Westminster Abbey

A Royal Legacy: Coronations, Burials, and Weddings

Westminster Abbey is perhaps most renowned as the traditional burial site for deceased monarchs, earning it the evocative moniker “Britain’s Valhalla”, a nod to the legendary Norse afterlife. Yet, its story isn't solely one of solemn farewells. Since 1066, every English and, later, British monarch has been crowned here, beginning with William the Conqueror. This unbroken tradition underscores the Abbey's profound connection to the Crown.

A Rich History: From Visions to Rebirths

The origins of Westminster Abbey stretch back to 960 AD. Legend has it that a fisherman named Aldrich had a vision of Saint Peter, one of Christ's twelve apostles, near the site. This spiritual connection laid the groundwork for what would become a significant religious edifice.

In 1042, the Abbey, then known as St. Peter’s Abbey, was rebuilt by King Edward the Confessor. Driven by a desire for a royal burial place, Edward, whose piety earned him his title, saw the new construction completed just a week before his death in 1066—remarkably fortuitous timing.

Like much of London, Westminster Abbey endured the devastation of World War Two during the Blitz. Incendiary bombs ignited the roof, and while many fires were extinguished, parts of the roof suffered irreparable damage. Despite falling debris, members of the ARP (Air Raid Precaution) heroically managed to evacuate priceless furniture, much of which remains in the Abbey today.

Architectural Grandeur: A Blend of Styles and Eras

Westminster Abbey was groundbreaking for its time, being the first English church built in the Romanesque style, heavily influenced by the grand cathedrals emerging across France. The majority of the structure we admire today dates from the reign of Henry III. The Abbey stands impressively at 31 meters (101 feet) tall, roughly twice the height of the iconic Hollywood sign, with its main tower soaring even higher at 69 meters (225 feet).

The building's construction utilized fine stonework sourced from quarries in Reigate, Surrey, and Caen, France. Key figures in its creation were master masons John of Gloucester, Henry of Reyns, and Robert of Beverley. Over the centuries, significant additions were made, including the exquisite Lady Chapel in the early 16th century and the completion of the West Towers in Portland stone in 1745, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor.

The Abbey has undergone extensive restoration work throughout its history. Sir Christopher Wren notably repaired the weathered Reigate sandstone. In the early 19th century, the exterior of the Lady Chapel was meticulously restored under James Wyatt and mason Thomas Gayfere. The Chapter House saw restoration in the mid-19th century by Sir George Gilbert Scott, followed by John L. Pearson's work on the stonework of the rose window later that century. Further restorative efforts continued throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, ensuring the Abbey's preservation for future generations.

A Tapestry of Heritage: Beyond Royalty

While its royal connections are undeniable, Westminster Abbey's heritage extends to a broader cultural narrative. The Abbey celebrates Black heritage with the recent installation of ten statues of 20th-century individuals who died for their beliefs. Among them is a poignant depiction of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., assassinated in Memphis in 1968, shown with outstretched hands welcoming a young girl. These statues, honoring Christian martyrs, mark the completion of a 25-year renovation project and stand as a profound testament to courage and conviction, making the Abbey a must-see for any London Black History tour.

The magnificent Westminster Abbey organ, first used during the coronation of King George VI, has become a cherished staple of the Abbey, its resounding notes filling the space alongside the voices of the Anglican choir during daily worships.

Westminster Abbey is an indispensable stop for any visitor to London. It embodies the essence of the Royal family as much as Buckingham Palace, offering a unique journey through centuries of British history, architecture, and enduring legacy.

Address and Contact Details

Address: Westminster Abbey, 20 Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA
Telephone: 020 7222 5152
Email: Send email
Website: Westminster Abbey (opens in new window).

Travel Connections

Westminster Abbey is centrally located and well-served by various transport options.

