preserve the sanctity and ensure the smooth conduct of the tour.
What should I wear for a Westminster Abbey guided tour?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as considerable walking is involved, and respectful attire should be worn as the abbey is a place of worship.
