Westminster Abbey

The basics

A Westminster Abbey tour is like taking a walk through British history. Explore independently with an audio guide, on tours led by vergers (church officials), or with a private guide. Tickets include access to all the main areas of the church. The London Pass also grants access to Westminster Abbey.

The abbey is among the most visited sights in London and the United Kingdom, and can easily be seen on city highlight tours that also stop at the Tower of London, Parliament Square, and other world-famous sights. Westminster walking tours are great for visiting the abbey and surrounding area.

Things to know before you go

• While Westminster Abbey tickets are free, booking in advance helps avoid long lines, which can be up to an hour long.

• The abbey is a place of worship—visitors should dress modestly.

• Visitors cannot take photos or videos within the abbey.

• Some, but not all, areas of the abbey are wheelchair-accessible. Wheelchair users should enter through the North Door.

• On-site facilities include restrooms, a café, and a gift shop.

How to get there

Westminster Abbey is in the city of Westminster near the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, a short stroll from the Thames riverfront. The nearest tube stations are St. James's Park and Westminster. The visitor entrance to the abbey is at the West Gate of the North Green.

When to get there

Westminster Abbey is open to visitors Monday through Saturday, and to worshippers on Sundays and religious holidays. To avoid crowds, arrive early on a weekday. To hear the Abbey Choir perform, time your visit for the daily Evensong at 5pm on weekdays and 3pm on weekends. Special after-hours tours also run on Wednesday evenings, typically one of the quietest times to visit.

What to see at Westminster Abbey

If you're interested in the highlights, head straight for the Royal Tombs of Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. Then, see the 13th-century cloisters and the Poets' Corner, final resting place of numerous creatives and writers. Don't miss memorials devoted to Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, Oscar Wilde, Shakespeare, and other notable historical figures. For the full experience, end your visit with a stroll through the College Garden and traditional afternoon tea at the Cellarium Café.

Are you allowed to visit Westminster Abbey?

Yes, you’re allowed to visit Westminster Abbey. It's open to the public from Monday through Saturday. Sundays and religious holidays are reserved for religious services. You can buy tickets on the day at the door, but it’s best to book in advance to guarantee entry and avoid long lines.

How long do you need at Westminster Abbey?

Plan on spending at least 1–2 hours exploring Westminster Abbey. There’s plenty to see inside the royal church, from soaring Gothic architecture to royal tombs and burial places of famous English writers. Verger-guided tours take about 1.5 hours, while multimedia-guided tours take about an hour.

Can you go into Westminster Abbey for free?

Yes, it’s free to visit Westminster Abbey if you want to attend a service or pray. While neither grants you access to the tombs or monuments, they give you a taste of the abbey’s splendor. If you’re not praying or joining a full service, consider the regular Evensong services, which feature choir performances.

What should you not miss at Westminster Abbey?

At Westminster Abbey, don’t miss the Coronation Chair, used in coronation ceremonies since 1308, and the Poets’ Corner, where writers such as Charles Dickens and Geoffrey Chaucer are buried. Don’t skip the grave of the Unknown Warrior, which contains the body of an unknown British soldier from the First World War.

Can you take pictures at Westminster Abbey?

Yes, you can take personal photos inside Westminster Abbey, with some restrictions. You can’t record videos, or use flashes, extra lighting, selfie sticks, or tripods. Photography is banned during services and in the shrine of Edward the Confessor, St. Faith’s Chapel, and The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries.

Is there a dress code for Westminster Abbey?

While Westminster Abbey has no official dress code, visitors should mind what they wear and respect the place of worship. Avoid over-casual clothing and hats. The abbey is chilly in winter, so plan to dress warmly. Practical footwear is helpful for navigating the uneven floors.

Ways to explore

A Westminster Abbey tour is like taking a walk through British history. Explore independently with an audio guide or on a 1.5-hour tour led by vergers (church officials)—these tours include a visit to the Shrine of St. Edward the Confessor, which doesn’t come with a standard ticket. The London Pass also grants access to Westminster Abbey, along with dozens of other top London attractions.

The abbey is among the most visited sights in London and the United Kingdom, so it’s a staple of city highlight tours that typically also stop at the Tower of London, Parliament Square, and other world-famous sights. Westminster walking tours are great for visiting the abbey and the surrounding area.

Accessibility

Some parts of Westminster Abbey are accessible; registered disabled visitors and their carers get free entry. There are accessible toilets and loan wheelchairs are available. The abbey has a hearing aid loop, and printed transcripts of tours are available. Service animals are welcome. Loan wheelchairs are available.

Age limits

Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older.

What to pack

The vast stone abbey feels cold year-round, so pack a warm layer even if it’s sunny outside.

What to wear

Dress modestly as the church is an active place of worship.

Not allowed

Selfie sticks, wheeled cases, luggage, large backpacks, video recording, photo lighting equipment, selfie sticks, tripods

Amenities

Food and drink kiosk, gift shop, restrooms

Address

Westminster Abbey is in an attraction-packed part of central London, right beside the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the banks of the River Thames. It’s also next to Parliament Square, famous for its statues of important historical figures.

Driving

To avoid paying the daily Congestion Charge that this traffic-clogged part of the city is subject to, rent one of the bikes at one of many docks nearby or hail a traditional black cab for the proper London experience.

Public transportation

The nearest tube stations to Westminster Abbey are Westminster (just across the road) and St James’s Park, a 5-minute walk away. Westminster is on the Circle, Jubilee, and District lines, while St James’s Park is on the Circle and District lines.

Best times to visit

For the thinnest crowds, visit before 11am and after 2pm. Private early-access tours let you enter from 8:30am before the abbey opens to the public.

Best days to visit

Visit on midweek days to avoid the crowds who visit the capital for long weekends. Priority entry tours typically take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Best months to visit

Come in the shoulder season months of March and May, when the typically warm weather is perfect for exploring the area’s other outdoor attractions, such as Westminster Bridge.

Special events

Westminster Abbey hosts special services on major religious holidays, plus a varied programme of tours, lectures, and concerts. Check its website for an up-to-date calendar.