Published on 23 February 2025 Last updated on 29 September 2026
Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous churches in the United Kingdom. The building is an impressive example of Gothic architecture and has played an important role in British history for centuries. Since 1066, the coronations of British monarchs have taken place here. For many visitors, Westminster Abbey is therefore a place that ranks high on the list during a first city trip to London.
But is a visit to Westminster Abbey really worth it? In this article, I share my experience and tell you what you can expect during a visit. You’ll learn more about the main sights, tickets, and other practical information. This way, you can decide for yourself whether a visit to Westminster Abbey fits into your London city trip.
What is Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous churches in the United Kingdom. The abbey church is located in the heart of London, opposite the Palace of Westminster and a short distance from Big Ben. The building has played an important role in British history and has been associated with the British royal family for centuries.
Westminster Abbey is best known as the place where British monarchs are crowned. Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, almost all British coronations have taken place here. The coronation of King Charles III also took place at Westminster Abbey in 2023.
The church also has a long history with the British royal family. Several royal weddings have taken place here, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. Queen Elizabeth II also married Prince Philip here in 1947.
However, a visit to Westminster Abbey is not just about the royal family. The church contains hundreds of graves and memorials dedicated to famous Britons. Among them are the graves of Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin, as well as the final resting places of writers such as Charles Dickens. This makes Westminster Abbey a special place for lovers of history, art, and literature.
The building itself is just as impressive. Westminster Abbey is largely built in the Gothic architectural style, with high vaulted ceilings, large stained-glass windows, and richly decorated chapels. The Henry VII Chapel is one of the most striking parts of the church.
Although Westminster Abbey attracts many visitors every year, it is not a museum. It is still an active church where services and other religious gatherings take place. This gives a visit a different character from visiting an ordinary tourist attraction.
Is Westminster Abbey Worth Visiting? My Experience
I have been visiting London several times a year for more than fifteen years and have visited Westminster Abbey several times during that period. Personally, I think a visit is absolutely worthwhile. You are literally standing in the place where British monarchs have been crowned, including King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II. You also walk past the final resting places of famous Britons such as Isaac Newton and Charles Dickens. I also think the Henry VII Chapel is one of the most beautiful parts of Westminster Abbey, especially because of its impressive ceiling.
There are also a few downsides. Westminster Abbey is one of the most visited churches in the United Kingdom, and the admission price is therefore quite high compared with many other churches in London. An audio guide is included with the ticket, though. In large parts of the church, you are also not allowed to take photographs. This can be disappointing if you like capturing special details of the interior.
For me, however, these disadvantages do not outweigh the experience. Westminster Abbey is not a static museum, but a living church where almost a thousand years of British history come together. You not only see impressive architecture, but also literally walk through the history of the British royal family and past the graves and memorials of famous Britons.
Do you enjoy history, royal stories, remarkable architecture, or the stories behind famous people? Then I would definitely include Westminster Abbey in your London city trip.
These are the most popular tickets and tours for a city trip to London.
During your visit to Westminster Abbey in London, you will walk through different parts of the church. There is a lot to see, and you can easily spend a few hours here. If you are visiting Westminster Abbey for the first time, there are several parts that you definitely don’t want to miss.
Lady Chapel in Westminster Abbey
The Lady Chapel is one of the most beautiful chapels in Westminster Abbey. The chapel was built at the beginning of the sixteenth century on the orders of King Henry VII and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The impressive fan-vaulted ceiling immediately stands out. The intricate details and unique shape of the ceiling make this chapel one of the most beautiful parts of Westminster Abbey.
The Coronation Chair or King Edward’s Chair
One of the most remarkable objects in Westminster Abbey is the medieval Coronation Chair of King Edward. The chair was commissioned by King Edward I and has been used during the coronation ceremony of British monarchs since 1308. This makes it one of the oldest royal pieces of furniture still in use in the world.
