Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of the most iconic and historic churches in London, England. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a royal peculiar, which means it is directly under the authority of the monarch.

It has been the site of many important events in British history, such as coronations, weddings, funerals, and burials of kings, queens, and other notable figures. It is also a stunning example of Gothic architecture, with its soaring vaults, intricate carvings, stained glass windows, and flying buttresses.

If you are interested in visiting Westminster Abbey and learning more about its history, architecture, and culture, here are some useful information and tips for your tour.

Westminster Abbey Tickets

  • Adults (18 and above): £27
  • Children (6-17): £12
  • Children (0-5): Free
  • Seniors (over 65): £24
  • Families (1 adult & 1 child): £27
  • Association Members: Free entry

A multimedia guide is included in the price of admission. You can also upgrade your ticket to an annual pass for free, which will allow you to visit the Abbey three times for the price of one. You can do this by asking a member of the Visitor Experience team when you visit.

Westminster Abbey Attractions

There are many things to see and do at Westminster Abbey. Here are some of the highlights:

  • The Henry VII Chapel: Also known as the Lady Chapel, this is one of the finest examples of the Perpendicular Gothic style. It contains the tombs of Henry VII and his wife Elizabeth of York, as well as other Tudor monarchs and nobles.
  • The Poets’ Corner: This is a section of the South Transept that commemorates many famous writers and poets, such as John Milton, Jane Austen, Robert Burns, Charles Dickens, and T.S. Eliot.
  • The Quire: This is the area where the choir and clergy sit during services. It features a magnificent wooden screen that separates it from the nave and a Cosmati pavement that dates back to the 13th century.
  • The Coronation Chair: This is a wooden throne that has been used for every coronation since 1308. It contains the Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, which is a symbol of Scottish sovereignty.
  • The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries: These are new galleries that opened in 2018 to display various relics and treasures from the Abbey’s past. They are accessed by a staircase up to the Weston Tower, which provides beautiful views of the Houses of Parliament. Entry to the galleries is by timed ticket bought in combination with an Abbey entry ticket. Adults pay £5 and children under 17 enter for free.

Westminster Abbey Timing

Westminster Abbey is open for visiting from Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (last entry at 2:30 pm). On Wednesdays, it is open until 6 pm (last entry at 5 pm). On Sundays and religious holidays, it is closed for visiting but open for worship.

The Abbey may be very busy from April to August, so it is advisable to book your tickets online in advance and avoid peak times (9:30 am to 12 pm). Entry to the Abbey may stop before the published closure times if it reaches its capacity.

Entry Fee Westminster Abbey

The entry fee to Westminster Abbey varies depending on what you want to see and do. For general admission, you pay £27 for adults, £24 for seniors and students, £12 for children aged 6 to 17, and nothing for children under 5. For families with one adult and one child, you pay £27. For association members, you enter for free.

You can also add a river cruise option to your ticket for an extra fee. You can choose between a standard river cruise (£13 per adult and £6.50 per child) or a river cruise with live commentary (£16 per adult and £8 per child). The river cruise lasts for about 40 minutes and departs from the London Eye Pier.

You can also visit Westminster Abbey for free or at a reduced price by using one of the following ways:

  • 2 for 1 National Rail offer
  • Visiting for individual prayer
  • Attending daily services
  • Church Pass
  • Visiting clergy
  • Westminster residents
  • Serving UK Armed Forces personnel
  • NHS and Emergency services
  • Universal Credit
  • Disabled visitors and their carers

Plan your Westminster Abbey tour. It is a truly remarkable place that deserves your attention and admiration.

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