Westminster Abbey is a huge and prominent Anglican Church at Westminster London that is also famous as the burial place of many notable personalities. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Royal Church boasts of a rich history that lures millions of tourists every year. The Abbey also houses many tombs, statues and memorials thus making it a must-visit attraction in London.
The Westminster Abbey is a religious building that has stood witness to the rich history and heritage of Great Britain. It is the crowning jewel of the City of Westminster in London, England. Formerly known as the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter, this gothic church has been a place of great religious significance to the Monarchy. Discover its cultural allure and more as part of our enticing Europe tour packages.
Traditionally, this is where the official King or Queen gets coronated, and also where they get buried. In fact, this place is so sacred that Queen Elizabeth the second highness, got married to the Duke of Edinburgh here in 1947. It later became the venue for the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana also.
This church was founded over a thousand years ago and is still functional today as a place of worship instead of just being a monument living off past glory. It is the testimony of the reverence and patronage that it has received over the years. Interestingly, Westminster Abbey has its own flag, with Tudor arms and Tudor roses on it.
The breathtakingly spectacular architecture and the mesmerizingly calm and spiritual environment definitely sets it apart from the other glorious sites of London.
Highlights
• Visit Westminster Abbey London which is not just a grand church in London but also a fascinating historical museum and the resting place of many famous personalities.
• Visit the Poets’ Corner and Royal tombs to spot the burial remains of renowned poets, writers, British kings and queens like Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, T.S. Eliot and John Keats and several other politicians, industrialists and actors.
• Catch a glimpse of the Oak door near the Chapter House which is the only surviving Anglo-Saxon door in England that dates back to the 11th century.
• Take a stroll through the three gardens in Westminster Abbey - The Garth, The Little Cloister and College Garden and St. Catherine’s Garden. Witness the original stone precinct wall that has been intact for 900 years now.
• Indulge in the choral service and listen to the choir of Westminster Abbey singing from their Choir Stalls in the Quiver.
How To Reach
You can choose any of the convenient transportation options mentioned below to reach Westminster Abbey from the city center.
- By Bus: You can board a direct bus that departs from Westminster Cathedral and arrives at Westminster Abbey. The bus services depart every after every twenty minutes and operate each day.
- By Car: You can also take a taxi or cab from London city center to Westminster Abbey. From the London station, it takes three minutes to reach Westminster Abbey by taxi.
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Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Westminster Abbey is during the morning hours as soon as it opens or on Wednesday evenings when the Abbey is open till dusk to avoid tourist crowds. Westminster Abbey is best visited between March and May when the weather is pleasant and enjoyable.
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Other Essential Information
History of Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a 1000-year old spiritual landmark and a World Heritage Site in Westminster London. It presents a pageant of British history through its tombs of queens and kings, the shrine of St Edward, and countless memorials. Since 1066 it has been the central spot of every Coronation and other royal events.
In 1040 King Edward established his palace on the bank of the river Thames on Thorney Island. Close to this palace was a Benedictine monastery that was founded by St Dunstan and King Edgar in 960 AD. Edward further decided to enlarge this monastery, and he built a stone church over here in honor of the Apostle St Peter.
This church was later named as the Westminster in order to distinguish it from the extremely renowned St Paul's Cathedral in London. But the king got too ill till the time the church was built, and he ultimately died. After his death, his mortal remains were entombed near the High Altar area of the church.
You can only see a few traces of Edward monastery in today’s time in this church in the form of supporting columns and round arches. Some of the most significant ceremonies organized at the Abbey were William the Conqueror's coronation.
The abbey built by Edward survived only for two centuries. In the 13th century, King Henry III rebuilt the church in the Gothic style. The Abbey has been the burial ground of all the major monarchs, including William The Conqueror.
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Tips To Visit Westminster Abbey
- Book your tickets to Westminster Abbey in advance to avoid standing in long queues at the entrance.
- Wheelchair users and their caretakers are given free entry on all days.
- There is no official dress code for Westminster Abbey but visitors are expected to dress modestly.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will have to walk a lot on old and uneven floors.
- Guests should remove their hats on entering the Abbey.
- While taking pictures is allowed inside the church, you cannot record videos, use flash or capture photos using devices like selfie sticks and tripod stands.
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Poets’ Corner
A visit to the Poets’ Corner is like a pilgrimage for those who love English Literature. Located in south transept, the Poets’ Corner houses burials and memorials of English poets and writers. You can see the funeral remains of great personalities like Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and Ted Huges.
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Nave
Coronation Chair
The Coronation Chair is the most treasured and famous piece of furniture in Britain that is placed in St. George’s Chapel in Westminster Abbey. It was built by King Edward I to enclose the valuable Stone of Scone. The chair has been used for coronation since 1308 and has seen the enthroning of 38 monarchs and 14 queen consorts.
Henry VII Lady Chapel
Witness the magnificent Henry VII Lady Chapel dedicated to Virgin Mary on the eastern end of the Abbey. Nicknamed as the ‘Wonder of the World’, the Chapel is a glorious example of the late mediaeval style architecture with a marvellous fan-vaulted ceiling. It is also the burial ground of fifteen British kings and queens including Elizabeth I and Mary I.
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The Quire
Westminster Abbey organises choirs and music everyday which is a tradition from 1000 years ago. You can attend the daily choral services to hear the choir singing from their stalls which was first begun in the 10th century. The other stalls are reserved for clergy and officers of the Abbey when they come for services.
Pyx Chamber
The Pyx Chamber is the oldest surviving structure of Westminster Abbey London that is located off the East Cloister. The room is named after the ‘Trial of Pyx’ during which the silver kept in the Pyx wooden box was melted to prove its purity. The Pyx Chamber houses a large chest that was once used to hold important documents and vestment.
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Tourism Board Alliances
Westminster Abbey FAQs
Is Westminster Cathedral the same as Westminster Abbey?
No Westminster Cathedral is not the same as Westminster Abbey. Westminster Cathedral is a renowned Roman Catholic Church, and Westminster Abbey is a famous Anglican Church.
Can you get into Westminster Abbey for free?
Yes, you can get into Westminster Abbey for free if you have the Explorer pass, London pass, or iVenture Card.
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Is Westminster Abbey Catholic or Protestant?
What is Westminster Abbey famous for?
Westminster Abbey is renowned for serving a pivotal role in British social, cultural, and political affairs for 1000 years. It is the most renowned Gothic building in the country where the coronation of British and English monarchs are performed.
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How many bodies are buried in Westminster Abbey?
Can you marry in Westminster Abbey?
The British royal families, the members of Orders of the Bath and those who live in Abbey’s precincts, can get married over here.
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Can you take photos in Westminster Abbey?
Is there a dress code for Westminster Abbey?
Yes, since this is a Church, you need to be well dressed before visiting this site. The men should remove their hat, and the women shouldn’t wear short clothes while visiting Westminster Abbey.
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Are there toilets at Westminster Abbey?
Why was Westminster Abbey built?
Westminster Abbey was built to be an eminent place of worship and to be a great place for burial and coronation of monarchs.
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Who is buried standing up in Westminster Abbey?
Ben Johnson, who is a renowned poet and dramatist, has been buried standing up in Westminster Abbey.
What happens at Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey is a great place for worship and spiritual beliefs. From the marriages of the royal families to coronation and burial of monarchs, many unique things happen over here. Many important events in London are also celebrated over here.
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Can you see the graves in Westminster Abbey?
What are the other attraction tickets for London I can book via Thrillophilia?
Here are the other attractions and activities in London you can book via thrillophilia:
Westminster Abbey Reviews
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