Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey featuring heritage architecture, night scenes and a church or cathedral
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The heart and soul of the nation’s spiritual life is also England’s finest example of ecclesiastic architecture.

Westminster Abbey has played host to 26 royal weddings and 38 coronations. It’s the final resting place for hundreds of Great Britain's legendary figures.

Outwardly, Westminster Abbey may appear an austere work of architecture, with its twin medieval gothic towers and pointed spires. But step through the North Door and you’ll find yourself immersed in centuries of rich and ornate history. The original structure dates back to 1245 when it was rebuilt over Edward the Confessor’s 1042 abbey. The abbey’s haphazard construction progressed slowly through famine and revolution, culminating in a sacred space where the great ages of humanity come together.

It would be almost sinful to rush through the abbey, so try to set aside at least half a day to explore its many treasures. Visualize the 38 kings and queens who have perched high on the Coronation Chair. Many of them now lie forever in the tombs in the Nave. Reflect on the stirring words of Sir Winston Churchill, whose memorial lies near the West Door. At the poppy-wreathed Grave of the Unknown Warrior, pay your respects to the fallen British soldiers of World War I. Join lovers of literature in Poets’ Corner, where giants of English literature, such as William Shakespeare, T.S. Elliot and Dylan Thomas, are buried.

Venture into one of the abbey’s oldest areas, the 11th-century vaulted undercroft of St. Peter. Now a museum, its exhibits include royal effigies, death masks and clothing. Afterwards, follow in the footsteps of monks throughout the ages by taking a meditative walk in the College Gardens.

Attending a service at the abbey can be a memorable highlight of your London visit, however, popular services, such as Christmas, require an advance booking. A free, detailed audio tour is available at the North Door and guided tours are also available. Do remember, photography is not permitted in the abbey and the interior can get very cold in winter.

Westminster Abbey is located in central London, next to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The abbey is open to visitors every day except Sundays, when worship services are held.The nearest Underground stations are St. James’s Park and Westminster.

Plan a trip to see Westminster Abbey

Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria
Grange Beauchamp
Grange Clarendon
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Reviews of Westminster Abbey

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
172
" "5 - Excellent 46.612466124661246%
4 - Good
161
" "4 - Good 43.63143631436314%
3 - Okay
29
" "3 - Okay 7.8590785907859075%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.5420054200542005%
1 - Terrible
5
" "1 - Terrible 1.3550135501355014%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
17 Sep 2019

Don’t go on a Sunday, it’s shut to visitors

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
3 Aug 2019

£23 per adult for admission is way too expensive so we didn't bother.Was prepared to pay up to £15.

5/5 - Excellent

Mandy
3 Jun 2019

If you love history, this is a must! All the most famous people are either in a tomb here or have a memorial! If you love history but don't understand it, that's ok too. They give you headphones and a tablet that explains literally everything as you walk through! I was most excited to see Mary, Queen of Scots's tomb!

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller
20 May 2019

Did not go to Westminster Abbey

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
5 May 2019

The reason for our visit, CASD 50 recognition.

1/5 - Terrible

John
20 Apr 2019

Ichabod if ever He was there, you must be born again.

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