Underground (Tube)

• Westminster Station: Served by the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines. This station is directly opposite Westminster Abbey, making it the closest and most convenient underground stop.
• Distance: Approximately 50 metres.
• Walking Time: Less than 1 minute.
• St. James's Park Station: Served by the District and Circle lines.
• Distance: Approximately 600 metres.
• Walking Time: Around 7-8 minutes.
• Victoria Station: Served by the Victoria, District, and Circle lines, as well as National Rail services.
• Distance: Approximately 1.2 km.
• Walking Time: Around 15 minutes.

Bus

Numerous bus routes serve the area around Westminster Abbey. Key bus stops include:

• Parliament Square / Westminster Abbey (Stop SA, NP, NM): Routes 12, 24, 26, 87, 88, 159, 453, N3, N11, N26, N44, N53, N87, N109, N136, N155, N381. These stops are immediately adjacent to the Abbey.
• Great Smith Street / Westminster Abbey (Stop R, S): Routes 11, 24, 26, 88, 148, N11, N26, N44, N136.
• Abingdon Street (Stop V): Route N87.
• Horseferry Road (Stop L, NL, P): Routes 3, 87, 88, C10, N3, N87.
• Westminster City Hall (Stop A): Routes 3, 11, 24, 26, 148, N11, N26, N44, N136.

River Boat

For a scenic approach, river boat services operate to Westminster Pier.

• Westminster Pier: Regular services, including those operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, stop at Westminster Pier, which is a short walk from the Abbey.
• Distance: Approximately 250 metres.
• Walking Time: Around 3-4 minutes.
• North of the River Thames access: From the pier, you'll walk along Victoria Embankment and then turn right towards Parliament Square.
• South of the River Thames connections: Boats from piers on the South Bank (e.g., London Eye Pier, Bankside Pier) offer direct connections to Westminster Pier.

Car and Cycling

• Car: Driving to Westminster Abbey is generally discouraged due to congestion charges, limited parking, and heavy traffic in central London. Public transport is highly recommended. There are some car parks further afield, but they are often expensive.
• Disabled Parking: Limited accessible parking may be available in the vicinity. It is advisable to check with Westminster Abbey directly or Westminster City Council for the most up-to-date information on disabled parking bays.
• Cycling: There are Santander Cycles docking stations located nearby, including on Parliament Square and Storey's Gate. Cycling in central London requires awareness of traffic, but dedicated cycle lanes are increasing.

Facilities

Westminster Abbey offers a range of facilities for visitors:

• Toilets: Accessible and standard toilets, including baby-changing facilities, are located off the Cloisters in the Cellarium area.
• Shops: There are two shops: the Main Shop (Broad Sanctuary, SW1P 3JS) and the Cellarium Shop (Dean's Yard, SW1P 3PA), offering souvenirs, books, and gifts.
• Café: The Cellarium Café & Terrace, located at the end of the west Cloisters, provides an elegant setting with views of the Abbey.
• Wheelchairs: Loaner wheelchairs are available for visitors upon request at the Visitor Information Desk or from Abbey staff.
• Assistance Dogs: Guide dogs, hearing dogs, and other assistance dogs are welcome inside the Abbey. Water bowls are available.
• Audio Guides: Multimedia audio guides are included with admission and are available in multiple languages. Audio-described tours are available for visually impaired visitors, and British Sign Language guided tours are available for hearing-impaired visitors. Printed transcripts are also offered.
• Luggage Storage: The Abbey does not have dedicated luggage storage facilities. Visitors requiring this service can find options at nearby major train stations such as Charing Cross or Victoria.

Access

Westminster Abbey aims to be as accessible as possible, though some historical areas may present challenges due to the nature of the historic building.

• Visitor Entrance: The main visitor entrance is the North Door, facing Parliament Square. This entrance offers ramped/sloped access for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Staff are on hand to assist.
• Step-Free Access: The majority of the Abbey is accessible with step-free routes, particularly the Nave, Quire, and North Ambulatory. The floor is stone and can be uneven in places due to its historical nature and burials.
• Inaccessible Areas: Some areas, such as the Henry VII Chapel and certain side chapels, have steps and are not fully wheelchair accessible without assistance. A stair climber may be used in some cases, and staff can advise on the best routes. Access to the Cloisters and College Garden involves some steps, but step-free access can be found from the South Side of the building.
• Dim Lighting: Some areas of the Abbey may be dimly lit.
• Seating: Extensive seating without armrests is available in the Nave and South Transept. Wheelchair spaces are generally available at the front of seating areas for services.

