Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
4.5
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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from S$50.65
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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
- tmdeLafayette, Louisiana878 contributionsBeautifulThis church is massive and extremely beautiful. There are so many architectural details that are simply amazing, especially considering the time they were made. It is a marvel. It was crowded, which made it a little hard to take your time admiring everything. They do say a little pray every so often, that is a nice reminder it is a church so behave. There were also massive amounts of very loud children the day we went. Altogether it’s a must see in London no matter what you’re religion.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 March 2023
- Beth G48 contributionsBuy tickets on line and come in time for a verger’s tourWestminster Abbey is as much a monument to English history and the famous as a church. Buried or honored there are numerous royals, military heroes and famous composers, writers and actors. Given the number of visitors, I recommend buying tickets on-line. My niece and I were fortunate to arrive in time for a free tour led by one of the abbey’s vergers, which added so much to our understanding of the church’s design and history. In addition, the tours are limited to 20 people.Visited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 28 March 2023
- princesscamilla19 contributionsBook the Hidden Highlights tour.I've visited in the past, but this visit was better. They have very good audio tours available. Book your entry in advance. Best of all is the special "Hidden Highlights" tour. Book that in advance as well. They take you into places where large numbers of people are not allowed. The new Queen's Gallery is a must and the Hidden Highlights tour ends there.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 March 2023
- SusanByron75 contributionsBook online to avoid the very long queuesI really wanted to see Westminster Abbey this time around in London because of the upcoming coronation and the late Queen Elizabeth's passing and to be part of living history even though I am not English, just a visitor like the majority of other visitors last weekend. My only regret is that I didn't book online as there was a huge queue & in fairness the abbey staff in their bright red gowns were very nice but they all need to get their act together & speed up the entry process as I imagine it will become even busier over the next few months. It was well worth the long wait though, just book online in advance would be my adviceVisited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 30 March 2023
- ldjsFort Lee, New Jersey692 contributionsBreathtaking!Iconic Abbey, historic cathedral, absolute must see. Suggest getting tickets on line and ordering audio guide, which has great tours. Would also recommend the galleries for the artifacts and also for the amazing views of the abbey from above. If you have limited time, would be helpful to predetermine what you would like to see, otherwise allocate at least 2 hours, preferably more. There is royal history, of course, with coronation chair, and tombs of many kings and queens, but also great figures of science are buried there like Newton and Darwin. Poets corner is memorable too, resting place of Lord Byron among others. The entrance to galleries in s also through the poets’ corner. The galleries have Magna Carta amongst other fascinating exhibits. The staff is helpful, so ask for directions, but the abbey is massive, so be patient. The beauty of the church itself, especially amazing stained glass, cannot be overstated. The atmosphere inside is both solemn and awesome. Don’t miss Westminster Abbey when in London.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 April 2023
- thetravelroamadCrestwood, Kentucky237 contributionsBeautiful experienceOne of the highlights of my trip was being able to attend the Palm Sunday service here. What an experience! A beautiful church with lots of history. No tours are offered on Sundays but you can attend a service. You can’t go to London without a stop here!Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 April 2023
- Rob BLadera Ranch, California59 contributionsGood for older kids. Go Upstairs.As an adult I could stay here all day. Definitely pay to go upstairs. We have younger kids and they were not as interested. Audio tour is a must if you like the history. Pay attention to services held to avoid crowds if you just want to see the structure.Visited February 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 April 2023
- Kaustubh K40 contributionsA walk through 1000 years of history! Must do.We booked ours through London Pass and it was a great decision! A walk through this abbey is both a historical and a semi-spiritual experience! The extent to which everything has been preserved is amazing. EVERYONE there was genuinely kind and helpful with not an iota of "attitude" despite the large number of people. Our tour took ~ 2.5 hours of which ~ 45-50 minutes were spent waiting in line to get in.Visited April 2023Written 9 April 2023
- Caroline C70 contributionsThe most amazing experienceThe Abbey is the epitome of old Britain to me. It’s quite something to see the crypts of so many Kings and Queens and it’s a beautiful building. If you like royalty, you’ll love the Abbey. We paid an extra 5 euros to see the new gallery section. At the end, there is a wonderful painting of QE11 which will, no doubt, become very famous over time. She is standing on the spot of her coronation in the Abbey, aged in her later years.Visited March 2023Written 10 April 2023
- Gina J11 contributionsIf there is 1 church to see in England- it is this oneBeautiful church with a wonderful video and audio guide to help you navigate the building. Entrance is a little confusing, and there is a line to get in. The price is slightly steep (About 32 pounds a person), but we were in there for over an hour so there was a lot to see and part of London's history. Absolutely recommend.Visited April 2023Written 14 April 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
24,887 reviews
Excellent
16,964
Very good
5,794
Average
1,556
Poor
363
Terrible
212
Amy H
86 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
AMAZING TOUR! Just me and my husband went — our tour canceled actually so got our own tix and spent the day there vs the half day tour and sooo glad as so much to see and just wonderful - fav place of all in the area
Written 18 March 2024
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.
