1 British Museum
2 Covent Garden Piazza
3 Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster)
4 National Gallery
5 Natural History Museum
6 St Paul's Cathedral
7 Science Museum
8 Tower of London
9 Victoria & Albert Museum
10 Westminster Abbey
The coronation site of British royalty, the last resting place of kings, queens and celebrities, this architectural triumph is awash with history.
Westminster Abbey was founded c1050 by Edward the Confessor who was the first king to be buried here. William the Conqueror was crowned king in the abbey on Christmas Day in 1066 and so began a tradition that was last re-enacted in 1953 when the coronation of the present monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, took place here.
The present building dates mostly from the 13th century and the reign of Henry III. The nave is chock-a-block with graves and monuments, none more famous than the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior who represents the 765,000 British servicemen killed in World War I, though the real glory of the abbey lies beyond the sumptuously carved and gilded screen (by which Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin lie) in the Royal Chapels. Here you will find the coronation chair and the often-magnificent tombs of dozens of royals. The abbey's tour de force lies at its easternmost point; Henry VII's Chapel, built between 1503 and 1519, with its sublime fan-vaulting. In the south transept is the famous Poets' Corner where many celebrated writers, musicians and artists are honoured. Try to see the beautiful abbey precinct which includes the cloisters, the Chapter House, the fascinating Westminster Abbey Museum (with contemporary royal wax effigies) and the Pyx ('money chest') Chamber.Address: Dean's Yard
Phone: Abbey (020) 7222 5152; museum, Pyx Chamber (020) 7233 0019 WEBSITE: www.westminster-abbey.org
Open: Nave, cloisters daily 8-6; abbey Mon-Fri 9-4:45, Sat 9-2:45. Last admission 1 hour before closing time. No sightseeing on Sun; Pyx Chamber, Chapter House and museum daily 10:30-4
Restaurant: Coffee stands outside abbey and in cloister
Bus: 3, 11, 24, 77a, 88, 211
Metro: Westminster, St James's Park
Accessible: Ramped wheelchair access available
Admission: Cloisters free; abbey moderate; chapter house, museum, Pyx Chamber combined ticket cheap/moderate
Practical: Guided tours: Apr-Oct Mon-Fri 10, 11, 2, 2:30, 3 (except Fri), Sat 10, 11, 12:30; Nov-Mar 10, 11, 2, 3 (except Fri), Sat 10, 11, 12:30. Tours restricted to 25 persons. Bookings may be made in advance. Phone: (020) 7222 7110. Tour Admission: cheap/moderate, additional, includes admission to Chapter House, museum and Pyx Chamber. Audio tour available ( Admission: cheap, additional)
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