Westminster Abbey Tours

Westminster Abbey featuring a church or cathedral, religious aspects and a city
Westminster Abbey which includes night scenes, a city and heritage architecture
Westminster Abbey showing heritage architecture, a city and religious aspects
Westminster Abbey featuring night scenes, religious elements and a church or cathedral
Westminster Abbey which includes a castle and heritage architecture


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. 

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Reviews of Westminster Abbey

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1003
5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
540
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
95
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
14
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

In addition to touring with an audio guide, be sure to by the extra ticket for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Gallery. Definitely worth seeing!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Some of the location was under repairs at the time of our visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Definitely pay for a tour - it is very worth it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is closed on Sunday for tours, but we went to the Eventide service and sat with the choir - a truly wonderful experience!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Edward the Confessor built the abbey. His tomb and shrine is at the very center of the church. But you are not allowed to get near it. Unless you know the following. Upon entering, ask the staff when the next service will be held at the Confessor's tomb. If you're fortunate, a minister will eventually lead you and a small group of other worshipers up a small staircase to pray before the shrine. Be respectful. This is not museum. It is an active church. And don't even think of taking a photograph or selfie inside the abbey.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Spent the entire day here...a history buff dream!

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey offers a rich blend of activities for visitors, including guided tours that delve into its stunning architecture and history. Families can enjoy sightseeing in London, with nearby attractions such as theaters and art galleries, as well as shopping opportunities. Experience the cultural vibrancy of the area while exploring this iconic landmark and its surroundings.

Shopping

In Westminster Abbey, you can shop at Harrods, just 3.2km away, offering luxury goods. Borough Market, also 3.2km away, is perfect for fresh produce and unique foods. For family-friendly fun, visit the Brunswick Centre, located just 3.2km from the Abbey.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, located 9.7km from Westminster Abbey, buzzes with sports energy, offering thrilling events. Nearby, ABBA Arena, only 8.0km away, immerses you in vibrant music concerts. For tranquility, visit Hampstead Heath, a 8.0km haven for relaxation and wellness with its expansive green spaces.

Adventure

Experience the thrilling IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car ride, offering stunning views from 9.7km away. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill provides an exhilarating indoor climbing experience at 1.3km away. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of karting at Oasis Go-Kart Track, located 3.2km from Westminster Abbey.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Westminster Abbey offers thrilling experiences like the London Eye, a stunning ferris wheel just 644m away, perfect for adventure seekers. For a cultural touch, visit the London Dungeon, also 644m away, or enjoy a romantic film at Cine Lumiere, located 805m away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey and its surroundings offer a variety of attractions, including vibrant streets, charming squares, and serene urban parks. These points of interest cater to travelers seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and a taste of city life. Whether you're exploring the historic abbey or enjoying the local atmosphere, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this iconic area of London.

  • Buckingham Palace: Located 966m from Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch. Its stunning architecture and rich history provide a cultural experience, and you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a tradition that showcases British pageantry.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Situated 1.3km away, Piccadilly Circus is a bustling street known for its bright lights and vibrant atmosphere. It's a hub of entertainment, with theaters, shops, and restaurants, making it a great spot for soaking in the city's energetic vibe.
  • Big Ben: Only 322m from Westminster Abbey, Big Ben is an iconic clock tower that symbolizes London. Standing tall beside the Houses of Parliament, it offers a blend of cultural significance and city energy, making it a must-see landmark.

Best time to go to Westminster Abbey

The best time to visit Westminster Abbey can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Westminster Abbey falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Westminster Abbey falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Westminster Abbey

To save money on your trip to Westminster Abbey, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to March when prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can help secure better rates, especially if you opt for Sunday stays, which are cheaper. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by price and customize your options. You can also look for last-minute deals for spontaneous trips. Lastly, consider package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities to maximize savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Westminster Abbey are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Westminster Abbey about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Westminster Abbey is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Westminster Abbey is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near Westminster Abbey with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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