For centuries, the Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, was kept beneath the seat. This Scottish coronation stone played an important role in coronations. In 1996, the stone was returned to Scotland and placed in Edinburgh Castle. For the coronation of King Charles III in 2023, the Stone of Scone was brought back to Westminster Abbey and once again formed part of the ceremony.
Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey
Poets’ Corner is one of the best-known parts of Westminster Abbey. It contains the graves and memorials of famous British writers and poets. Among them are the grave of Geoffrey Chaucer and memorials to writers such as Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and William Shakespeare.
The area clearly shows how important literature is to British culture. Even if you are not particularly interested in literature, it is still worth taking a moment to look around. The names you come across on the graves and memorials are familiar to many visitors from British literary history.
Royal Tombs in Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of many British monarchs. Among them are the tombs of King Edward the Confessor, Henry III, and Queen Elizabeth I. Several other kings and queens are also buried here.
The royal tombs are spread throughout the church and are often richly decorated. During your visit, you are therefore not only walking through a centuries-old church, but also visiting places where a large part of British royal history is literally buried.
Pyx Chamber
The Pyx Chamber is one of the oldest surviving parts of Westminster Abbey and dates back to the 11th century. The low, vaulted room is part of the crypt of the original abbey of Edward the Confessor.
During the Middle Ages, the chamber was used to store and inspect valuable objects and coins. The name refers to the Pyx, a chest in which coin samples were kept for the so-called Trial of the Pyx. During this inspection, coins were checked to ensure they met the required quality and had the correct precious metal content.
The medieval tiled floor is still preserved. The room looks simple compared with the richly decorated chapels of Westminster Abbey, but its age and understated appearance are precisely what make the Pyx Chamber special.
The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior
On the west side of Westminster Abbey is the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. It contains the remains of an unknown British serviceman who was killed during the First World War. His body was brought from France to London and buried in Westminster Abbey on 11 November 1920.
The tomb is an important place of remembrance and is still treated with great respect. It is also the only grave in Westminster Abbey that visitors are not allowed to walk over. During your visit, you will pass by it and notice that Westminster Abbey is not only a place of royal history and remarkable architecture, but also a place where the victims of war are remembered.
The Choir of Westminster Abbey
In the choir of Westminster Abbey, you can see the old choir stalls from the 19th century. There is also an original black-and-white marble floor dating from the 17th century. The combination of the choir stalls, the floor, and the surrounding architecture gives this part of the church a unique atmosphere.
The choir of Westminster Abbey is still active today. The choir members sing during the daily services, continuing a centuries-old musical tradition at the abbey. Singing has been part of worship at Westminster Abbey since the Middle Ages.
The Chapter House
The Chapter House is located off the eastern cloister of Westminster Abbey and is one of the most beautiful historic rooms in the abbey. The room was used by the monks of Westminster Abbey to meet and discuss important matters within the monastic community.
The room is particularly striking because of its high vaulted ceiling, large windows, and richly decorated details. The walls are also adorned with medieval paintings. During your visit, it is worth taking some time to look around, as this is a great place to appreciate the impressive medieval architecture of Westminster Abbey.
The Cloisters of Westminster Abbey
The cloisters of Westminster Abbey date back to the 13th and 14th centuries and are among the most beautiful parts of the abbey. The cloisters were used for prayer, meditation, and rest. At the same time, they provided a connection between the different buildings of the abbey.
During your visit, you can walk through several cloisters and admire the remarkable medieval architecture up close. The peaceful atmosphere is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle outside Westminster Abbey. That is precisely why I find the cloisters a lovely place to take some time during your visit to pause and look around.
Tickets for Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a popular attraction in London and can attract quite a large number of visitors, especially on busy days. If you want to visit the abbey during your city trip, I recommend arranging your ticket online in advance. This way, you know when you can enter and can fit your visit more easily into your schedule.
You can reserve your ticket in advance below. Choose the date you want to visit Westminster Abbey and see which tickets and options are available.
Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for a visit to Westminster Abbey. During this time, you will have enough opportunity to explore the main parts of the church at your leisure. If you also want to spend more time walking through the medieval cloisters, it is advisable to allow around 2 to 3 hours for your visit.
When planning your visit, also take into account a possible queue at the entrance. Especially on busy days, it can take a little longer to get inside. It is therefore best to allow some extra time around your visit, particularly if you want to combine Westminster Abbey with other attractions in Westminster.
When is the best time to visit Westminster Abbey?
From my own experience, the best time to visit Westminster Abbey is on a weekday morning, preferably around opening time. It is usually quieter then, giving you more space to explore the church at your own pace. Another option is to visit later in the afternoon, from around 2:30 pm.
Avoid the weekend if you want to explore the abbey in peace
Saturday is generally a busy day to visit Westminster Abbey. On Sundays, the abbey is not open for regular tourist visits. The church is used for religious services instead.
Would you like to attend a service on Sunday? You can do so for free. Keep in mind that during a service, you cannot walk around the church as a tourist. You take a seat in the pews and attend the service as a member of the congregation. Walking around to view graves or chapels and taking photographs is not permitted.
What are the opening hours of Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the church is reserved for religious services and is not open for regular tourist visits.
Monday to Friday: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Saturday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Opening hours may change, for example due to special services or events. Therefore, always check the current opening hours before your visit.
Where is Westminster Abbey located in London?
Westminster Abbey is located in the heart of London, within walking distance of the River Thames, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. Thanks to its central location, the abbey is easy to combine with other attractions in Westminster.
More travel tips for a city trip to London
Planning your trip to London? Below you’ll find more articles with useful tips and practical information for your trip.
As the founder of Cities To Travel and an enthusiastic traveller, I’ve been exploring cities across Europe and America for over 15 years. On this website, I share my personal experiences, detailed walking routes and practical tips to help you plan the perfect trip. All my guides are based on my own travels!
Westminster Abbey in london: Is it worth a visit?
Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous churches in the United Kingdom. The building is an impressive example of Gothic architecture and has played an important role in British history for centuries. Since 1066, the coronations of British monarchs have taken place here. For many visitors, Westminster Abbey is therefore a place that ranks high on the list during a first city trip to London.
But is a visit to Westminster Abbey really worth it? In this article, I share my experience and tell you what you can expect during a visit. You’ll learn more about the main sights, tickets, and other practical information. This way, you can decide for yourself whether a visit to Westminster Abbey fits into your London city trip.
What is Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous churches in the United Kingdom. The abbey church is located in the heart of London, opposite the Palace of Westminster and a short distance from Big Ben. The building has played an important role in British history and has been associated with the British royal family for centuries.
Westminster Abbey is best known as the place where British monarchs are crowned. Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, almost all British coronations have taken place here. The coronation of King Charles III also took place at Westminster Abbey in 2023.
The church also has a long history with the British royal family. Several royal weddings have taken place here, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. Queen Elizabeth II also married Prince Philip here in 1947.
However, a visit to Westminster Abbey is not just about the royal family. The church contains hundreds of graves and memorials dedicated to famous Britons. Among them are the graves of Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin, as well as the final resting places of writers such as Charles Dickens. This makes Westminster Abbey a special place for lovers of history, art, and literature.
The building itself is just as impressive. Westminster Abbey is largely built in the Gothic architectural style, with high vaulted ceilings, large stained-glass windows, and richly decorated chapels. The Henry VII Chapel is one of the most striking parts of the church.
Although Westminster Abbey attracts many visitors every year, it is not a museum. It is still an active church where services and other religious gatherings take place. This gives a visit a different character from visiting an ordinary tourist attraction.
Is Westminster Abbey Worth Visiting? My Experience
I have been visiting London several times a year for more than fifteen years and have visited Westminster Abbey several times during that period. Personally, I think a visit is absolutely worthwhile. You are literally standing in the place where British monarchs have been crowned, including King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II. You also walk past the final resting places of famous Britons such as Isaac Newton and Charles Dickens. I also think the Henry VII Chapel is one of the most beautiful parts of Westminster Abbey, especially because of its impressive ceiling.
