Westminster Abbey

Even if you aren't a religious person (I'm not), Westminister Abbey provides a real sense of history and culture. The architecture is beautiful and it's really neat to see all the tombs of past royals. Make sure to get the audio tour or else you'll be hopelessly loss (there is very little signage or explanations within the Abbey). Some of the key rooms, such as the tomb of Elizabeth I, are awfully cramped, so you're asked to keep moving and to refrain from stopping (I managed to stop and appreciate it for a little bit). Admission is a little steep (15 pounds), so while I would recommend going, I'd recommend the Tower of London over Westminster Abbey as a paid-admission attraction (the tour at the Tower has a lot more to it, and you can spend a little more time there).

What amazed me about Westminster Abbey was that touring it felt like walking right through the last thousand years of British history. The people who are buried here are not all Anglicans. Many of them were not even good Christians, but they all made a contribution to British government, society, or culture in some way that bears remembering. I love that about this place. I suppose a visit to this vast church could be a religious experience for some, but I just found it to be spiritual in that it offers a profound sense of the continuity of human history and achievement. I was moved by the opportunity to stand at the grave of Elizabeth I, one of the most remarkable women of all time. I was also impressed that the Abbey proudly houses the tombs of several scientists whose works are considered by some to be in conflict with Christianity. That, to me, was the ultimate beauty of this place. Come here to be impressed by a connection to history, and you will not be disappointed.

Oh, and by the way- despite the comments of a previous reviewer, Henry VIII is not buried here. You'll find him at Windsor Castle. His daughters, Mary I and Elizabeth I are here. So, too, are his son Edward VI and his short-term wife Anne of Cleaves, but that's it for the Tudor family.

The audio guides are the best I've seen. Narrarated by Jeremy Irons, they conveniently correspond to the numbered areas to view. It has an on/off switch, so you can pause when you want or travel at your own direction. No need to follow a planned route. I couldn't help but think of Princess Diana's Funeral there & wished there was some recognition of it. Perhaps there was, but i didn't see it. The Gardens are beautiful & well worth a walk through & sit. The Abbey is dark & historical & awe inspiring, but it is nice to sit outside in the gardens & cloisters to rest your feet & have an moment of reflection amongst the beautiful plantings.