Entry Fees (as of July 2025)

• Adult: From £30.00
• Child (6-17 years): From £13.00 (under 6s are free)
• Student (with valid ID): From £27.00
• Senior (65+ years): From £27.00
• Family of 2 (1 Child + 1 Adult): From £30.00

Please note:

• Entry for sightseeing requires a paid ticket.
• Free entry is offered for attending daily services and for individual prayer (via the Great West Door).
• Visitors with a disability and their companion receive free admission.
• Discounts are available for Westminster residents with a City Save card and serving UK Armed Forces personnel with valid ID.
• The 2FOR1 National Rail offer may be available; check the Days Out Guide website for current details and terms. Tickets purchased with this offer must be bought in person on the day.
• Tickets generally allow single entry only.

Opening Times

Westminster Abbey is a working church, and opening times can vary due to special services and events. It is always advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule before planning your visit.

• General Visiting Hours:
• Monday - Friday: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm (last entry)
• Saturday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (last entry)
• Sunday: Open for services only (no sightseeing, free to attend).
• The Abbey will close fully one hour after the last entry time.
• The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries: Typically open 30 minutes after the main Abbey opening time, with separate entry (usually £5 for adults, children free, or free for Association members) which requires an Abbey entry ticket.

Other Places of Interest (within 15 minutes' walk)

Parliament Square Garden (Less than 1 minute): A large green square directly in front of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, surrounded by statues of prominent political figures from around the world, including Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, and Abraham Lincoln.

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (1-2 minutes): Located immediately adjacent to Westminster Abbey, the Palace of Westminster houses the UK Parliament. The iconic Elizabeth Tower, home to the famous bell "Big Ben," stands proudly at its northern end. Visitors can admire the stunning Gothic Revival architecture and learn about British democracy.

Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (3 minutes): Housed in the former Middlesex Guildhall, this impressive building is the highest court in the UK. Visitors can often observe court proceedings (when in session) or explore the public exhibition and learn about the UK's judicial system.

Victoria Tower Gardens (4 minutes): A public park located directly south of the Houses of Parliament, along the River Thames. It offers green space, public art, and views of Lambeth Palace across the river. It's home to the Buxton Memorial Fountain.

St. James's Park (5 minutes): One of London's beautiful Royal Parks, featuring a picturesque lake, abundant wildlife (including pelicans), and stunning views of Buckingham Palace. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a moment of relaxation.

Downing Street (6 minutes): The famous residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, identifiable by its iconic black door at Number 10. While public access is restricted for security, you can view the street from a distance on Whitehall.

Churchill War Rooms (10 minutes): An underground complex that served as Winston Churchill's command centre during World War II. This atmospheric museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Britain's wartime history with preserved rooms and interactive exhibits.

Westminster Cathedral (10 minutes): The mother church of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, known for its distinctive Byzantine-style architecture and striking mosaic interiors. It is not to be confused with Westminster Abbey.

Buckingham Palace (15 minutes): Located in the heart of London, serves as the official residence and administrative headquarters of the King of the United Kingdom. It's a globally recognized landmark and the central venue for numerous royal events, ceremonies, and state occasions, including welcoming foreign dignitaries and hosting investitures and garden parties.

Tate Britain (15 minutes): Home to a significant collection of British art from the 16th century to the present day, including works by J.M.W. Turner and the Pre-Raphaelites. Located on the River Thames, it offers a cultural escape.

The Queen's Gallery (Buckingham Palace) (15 minutes): Located within Buckingham Palace, this gallery showcases changing exhibitions of art from the Royal Collection, offering a glimpse into the vast and diverse royal art holdings.