There are also a few downsides. Westminster Abbey is one of the most visited churches in the United Kingdom, and the admission price is therefore quite high compared with many other churches in London. An audio guide is included with the ticket, though. In large parts of the church, you are also not allowed to take photographs. This can be disappointing if you like capturing special details of the interior.
For me, however, these disadvantages do not outweigh the experience. Westminster Abbey is not a static museum, but a living church where almost a thousand years of British history come together. You not only see impressive architecture, but also literally walk through the history of the British royal family and past the graves and memorials of famous Britons.
Do you enjoy history, royal stories, remarkable architecture, or the stories behind famous people? Then I would definitely include Westminster Abbey in your London city trip.
These are the most popular tickets and tours for a city trip to London.
What is there to see in Westminster Abbey?
During your visit to Westminster Abbey in London, you will walk through different parts of the church. There is a lot to see, and you can easily spend a few hours here. If you are visiting Westminster Abbey for the first time, there are several parts that you definitely don’t want to miss.
Lady Chapel in Westminster Abbey
The Lady Chapel is one of the most beautiful chapels in Westminster Abbey. The chapel was built at the beginning of the sixteenth century on the orders of King Henry VII and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The impressive fan-vaulted ceiling immediately stands out. The intricate details and unique shape of the ceiling make this chapel one of the most beautiful parts of Westminster Abbey.
The Coronation Chair or King Edward’s Chair
One of the most remarkable objects in Westminster Abbey is the medieval Coronation Chair of King Edward. The chair was commissioned by King Edward I and has been used during the coronation ceremony of British monarchs since 1308. This makes it one of the oldest royal pieces of furniture still in use in the world.
For centuries, the Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, was kept beneath the seat. This Scottish coronation stone played an important role in coronations. In 1996, the stone was returned to Scotland and placed in Edinburgh Castle. For the coronation of King Charles III in 2023, the Stone of Scone was brought back to Westminster Abbey and once again formed part of the ceremony.
Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey
Poets’ Corner is one of the best-known parts of Westminster Abbey. It contains the graves and memorials of famous British writers and poets. Among them are the grave of Geoffrey Chaucer and memorials to writers such as Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and William Shakespeare.
The area clearly shows how important literature is to British culture. Even if you are not particularly interested in literature, it is still worth taking a moment to look around. The names you come across on the graves and memorials are familiar to many visitors from British literary history.
Royal Tombs in Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of many British monarchs. Among them are the tombs of King Edward the Confessor, Henry III, and Queen Elizabeth I. Several other kings and queens are also buried here.
The royal tombs are spread throughout the church and are often richly decorated. During your visit, you are therefore not only walking through a centuries-old church, but also visiting places where a large part of British royal history is literally buried.
Pyx Chamber
The Pyx Chamber is one of the oldest surviving parts of Westminster Abbey and dates back to the 11th century. The low, vaulted room is part of the crypt of the original abbey of Edward the Confessor.
During the Middle Ages, the chamber was used to store and inspect valuable objects and coins. The name refers to the Pyx, a chest in which coin samples were kept for the so-called Trial of the Pyx. During this inspection, coins were checked to ensure they met the required quality and had the correct precious metal content.
The medieval tiled floor is still preserved. The room looks simple compared with the richly decorated chapels of Westminster Abbey, but its age and understated appearance are precisely what make the Pyx Chamber special.
The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior
On the west side of Westminster Abbey is the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. It contains the remains of an unknown British serviceman who was killed during the First World War. His body was brought from France to London and buried in Westminster Abbey on 11 November 1920.
The tomb is an important place of remembrance and is still treated with great respect. It is also the only grave in Westminster Abbey that visitors are not allowed to walk over. During your visit, you will pass by it and notice that Westminster Abbey is not only a place of royal history and remarkable architecture, but also a place where the victims of war are remembered.