Sally W
WAles,UK10 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
AWFUL! Tourists and visitors being fleeced at £29 a go : combination of narrow walkways and crowds of people plugged into audio appearing to be zombies, filthy dirty sculptures poorly labelled - massively cluttered interior. The interesting royal tombs around Edward the Confessor’s tomb (closed to us the mere public) should be beautifully illuminated and described - love history, love London and visiting from sussex but we stumbled out and I felt like saying to people going in DONT GO IN SAVE YOUR MONEY ! Having said all that : The staff unfailingly welcoming and helpful. Overall I was just embarrassed that visitors, especially from overseas, were being out through this unedifying experience. Appreciate this us an Abbey but positively the worst cathedral type building I’ve ever visited! Dark, gloomy, dusty, even the wondrous Cosmarti Pavement poorly lit.
Written 13 March 2024
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.
Thank you for your review.
It's wonderful to read that you found our staff so welcoming and helpful.
Sorry to read that your experience of our ancient building was less positive. There is over a thousand years of history within the Abbey, and it contains over 3300 graves and memorials. The Abbey is also a working church, and it is not appropriate to label every grave and memorial. Our multimedia guide helps visitors to interpret the building and discover the people and objects that have helped shape the nation's history.
The Shrine is a small, delicate area, and can be visited as part of a verger tour, as well as during daily Shrine Prayers. Wider access is limited to help conserve the space and objects, as too is bright lighting, which can be extremely harmful to historic fabric.
Best wishes
Visitor Experience team
Westminster Abbey
Written 19 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mariela and John
Paris, France10 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This is a must when you visit London. There is so much history to see. I was a little overwhelmed because of all the information so we took a break of 30 min after our first 2 hours in the church and then we resume the visit. The audio guide is all you need. Is very detailed. Videos are not allowed suiting your visit at least when we went. Pictures yes.
If you get overwhelmed there is a nice area where the bathrooms are that you can take a little break and then continue.
In general this was absolutely beautiful! I am planning of taking my kids to this amazing place next year. I strongly believe that everyone that visit London must visit this amazing place. I highly recommend this historic place.
If you get overwhelmed there is a nice area where the bathrooms are that you can take a little break and then continue.
In general this was absolutely beautiful! I am planning of taking my kids to this amazing place next year. I strongly believe that everyone that visit London must visit this amazing place. I highly recommend this historic place.
Written 4 March 2024
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.
AustintoBoston
Boston, MA338 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Coming to London without seeing Westminster Abbey would be like going to Paris without climbing the Eiffel Tower. The audio guide is really informative and well-paced, keeping crowds moving throughout the church. My favorite section was the Coronation corner (where monarchs are crowned) and seeing all the tombs of the UK's famous sons and daughters (think Dickens, Darwin, Isaac Newton), many of whom have had major influence in US education, as well. Not to mention that in general the Abbey is stunning and a piece of art within itself. Overall, really cool to be able to tour somewhere that still plays a part in the country's story to this day.
Written 3 March 2024
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.
lauran1902
Andover, UK369 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This is one of the UK's most prominent & iconic buildings with the most marvellous history. I visited recently having lived here all my life and never having been before (I'm in my 70s). I shall be going back, as there is so much to see and it requires lots of time.
