Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
4.5
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsChurches & Cathedrals
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
About
Westminster Abbey was initially built by Henry III in 1245 and it is one of the most important Gothic buildings of England. At first home of Benedictine monks, the coronation church since 1066 and the final resting place of 17 monarchs. It contains a treasury full of paintings, stained glass, pavements, textiles, books and various other artefacts plus the most significant collection of monumental sculptures of the UK. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries in the Abbey's Triforium opened in June 2018. Explore over 1,000 years of history in this truly unique space, high above the Abbey floor.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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£30.00
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Top ways to experience Westminster Abbey
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Westminster
If you only had an afternoon to experience London on a grand scale, Westminster would be a wise place to start. The ornate Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey sit adjacent at a corner of Parliament Square, and a short stroll along The Mall leads to Buckingham Palace. Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column are just up the road as well. As captivating as the architecture is, the wonders of Mother Nature are highlights of the area too. St James's Park (arguably London's loveliest), the expansive Green Park, and pedestrian friendly tree lined paths along the river showcase the exquisite manicure provided by English gardeners. Just beyond the landmarks and the gorgeous outdoor spaces, quiet residential squares and age old local pubs offer a more subdued take on this global seat of power in the heart of London.
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See what travellers are saying
  • Antonia
    United States32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful historical church
    So much history inside a beautiful church that has been kept in excellent condition for 1,000 years. I did not read every single epitaph, but there are several British monarchs over the centuries buried here and the audio guide offers interesting context. The only thing was that you pretty much need to walk on people's resting places in order to move around. Maybe a capacity limit would help this and feel more respectful. I highly recommend getting the extra ticket to the Queen's Gallery. Lots of interesting artifacts there too. It took me a few hours to see everything.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 9 October 2023
  • Shaun Flynn
    Gainsborough, United Kingdom9 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    More explanation required
    What a great place to visit, fantastic history, great part of our nation, but the audio guide, and signage! I learnt basic Latin at school, some 35 plus years ago so could read and understand the basics of what most inscriptions meant, but struggled. How any one with no Latin gets the basics of half of it is, is beyond me. More signage or more audio info is essential. Then people may truly experience the history and ecclesiastical value of this wonderful place.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 October 2023
  • Kyle G
    Plano, Texas811 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mesmerizing Beauty. A Truly Religious Experience.
    Nothing, and I mean absolutely NOTHING, you may have seen in still photography or on TV does Westminster Abbey any justice with how big and beautiful this abbey truly is, than when viewing it in person. Breathtaking inside and out. If you can spare the money & time, get tickets to the galleries upstairs. Photography is prohibited, but there are some incredible views and items to view.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 October 2023
  • Patrick C
    Minneapolis, Minnesota107 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited Twice in an 8 day visit
    Westminster Abbey seems like the highest concentration of English culture, tradition, values and history of any other place we visited in England. This is where monarchs are crowned. Future kings are married. And oh yeah Henry V, Edward the Confessor & Queen Elizabeth the First (perhaps you’ve heard of her) are all buried there. If you can, sign up for the behind the scenes tour. We stood where Elizabeth Woodville last saw the lost princes, got interesting coronation factoids. And if nothing else you get to go up into the attic, which offers amazing views of the Abbey. Amazing experience.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 October 2023
  • JaimeCA
    62 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Super cool BUT not for younger children imo
    5 stars based on a solo adult visit. I loved it, but I could see where younger children would find it boring. It is beautiful and the free guided tour was pretty neat. Paid the extra for the queens gallery and i also thought it was a good deal. Its at the end of the tour so give yourself at least an hour before heading there. Also… 1. Went on Saturday it was busy. 2. Buy tix in advance. So glad I did. The line was nuts. 3. Its an old church and a tight fit in some places and uneven floors. If you can’t navigate stairs it might be tough. 4. From the gallery you get a much better view of the cosmati floor and edward the confessors tomb. 5. Make sure you see “Britain’s oldest door” lol!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 22 October 2023
  • melanie r
    19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a few hours of your time. Breathtaking.
    Amazing. Plan to spend hours to see it all. Queens Jubille tickets are well worth the 5 pounds. Do not go without a ticket and time reservation. Skip the ques and book online.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 24 October 2023
  • nowpacking
    Dallas, Texas3,856 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historic and Meaningful
    Allow several hours or more because there is just too much to take in! The stunning Abbey is covered in incredible workmanship that is unrivaled. Get the headset to help have just a bit of information of what you are seeing. The different chapels, alters, monuments and endless architectural wonders almost never cease! The ceilings and floors will take your breath away. Try to attend a service or evensong to grasp the holiness that is inside! This is a vibrant and beautiful house of God! Please be respectful of services, prayer times etc.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 October 2023
  • Kelsey P
    San Rafael, California117 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Evensong service
