Westminster Abbey Tickets London

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has been at the centre of British national life for over a thousand years. Edward the Confessor founded the earlier church here, and every coronation since William the Conqueror in 1066 has taken place in the building, with the most recent, in 2023, still fresh in memory. The present Gothic church was begun by Henry III in 1245 and its soaring nave is among the tallest in England.

A Westminster Abbey tour with the multimedia guide walks you through the main areas in a logical order, explaining each monument. Photography is not permitted inside the Abbey, so it is a good place to slow down and simply look. Sunday is reserved for worship, so check the opening days on the booking panel.

Royal tombs and the Coronation Chair

The Abbey is a royal burial ground with the tombs of Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, along with Henry III, Edward I and many more. The chapel of Henry VII, known as the Lady Chapel, is famous for its fan-vaulted ceiling, often described as one of the finest in Europe.

The Coronation Chair, made around 1300, has been used for coronations for centuries. Nearby is the grave of the Unknown Warrior, honouring the fallen of the First World War, a quiet and moving spot that many visitors remember most.

Poets' Corner and famous burials

Poets' Corner in the south transept honours writers, including Geoffrey Chaucer, the first poet buried here, and memorials to Shakespeare, Jane Austen, the Brontes and Charles Dickens. It is a highlight for anyone who loves English literature.

Elsewhere, scientists rest close to kings: Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin are both commemorated in the nave. This mix of royalty, faith and learning is what makes the visit so rich, and the multimedia guide points out the stories behind each name. Handel is buried here too, and the many memorials to statesmen and scientists show how the Abbey has honoured achievement in every field.

Cloisters, Chapter House and getting there

Beyond the church, the medieval cloisters and the octagonal Chapter House offer quieter corners, with original tiles and wall paintings. Check the guide for which areas are open on the day of your visit.

Getting to Westminster Abbey is easy: Westminster station on the Jubilee and District lines is a short walk, and Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye are all close by. Arrive about 15 minutes before your slot and allow for a security check. Some extra spaces, such as the garden, open only on certain days, so ask the staff on arrival what is available during your visit.