I used the electronic tour guide which, I must say, is utterly inadequate, and doesn't seem to tie up to the walking route you are required to take. I also felt that the narrative doesn't say enough about those who are interred in the Abbey (it is a bit crowded!). The Abbey could list all those interred/commemorated there, arranged alphabetically or by type (ie science) so that visitors can easily locate them.
My tip to future visitors is to decide which bits you really want to see, locate them on a map/plan and focus on finding those. Otherwise, when you have completed your visit there may be things you have missed, like the tomb of the unknown soldier, the coronation throne and Stephen Hawking, and it's not possible to retrace your steps.
This is a must see.
I used the electronic tour guide which, I must say, is utterly inadequate, and doesn't seem to tie up to the walking route you are required to take. I also felt that the narrative doesn't say enough about those who are interred in the Abbey (it is a bit crowded!). The Abbey could list all those interred/commemorated there, arranged alphabetically or by type (ie science) so that visitors can easily locate them.
My tip to future visitors is to decide which bits you really want to see, locate them on a map/plan and focus on finding those. Otherwise, when you have completed your visit there may be things you have missed, like the tomb of the unknown soldier, the coronation throne and Stephen Hawking, and it's not possible to retrace your steps.
This is a must see.
Written 28 February 2024
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.
Thank you for your review.
Sorry to read that you were disappointed with the media guide. It does closely follow the visitor route, and it contains a digital map with all the stops listed. The guide is available in 14 languages, plus British Sign Language, and there is also a family tour aimed at 6-12 year olds.
There are over 3300 people buried or memorialised in the Abbey and it is not feasible to add all this information to the media tour. Some of the items you have mentioned (e.g. Grave of the Unknown Warrior, and the Coronation Chair), are featured on the media tour, and also have their own specific signage. Our staff and volunteers are also on hand to help with any questions or information.
Whilst the visitor route is typically one-way, it is possible to retrace steps at any point. Our multi-entry ticket (available on all tickets bought via our website) also allows return visits without charge.
Best wishes
Visitor Experience team
Westminster Abbey
Written 5 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma
London, UK2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Definitely something to see! You will see things in here, that you wouldn’t see anywhere else! Lots of staff around to help and you get an audio guide to listen to aswell!
Written 25 February 2024
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.
KateBall
Southport, UK75 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
What a great way to spend an afternoon. Westminster Abbey is fantastic. It does not receive any funding from the Church of England, the Royal Family or the Government so depends upon entrance fee which I thought was value for money for what you get from this brilliant historic building.
I decided to have a Verger tour and Benjamin was BRILLIANT - so enthusiastic and knowledgeable, asking and answering questions.
Molly, a guide, who hadn’t been there that long was also great, so friendly and helpful.
I decided to have a Verger tour and Benjamin was BRILLIANT - so enthusiastic and knowledgeable, asking and answering questions.
Molly, a guide, who hadn’t been there that long was also great, so friendly and helpful.
Written 24 February 2024
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.
Andrew G
28 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Iconic building, entrance fee expensive £29 per adult, unless you go for a service, but then you can not look around or take photos. Good audio guide, with lots of interesting facts, lots of friendly and helpful staff about.
Written 24 February 2024
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.
Katie J
London, UK2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
The Abbey was a fantastic place to visit and I really recommend it. I can't believe I had never been in there before, despite living in London for years. There is so much history and the Lady Chapel with the tombs of Henry VII and Elizabeth York was really spectacular.
Written 23 February 2024
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.
Jason Fair
Bourton-on-the-Water, UK41 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This was one of my favorite places to visit in London. The incredible detail for the tombs was mind blowing. Such famous people buried in one place made this a must see stop. The digital guide was immensely helpful.
Written 20 February 2024
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.
Hi, can I enter in Westminster Abbey for free to pray?
Jane-Marie M
Bechtelsville, PA53 contributions
Not certain. Our family paid admission.
Carmen
Hong Kong, China9 contributions
Hey there! I wonder what parts of the building can I visit WITHOUT a ticket on a weekday without services? Thx!