The Choir of Westminster Abbey
In the choir of Westminster Abbey, you can see the old choir stalls from the 19th century. There is also an original black-and-white marble floor dating from the 17th century. The combination of the choir stalls, the floor, and the surrounding architecture gives this part of the church a unique atmosphere.
The choir of Westminster Abbey is still active today. The choir members sing during the daily services, continuing a centuries-old musical tradition at the abbey. Singing has been part of worship at Westminster Abbey since the Middle Ages.
The Chapter House
The Chapter House is located off the eastern cloister of Westminster Abbey and is one of the most beautiful historic rooms in the abbey. The room was used by the monks of Westminster Abbey to meet and discuss important matters within the monastic community.
The room is particularly striking because of its high vaulted ceiling, large windows, and richly decorated details. The walls are also adorned with medieval paintings. During your visit, it is worth taking some time to look around, as this is a great place to appreciate the impressive medieval architecture of Westminster Abbey.
The Cloisters of Westminster Abbey
The cloisters of Westminster Abbey date back to the 13th and 14th centuries and are among the most beautiful parts of the abbey. The cloisters were used for prayer, meditation, and rest. At the same time, they provided a connection between the different buildings of the abbey.
During your visit, you can walk through several cloisters and admire the remarkable medieval architecture up close. The peaceful atmosphere is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle outside Westminster Abbey. That is precisely why I find the cloisters a lovely place to take some time during your visit to pause and look around.
Tickets for Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a popular attraction in London and can attract quite a large number of visitors, especially on busy days. If you want to visit the abbey during your city trip, I recommend arranging your ticket online in advance. This way, you know when you can enter and can fit your visit more easily into your schedule.
You can reserve your ticket in advance below. Choose the date you want to visit Westminster Abbey and see which tickets and options are available.
How long does a visit to Westminster Abbey take?
Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for a visit to Westminster Abbey. During this time, you will have enough opportunity to explore the main parts of the church at your leisure. If you also want to spend more time walking through the medieval cloisters, it is advisable to allow around 2 to 3 hours for your visit.
When planning your visit, also take into account a possible queue at the entrance. Especially on busy days, it can take a little longer to get inside. It is therefore best to allow some extra time around your visit, particularly if you want to combine Westminster Abbey with other attractions in Westminster.
When is the best time to visit Westminster Abbey?
From my own experience, the best time to visit Westminster Abbey is on a weekday morning, preferably around opening time. It is usually quieter then, giving you more space to explore the church at your own pace. Another option is to visit later in the afternoon, from around 2:30 pm.
Avoid the weekend if you want to explore the abbey in peace
Saturday is generally a busy day to visit Westminster Abbey. On Sundays, the abbey is not open for regular tourist visits. The church is used for religious services instead.
Would you like to attend a service on Sunday? You can do so for free. Keep in mind that during a service, you cannot walk around the church as a tourist. You take a seat in the pews and attend the service as a member of the congregation. Walking around to view graves or chapels and taking photographs is not permitted.
What are the opening hours of Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the church is reserved for religious services and is not open for regular tourist visits.
Monday to Friday: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Opening hours may change, for example due to special services or events. Therefore, always check the current opening hours before your visit.
Where is Westminster Abbey located in London?
Westminster Abbey is located in the heart of London, within walking distance of the River Thames, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. Thanks to its central location, the abbey is easy to combine with other attractions in Westminster.
More travel tips for a city trip to London
Planning your trip to London? Below you’ll find more articles with useful tips and practical information for your trip.
Shopping in London: The Best Streets and Shopping Centres
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Read more »Over Cities To travel
Hi, I’m Edward!
As the founder of Cities To Travel and an enthusiastic traveller, I’ve been exploring cities across Europe and America for over 15 years. On this website, I share my personal experiences, detailed walking routes and practical tips to help you plan the perfect trip. All my guides are based on my own travels!
✉️ Questions? Feel free to send me an email.
👉 Read my full story here
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