Westminster Abbey

A UNESCO World Heritage site, with a legacy dating back more than 1,000 years, Westminster Abbey is among London’s most historic landmarks. The Gothic church is best known for hosting headline-grabbing events involving the British royal family, such as the Queen’s coronation, Princess Diana's funeral, and Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding.

Things to know before you go

• Admission is free.
• Booking in advance helps avoid long lines, which can require waiting up to an hour during peak times, especially in July and August.
• As the abbey is a place of worship, visitors are asked to dress modestly.
• Taking photos or videos is not permitted 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 located near the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in Central London, 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.

Highlights

Westminster Abbey highlights include the Royal Tombs of Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots; the Poets' Corner, where a number of creatives are buried or commemorated; the 13th-century Cloisters; and memorials devoted to Isaac Newton, Oscar Wilde, Shakespeare, and many more 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.