Step into 1,000 years of royal history at the coronation church of British monarchs. Discover poets, kings, queens, and statesmen in one of the world's most sacred spaces.
Exclusive early morning access with expert guide before crowds arrive. Small group guided tour of Poets' Corner, Royal Tombs, Coronation Chair, and stunning Gothic architecture with detailed historical commentary
Comprehensive 7-hour guided experience: Westminster walking tour covering top landmarks including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Parliament, plus Westminster Abbey entry and Churchill War Rooms with expert commentary
Standard admission to Westminster Abbey with multimedia audio guide available in 14 languages. Explore at your own pace and discover 1,000 years of history, royal tombs, Poets' Corner, and Gothic architecture
Westminster Abbey stands as one of the most important religious buildings in England, where every monarch since William the Conqueror has been crowned. This Gothic masterpiece has witnessed over 1,000 years of British history unfold within its sacred walls.
Founded by Benedictine monks in 960 AD and rebuilt by Edward the Confessor, the Abbey serves as both the coronation church and final resting place of monarchs. From royal weddings to state funerals, this UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to play a central role in the life of the nation.
Walk where kings and queens have walked, stand before the tombs of Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, and discover why poets, scientists, and statesmen consider it an honor to be commemorated in Poets' Corner alongside Shakespeare, Dickens, and Newton.
Discover History
Experience the sacred space where 39 monarchs have been crowned over 1,000 years, including the recent coronation of King Charles III and every British sovereign since William the Conqueror.
Visit the final resting place and memorials of literary giants including Shakespeare, Dickens, Chaucer, and Jane Austen in the world's most prestigious literary shrine.
Marvel at 700-year-old Gothic architecture featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, medieval stonework, and stained glass windows that tell stories of faith and history.
Experience daily services with the world-renowned Abbey Choir, continuing an unbroken tradition of worship and music that spans nearly 1,000 years.
960 AD - Benedictine Foundation: A community of Benedictine monks establishes a monastery on Thorney Island, creating the foundation of what would become Westminster Abbey.
1066 - First Coronation: William the Conqueror is crowned at Westminster Abbey, establishing the tradition that continues today with every British monarch crowned in this sacred space.
1245-1272 - Gothic Rebuilding: Henry III rebuilds the Abbey in magnificent Gothic style, creating the architectural masterpiece we see today with its soaring vaulted ceilings and intricate stonework.
1400s-1500s - Poets' Corner: The tradition begins of burying and commemorating England's greatest writers and thinkers, making it the world's most prestigious literary shrine.
1953 - Modern Era: Queen Elizabeth II's coronation brings the ancient ceremony into the television age, watched by millions worldwide and cementing the Abbey's role in modern Britain.
Explore royal ceremonies
Witness the ancient throne where every monarch has been crowned since 1308. Housing the Stone of Scone, this 700-year-old chair represents the continuity of British kingship and the union of England and Scotland.
Marvel at the finest example of Tudor architecture in existence. This exquisite chapel houses the tombs of Henry VII, Elizabeth I, and Mary Queen of Scots, showcasing intricate fan vaulting and medieval craftsmanship.
Visit the heart of the Abbey at the shrine of its founder, Edward the Confessor. This sacred space, surrounded by medieval royal tombs, represents the spiritual center of British monarchy.
Walk through the peaceful medieval cloisters where monks once lived and worked. These 13th-century walkways lead to the Chapter House, where Parliament first met, and College Garden, London's oldest garden.
Make the most of your Westminster Abbey experience with these essential planning tips:
Address: 20 Dean's Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
Nearest Underground: Westminster Station (District, Circle, Jubilee lines)
Coordinates: 51°29'58"N 0°07'39"W
Westminster Abbey stands in the heart of London, adjacent to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. The Abbey is easily accessible from central London and forms the centerpiece of Westminster's historic quarter, home to British government and monarchy.
Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit including the main Abbey, Cloisters, and College Garden. Add an extra hour if visiting the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries. Audio guides are self-paced and included with admission.
Yes! Daily services are free to attend and open to all. Evensong with the Abbey Choir takes place at 5pm on weekdays and 3pm on weekends. Morning services and special occasions also welcome visitors.
Poets' Corner contains memorials and graves of literary giants including Shakespeare, Dickens, Chaucer, Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, and many others. Scientists like Darwin and Newton are also commemorated here.
Yes, the Abbey provides full wheelchair access via the North Door entrance. Accessible routes cover most areas, though some historical spaces have limited access due to medieval architecture. Free wheelchairs available on request.
Photography is not permitted inside Westminster Abbey to preserve the sacred atmosphere and protect ancient artifacts. Professional photographs, postcards, and guidebooks are available at the Abbey Shop.
Located 70 feet above the Abbey floor in the medieval triforium, these galleries display Abbey treasures including coronation regalia, royal effigies, and artifacts spanning 1,000 years of history, with stunning views over the Abbey.