Nicola Robottom
Walsall, UK31 contributions
Sorry you do have to pay for entry at all times, unless you are invited to a royal wedding.
Why am I not able to book Westminster Abbey entrance ticker tour on any of the dates in November?
Gary T
Swansea, UK93 contributions
Sorry - no idea!!
Why am I not able to book Westminster Abbey entrance ticker tour on any of the dates in November?
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia14,153 contributions
Availability of tickets depends on official use of the Abbey. We went twice, the first was fine, the second was on a Sunday and we couldn't enter.
Jake S
Seoul, South Korea
I plan to visit using National Rail's 2 for 1 service. However, when making a reservation on the official website of westerminster abbey, you are required to specify the visit date and time, but that is not the case on National Rail's service.
So how should I use it? I want to use it at 9:30 on 2023/ 9/28. Can I just go to the on-site ticket booth and show the voucher to get the ticket?
I have other schedules, so I really want to use it at that time.
If reservations are full for that time, can I use it at that time?
I'm asking if this is possible.
Denise O
Torrance, CA250 contributions
I would book directly with the Abbey to ensure I could get in. They are very busy
Peggy R
Chicago, IL
I am trying to pre-purchase tickets for Westminster Abbey for an early October visit, and they are still not available. Any idea when they will be?
FrancesB615
Albury, UK144 contributions
Not sure but I reckon the beginning of September. Apparently it’s a lot quieter in October and November.
I booked tickets for August 14 for 11:00. But just found that we will not make it that early. Can we visit later that day? Thanks
Beverley H
Port Fairy, Australia15 contributions
I am not sure, we had a London Pass and just walked in with no problem. Maybe you could go on the website and contact them via website, email or phone number.
I booked tickets for August 14 for 11:00. But just found that we will not make it that early. Can we visit later that day? Thanks
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia14,153 contributions
Most venues will exchange entry tickets if they are given advance notice.
michele0nel
Schaumburg, IL1 contribution
Hello, I saw your helpful tip on Westminster Abbey. Can you please tell me how you got a guided tour? I see online that a Verger can guide you, but you don't know if they are available until you arrive. Are they pretty much available when you get there, or did you book a guided tour through a special site?
Thank you!!!
Westminster-Abbey
London, UK
Verger tours are available most days that we are open for visiting. They are currently only bookable on arrival at the Abbey. To secure a place it's best to book one of the first entry slots via our online ticketing site...this will give you access to all the verger tours available when you enter the Abbey,
Alternatively you can pre-book our Hidden Highlights tour, available daily except Thursdays, via our ticketing site. Spaces are limited and this tour does tend to sell out quickly.
Best wishes
Visitor Experience team
Westminster Abbey
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Frequently Asked Questions about Westminster Abbey
- Westminster Abbey admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost S$50.36, while a popular guided tour starts around S$4.45 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Westminster Abbey:
- Westminster Abbey Entrance Ticket Including Audio Guide (From S$50.36)
- Westminster Abbey Tour and optional visit to Houses of Parliament in London (From S$102.45)
- Skip the Line into Houses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey Fully-Guided Tour (From S$217.21)
- Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Entry (From S$137.19)
- Skip-the-line London Westminster Abbey and City of Westminster Kid-Friendly Tour (From S$428.77)
- Hotels near Westminster Abbey:
- (0.27 km) hub by Premier Inn London Westminster Abbey hotel
- (0.37 km) Conrad London St. James
- (0.30 km) The Sanctuary House Hotel, Westminster
- (0.48 km) St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection
- (0.39 km) hub by Premier Inn London Westminster, St James's Park hotel
- Restaurants near Westminster Abbey:
- (0.10 km) Cellarium Cafe
- (0.19 km) Wesley's Cafe
- (0.16 km) Jubilee Cafe
- (0.18 km) Westminster Arms
- (0.18 km) Brasserie One
- Attractions near Westminster Abbey:
- (0.19 km) Houses of Parliament
- (0.13 km) London Cab Tours
- (0.12 km) The UK Supreme Court
- (0.23 km) Urban Saunters
- (0.18 km) Winston Churchill Statue