    We had a somewhat different experience of Westminster Abbey as we arrived after it had closed to the public, so we did not get to "tour" the church but attended the Evensong service. I am not religious but it was very moving to hear the beautiful choir singing in the halls where people have done the same for hundreds of years. The service is free, lasts about 35 minutes and photography is not allowed. We didn't get to see the whole church but it was a nice way to take a breath after a long day of sightseeing. Highly recommend!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 October 2023
  • Hockeydad900
    La Canada Flintridge, California378 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ceremonies and Memorials
    An essential part of any trip to London. A magnificent church but it functions less as a church than as a place for public ceremony (coronations of the British monarchs) and public memorials (the burial place and memorial site for much of English history since the Norman Conquest). It was very crowded when we were there and hard to see some things or to spend any time in contemplation.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 November 2023
  • Avril W
    Cork, Ireland13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful
    We didn't realise we could see much. It is alot bigger than I expected. It was warm inside and the crowd flowed well. The audio guide was a great help. Seats available if you need a rest. Tickets can be bought inside.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 11 December 2023
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles25,057 reviews
Excellent
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1,565
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Reggie Leopold
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
If you purchase tickets FROM their website you can avoid the line. Not true with London Pass or any other ticket people had. When we got there the line was 2 hours long and we were allowed immediately in because we bought the tickets directly from their website. Also def sign up for the Verger Tour. They will show you around for seven pounds but its so much more interesting than the audio tour which is BASIC. We were allowed access into areas the general public couldn't go and it was a highlight of the trip. Also no photos inside. They really enforce this so don't try to push it or you will be kicked out.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Louis R
Miami, FL84 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Family
The building itself is an glorious cathedral built as a testament to faith. The interior is equally dedicated the worship, but also is filled with the graves and memorials to great heroes of Britain. Numerous monarchs, and military heroes are remembered within, but also great poets and scientists as well. I admit to tearing up at the gravesite of Dr Stephan Hawking, right by Isaac Newton, and Paul Dirac. Poet's Corner is also worthwhile if you have any love of letters and literature. The Queen's Jubilee exhibition was worth the extra £5 to get in, and I recommend it, if only for the views from the top of the cathedral. All in all, amazing even though my 11 year old was found it boring, though he perked up for Newton and Shakespeare's memorials.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anna P
Vermont, Australia19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
It was much more than we had expected. Amazing place! Online booking was easy, the audio-video guides are included in the price and are the best we’d ever used. The kids enjoyed their activity book and could choose a child version of the guide to keep them interested.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hollie W
Horsham, Australia165 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
Westminster Abbey is an incredible experience with so much history and beauty. Unfortunately you can’t take photos while inside but in some ways that makes the experience even more valuable as you have to take it all in without distraction. Going upstairs is well worth paying the extra for, not only for what’s up there but the stunning views of the cathedral below. Great for wet weather days but get in early before it gets too busy then take your time to explore.
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bluebellplasnewydd
Cardiff, UK2,042 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I am surprised that somewhere so fundamental to the heritage of the British people is not admission free as in the case of museums. Nevertheless the fee of around £20 is appropriate. It is a professional organisation with staff in smart cassocks who are helpful with the clergy also leading a small prayer every hour. I don't normally like audioguides but the one supplied here is short and informative without being overbearing. As you walk around the history of the United Kingdom unveils in front of you from Edward the Confessor to modern day intellectuals. Things you remember from history lessons at school, television transmissions of royal weddings and former Prime Ministers are bought back to life. All this takes place in a quiet and respectful atmosphere. Everyone should have the opportunity to visit.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jean H
Oklahoma City, OK140 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
We were concerned that the lines would be too long, and we hadn’t secured “skip the line” entry, but we got in with almost no wait towards the end of the day. Literally from our first moment in the door, we were in awe. The audio guide that’s included in the price was so well-done, and we navigated with ease. No photos allowed, so we were able to focus on the experience. Lovely, actually.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mel B
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Westminster Abbey is a stunning example of Gothic architecture replete with soaring buttresses and beautiful stained glass windows. The tombs and monuments are both tributes and works of art. The audio guide (free with ticket purchase) is a great way to view the Abbey and learn its history. A small extra fee gets you into the Queen's Jubilee Galleries where you'll find a collection of historical objects linking the Abbey to the monarchy. Be sure to purchase the souvenir guide for the interior photos since photographs are not allowed inside (can be purchased with ticket). Book online to save time and money. One stand out feature is the Cosmati floor in front of the high altar. Don't forget to stop by the cafe afterwards for afternoon tea.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Visit Blighty
2,739 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Westminster Abbey is more than magnificent at any time of year, but at Christmas it steps up even further. I found it interesting whilst spending Christmas back in Blighty with two American friends how “The Abbey” as they kept referring to it, had struck such a cord with them. Yet St Paul’s barely featured on their radar. Regardless I myself was keen to experience communion at the Abbey and so we headed there early one morning to do so.

