Westminster Abbey is one of the central London visits we would set aside proper time for: it is an active church as well as a place closely tied to coronations, royal weddings and national history. Check whether sightseeing is open on your chosen day before building an itinerary around it.
Forty monarchs have been crowned here since 1066, most recently King Charles III in 2023. The Abbey has also hosted royal weddings and major national occasions, including the funerals of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997 and Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. More than 3,000 people are buried or commemorated here, including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, monarchs, writers, musicians and politicians.
What to See in Westminster Abbey in London
We recommend allowing around two hours to explore the Abbey without rushing. The present church was begun by Henry III in 1245, while the two western towers were completed in the eighteenth century. We would choose a morning visit where possible, then check the live calendar because the sightseeing route changes around services and special events.
Highlights to look out for include:
- The Coronation Chair and Cosmati Pavement: central parts of the coronation tradition.
- Henry VII’s Lady Chapel: an extraordinary late-medieval chapel containing royal tombs, including Henry VII and Elizabeth of York.
- Royal tombs: including Elizabeth I, Mary I and Mary, Queen of Scots.
- Poets’ Corner: where writers including Geoffrey Chaucer and Charles Dickens are buried, and many others including William Shakespeare are commemorated.
- The Grave of the Unknown Warrior: a national memorial near the Great West Door.
- The Cloisters, Chapter House, Pyx Chamber and College Garden: included when open on your chosen day.
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries display Abbey treasures high in the medieval triforium. They require a separate timed ticket and are not included with a Go City London Pass.
Westminster Abbey tickets and opening times
Last checked 29 September 2026. General admission currently costs £31 for adults, £28 for visitors aged 65+ and students, and £14 for children aged 6–17. Children aged 0–5 enter free. The published family ticket for one adult and one child is £31, while registered disabled visitors and one essential companion receive free admission.
Opening and last-entry times vary daily because Westminster Abbey is a working church. Use the official calendar and current prices for your date. Entry to regular services is free through the Great West Door, but attending worship is different from a sightseeing visit and the visitor route is not available during a service.
A multimedia guide is included with admission and is available in 14 languages, including English and Spanish. You can borrow a device or use the shorter guide on your phone; bring headphones if using your own device.
Passes and useful ticket options
- Go City London Pass: Westminster Abbey is included, but you must reserve through the Go City app. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries are not included.
- National Rail 2-for-1: eligible visitors can present the Days Out Guide voucher and qualifying rail tickets. This offer cannot be pre-booked on the Abbey website and is subject to capacity.
- Online Abbey tickets: an eligible ticket can be upgraded free on your visit to allow three Abbey visits for the price of one. Third-party and promotional tickets cannot be upgraded.
Security and bags
All visitors pass through security. Bags larger than cabin size—55 × 40 × 20 cm—are not permitted, and there is no general left-luggage facility at the Abbey. Bring as little as possible, particularly on a travel day.
How to Get to Westminster Abbey
- Westminster Abbey is located in Westminster, next to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
- Nearest tube station: Westminster (London travel zone 1).
- Our London sightseeing itinerary 1 will take you past Westminster Abbey.
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.