Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.
Inclusions
Optional Upgrades
5% off
Inclusions
Westminster Abbey
Tower of London
Entry to:
Westminster Abbey
Tower of London
Inclusions
Exclusions
5% off
Inclusions
Westminster Abbey
St. Paul's Cathedral
Westminster Abbey
St. Paul's Cathedral
Inclusions
10% off
Inclusions
Westminster Abbey
London Eye
Westminster Abbey
London Eye
Inclusions
Exclusions
Validity
Go for: Entry tickets
Duration: 3-4 hours
Guide: Optional
Recommended ticket:
Go for: Guided tours
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Yes
Recommended tickets:
Go for: Combo tours
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Depending on experience
Recommended tickets:
Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey is a sacred place for literature lovers. More than 100 poets and writers, including Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and the Bronte sisters, are buried or have memorials here. The first poet to be buried here was Geoffrey Chaucer, author of The Canterbury Tales in 1400. This area is located in the eastern aisle, the 'corner', of the south transept.
About the Poet's CornerThe Coronation Chair in St George’s Chapel is considered to be one of the most precious pieces of furniture in the world. It has remained the centerpiece of coronations for over 700 years. There have been a total of thirty-eight coronation ceremonies for reigning monarchs held at the Abbey. The back part of the Chair has graffiti as a result of Westminster schoolboys and visitors carving their names in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Lady Chapel is a magnificent example of late medieval architecture with a spectacular fan-vaulted ceiling. It is the burial place of fifteen kings and queens including Elizabeth I, Mary I, and Mary, Queen of Scots. The chapel has been used for installations of Knights of the Order of the Bath since 1725. Around the walls, you will notice 95 statues of saints. Henry VII spent huge sums on his new Lady Chapel which began construction in 1503 and was completed in 1506.
About the Lady ChapelIf you have an aptitude for study, Westminster Abbey also has a library with almost 14,000 books printed before 1801. The collection also includes some modern books and pamphlets on the history of Westminster Abbey, St Margaret’s Church, British coronations, and much more. Apart from this, the library also has a rich muniment collection, record series, and catalogs of the abbey’s collections.
About the library & researchMusic is an integral part of Christianity, and Westminster Abbey has been resounding music every day for more than a thousand years. Established almost 600 years ago, the abbey choir sings every day, giving life to the beautiful walls of the abbey. There are two organs at the heart of the abbey’s music, the Harrison & Harrison organ and the Queen’s organ. The abbey also hosts other musical events all year long, including choral concerts, weekly organ recitals, and the famous Summer Organ Festival.
More about the choirOpened in 2018 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, these galleries are located above the Abbey's floor, in the medieval triforium—a space previously inaccessible to the public. You can explore a collection of artifacts and historical documents of royal ceremonies, including coronations and royal weddings, like the Liber Regalis, a 14th-century book used for royal coronation ceremonies.
Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of 30 kings and queens. King Edward the Confessor and Henry III are buried next to each other. In the Confessor’s chapel, you will find the tombs of Edward I, Eleanor of Castile, Edward III, Philippa of Hainault, Richard II, and Anne of Bohemia. George II was the last monarch to be buried in the Abbey.
About the tombsThe Chapter House is situated in the East Cloister. It was a meeting place where monks gathered with the abbot to ‘hold chapter’: to pray, read from the rule of St Benedict, and discuss the day’s business. Construction began in 1246 and was completed in 1255. It is in the shape of an octagon with seating for up to 80 monks.
St Margaret's Church is a historic Anglican church known as the "parish church of the House of Commons," serving as a place of worship for over 500 years. Originally founded in the 12th century, the building dates back to the late 15th century, showcasing a mix of Gothic and Tudor architectural styles. The church has seen many events in British history, including the weddings of Sir Winston Churchill.
After the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, many of the abbey’s treasures were evacuated for safekeeping, including the Coronation Chair, the 13th-century Retable, tomb effigies, misericords, manuscripts, statues, and also the bronze grille from Henry VII’s tomb. The Pyx Chamber was used for Air Raid Precautions, the college hall and the library were used to keep watch, and the museum in the Undercroft was turned into a dispensary.
Westminster Abbey also survived bombing raids, the worst one in its history being on the nights of May 10 and 11, 1941. While most fires were put out quickly by volunteers, a menacing fire on the lantern roof burned through the lead and fell into the open area below. This area was mostly used for the enthroning of monarchs during their coronations. Flames shot up to almost 40 feet, but the fire was put out with relative ease because of the spacious open area.
As Westminster Abbey is a working church, the opening times are subject to change. However, you can select the desired date and time while you're booking your online tickets.
Duration: Most visitors spend around 90 minutes to two hours exploring the Abbey. If you're taking a guided tour or plan to visit Poets’ Corner and other notable sections, allow at least two hours.
Detailed Westminster Abbey opening timesAddress: 20 Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
Find on Maps
There are two shops available at Westminster Abbey.
Main shop address: Westminster Abbey Shop, Broad Sanctuary, London SW1P 3JS, United Kingdom
Cellarium Shop address: Cellarium Shop, Dean's Yard, London, SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
You can buy tea, tapestries, gifts, and other spiritual gifts at the Westminster Abbey shop.
More about the shopSome popular stay options near Westminster Abbey are:
If you're visiting for prayer or to attend any other service, entry into Westminster Abbey is free. However, if you wish to take a tour of the abbey, you will need to buy tickets and it's best to purchase them online for a hassle-free experience.
Yes, visitors are allowed to attend mass at Westminster Abbey. However, sightseeing is not allowed during service times.
Yes, general admission tickets include access to the tombs of historical figures, including Queen Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and many other monarchs and significant British figures.
No, tickets are valid for one-time entry only. If you leave, you will not be able to re-enter without purchasing a new ticket.
Yes, Westminster Abbey is suitable for families. Children under 5 can enter for free, and there are interactive elements in the audio tour to keep younger visitors engaged.