Westminster Abbey
About Westminster Abbey
Kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers; poets, priests, heroes and villains - the Abbey is a must-see living pageant of British history. Every year Westminster Abbey welcomes over one million visitors who want to explore this wonderful 700-year-old building which is the coronation church of England. Thousands more flock to the Abbey for worship at daily services.
Facilities
| Opening Times | Monday – Friday 0930 – 15.30, Saturday 0930 – 13.30. Closed for worship: every Sunday, Christmas Day and Good Friday. |
|---|---|
| Catering |
On-site café/restaurant Picnic site |
| Provider facilities |
Audio commentary in foreign languages Conference facilities Foreign languages spoken Printed material in foreign langauges Toilets |
| Tours and demonstrations |
Educational visits accepted Guided tours available for individuals Guided tours available for groups |
| Booking and payment details |
American Express accepted Groups accepted MasterCard accepted Special group rates Sterling travellers' cheques accepted Maestro accepted Visa accepted |
| Accessibility |
Guide dogs permitted Facilities for hearing impaired visitors Ramp/level access Toilets for disabled visitors Facilities for visually impaired visitors |
Westminster Abbey Address
| Address: |
20 Dean's Yard, Chapter Office, London
London
SW1P 3PA
|
|---|---|
| Telephone: | +44 (0)20 7222 5152 |
| Fax: | +44 (0)20 7654 4891 |
| Email: | info@westminster-abbey.org |
| Website: | http://www.westminster-abbey.org |
Location Information for Westminster Abbey
| Address: |
20 Dean's Yard, Chapter Office, London
London
SW1P 3PA
|
|---|---|
| Telephone: | +44 (0)20 7222 5152 |
| Fax: | +44 (0)20 7654 4891 |
| Email: | info@westminster-abbey.org |
| Website: | http://www.westminster-abbey.org |
| Public transport: | Westminster, London Underground |
| By Road: | Proceed to Parliament Square. The Abbey can be found on the south side of the Square Buses: 11, 24, 88, 148, 211 |
Getting There
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Latest 5 reviews of Westminster Abbey
History, pure and simple
In no other place that I have ever been can you experience so much history in one place. This building exemplifies British history and is really a must visit. The only negative is that you cannot take photos, but this is understandable.
Don't Miss Out On Westminster Abbey
I visited Westminster Abbey on May 13 2009, and I thought it was the most fascinating and beautiful church I'd ever seen. I arrived just as it opened at 9:30 in the morning and paid 4 pounds extra for the verger led tour. It was definitely worth it because you can only see the Confessor's Shrine on the verger led tours. This area had the oldest and most beautiful tombs of the kings and queens of England. The verger was very informative and I learned a lot more about the abbey from him than from just the audio-guide. He also led us to other places in the abbey that the public can't just enter by themselves. I loved every minute of the five hours I spent there. Yes, I was there for five hours. The verger guided tour was about an hour and a half. Then I took the self guided tour and after that I visited the abbey museum. Don't forget to go to this museum. Inside you can see the funeral effigies of some of the kings and queens as well as a duplicate set of the Crown jewels which were made for Queen Mary II. I will never forget this incredible place. It was one of my most favorite places that I went to on my London trip. I can't wait to go there again on my next trip there.
Simply one of the best churches in Europe
We spent an entire morning here on our first day in London. Westminster Abbey was simply spectacular. The architecture...the history...the sheer beauty of this church will leave you breathless. No wonder it was chosen as the site of the coronation of English royalty, and as the resting place of Newton, Dickens, Elizabeth I, Mary I, and countless other renowned figures in British history.
Expect huge crowds, as it is an extremely popular attraction, and rightly so. Do not expect a serene and peaceful church! I've been to quite a few famous churches across the world (St. Peter's in Rome, St. Paul's in London, Notre Dame in Paris and Montreal) but Westminster Abbey is still at the top of my list as one of the best. The audio guide (narrated by Jeremy Irons!) is also superb.
You simply can't NOT go inside"
We actually were thinking of not going inside because of the entrance fee. Thankfully we didn't pass up this opportunity. Going to many cities around Europe you can get a bit catherderal weary - mainly because the significance of the history of the buildings can be a bit lost in foreign language. The history within Westminster Abbey is one of the best I have ever experienced. Mainly because I come from Ireland and the roll call of England's kings and queens had such implications for the history of our own island.
A Walk through History
While St. Paul's Cathedral is probably more visually appealing with its white and gold interior, neither it nor any other structure comes close to the history housed within the walls of Westminster Abbey. I was appalled by the review that suggested that tourists look at the outside and pass up the tour of the interior because it costs a few pounds. You may as well tell a child that you are taking them to Disney World, and then you take a picture of the parking lot gates. The museums of Great Britain are free because they are supported by government monies. These cathedrals are maintained by tourist dollars and donations. It gave one reviewer the creeps to walk among so many tombs; I felt blessed to be among the remains and spirits of such renowned and revered historical figures. I found it ironic and touching that Elizabeth I is buried directly across from her arch-enemy and cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots. Poet's Corner was like a trip through my high school and college literature courses; every British name of renown seemed to be represented. I heartily and warmly encourage all those who have an affinity for history and literature to visit this place. It is not a gloomy mausoleum or a spooky chamber of horrors; rather, it is a walk among the spirits of England's great and glorious past where the famous and infamous rest in peace, with their souls now revealed to none but their creator.
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Events at Westminster Abbey
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Audio Guides
Guided walkRecurring event
For visitors who prefer to take their own time and pace to visit the Abbey but who appreciate some extra guidance on the history and meaning of what they see.
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Band of the Surrey Yeomanry concert
Music22 Jul 2009 to 22 Jul 2009
Free lunchtime concert in Westminster Abbey's College Garden Bring a picnic and enjoy music from the Band of the Surrey Yeomanry.
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Chelmsford Silver Band Concert
Music5 Aug 2009 to 5 Aug 2009
Free lunchtime concert in Westminster Abbey's College Garden Bring a picnic and enjoy music from The Chelmsford Silver Band.
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Cobham Brass Band Concert
Music15 Jul 2009 to 15 Jul 2009
Free lunchtime concert in Westminster Abbey's College Garden Bring a picnic and enjoy music from The Cobham Brass Band.

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