Communion at the Abbey is an experience I would highly recommend and especially at that time of year it’s perfect. Needless to say the early morning communions are well orchestrated affairs and intimate. It was wonderful to experience this ritual in such a special place and at that festive time of year. Plus it’s nice to have that moment of reflection amidst the seasonal goings on. Seeing the Abbey in its festive gear truly put us in the Christmas spirit. Afterwards it was a lovely opportunity to walk around Parliament Square and take in all the statues.

If I were to make one small observation it would be that the team in the Abbey seem very weary of you being a tourist as oppose to a worshipper which I understand but surely you can be both?
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Curiosity783732
5 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Such an amazing building with great history but this was overshadowed by the high cost to get in and then expected another £7 a person for a tour, which was free at st pauls, which we didn't take up and opted for the audio tour instead,however this wasn't as detailed as I'd have liked and struggled to find some of the statues within the audio tour. Such a shame as this could have been fantastic. Lots of staff wandering around not doing anything or engaging with visitors.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tom (wattblog)
Liverpool, UK167 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021
Visited here with my boyfriend in November 2021 as a place we had always wanted to come to in London. We were able to use our Blue Light Cards for complimentary entry and, to be honest, I am glad we did as the £20+ entry fee otherwise would have been a bit steep in my opinion.

Don't get me wrong, the architecture in the building is fabulous and it is nice to walk around and think about all the occasions that will have taken place there and all the history, I'm just not sure £20+ each to get in can be justified really.

I think a guided tour would probably be worthwhile though, the tour guide we saw delivering to a tour group seemed very charismatic and knowledgeable. The gift shop was quite nice too with a nice variety of gifts.

If Westminster Abbey is somewhere you'd really like to go to then sure, pay the entry fee and go, however I personally wouldn't go out of my way to recommend visiting to somebody for the sake of it.
Written 7 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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WESTMINSTER ABBEY (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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