Visiting Westminster Abbey: Everything Visitors Need to Know

Westminster Abbey: a brief history

For over 1,000 years, countless historic moments have unfolded beneath the faulted ceilings of Westminster Abbey. It’s a must-visit for US visitors who want to learn more about the history of the British monarchy. As you explore the Abbey, you’ll discover the people and stories that have shaped its past. It’s one of those rare places where history really comes alive, shaped by the lives, events, and legacies that have unfolded within its walls.

The Abbey is visually breathtaking, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, filled with intricate detail at every turn. Every British coronation since William the Conqueror in 1066 has taken place here, alongside royal weddings, state funerals, and the burials of some of the most influential figures in British history.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your visit to Westminster Abbey, including what to see inside, practical tips for making the most of your trip, and the easiest way to get there from Heathrow.

What to see inside Westminster Abbey

From the outside, Westminster Abbey is a masterpiece of dramatic Gothic architecture. Built from pale stone, it rises high above the streets of London, its towers and spires a much-loved feature in the London skyline. There’s plenty to see on the outside, including intricately carved statues of saints and martyrs, breathtaking stained-glass windows, and flying buttresses that reach for the sky. But while the exterior is impressive, the real story unfolds inside.

Here are some of the historic Abbey’s highlights.

The Coronation Chair

Westminster Abbey’s Coronation Chair is one of the most significant pieces of furniture in the world. This gilded oak throne was built around 1300 and has been used for every coronation since 1308, becoming a symbol of the English monarch.

Poets’ Corner

Literature lovers come from every corner of the world to visit Poets’ Corner, in the southern transept of Westminster Abbey. Here, you’ll find burial sites and memorials for some of Britain’s most renowned writers, including Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, C.S. Lewis, Oscar Wilde, Jane Austen, Lewis Carroll, and John Keats.

The Royal Tombs

Westminster Abbey is the final resting place for over 30 kings and queens. Under the ornate fan-vaulted ceiling of the Lady Chapel, you’ll find the opulently decorated tombs of some of Britain’s most famous monarchs, including Henry VII, Elizabeth I, and Mary Queen of Scots. The symbolic shrine to Edward the Confessor sits in the heart of the Abbey, just behind the high altar.

The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior

One of Britain’s most powerful and moving memorials, the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, sits at the West End of the Nave. Here, an unknown soldier was buried in soil brought from the battlefield of France in 1920, representing all service personnel killed in war who have no known grave.

The Cloisters

Don’t miss the Abbey’s peaceful cloisters and garden courtyard, where the monks once spent much of their time. This architecturally striking and atmospheric space is the perfect place to escape the crowds for some quiet reflection.

The Nave

At 101 feet high, Westminster Abbey is home to the highest Gothic nave in England. Once you’ve stopped gazing upwards at the nave’s architectural splendour, you can explore the graves and memorials of some of history’s most influential figures here, including Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Professor Stephen Hawking.

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Top attractions within walking distance of Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey sits in one of London’s most iconic sightseeing areas, with many of the capital’s top landmarks within easy walking distance. Here are some nearby attractions to consider adding to your itinerary for the same day.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament (2-minute walk)

The Houses of Parliament are based in the imposing and instantly recognisable 300 metre long Gothic Palace of Westminster. Visit on the hour, to hear Big Ben chiming and snap a photo from Westminster Bridge.

Churchill War Rooms (10-minute walk)

Visit the Churchill War Rooms, the fascinating secret underground bunker from which Winston Churchill directed WWII operations. It now houses an interactive museum that brings wartime London to life.

St James’s Park (5-minute walk)

After a long morning of history, take a stroll through the tree-lined paths in St James’s Park, one of London’s most beautiful royal parks. Enjoy iconic views of Buckingham Palace from the Blue Bridge and look out for the park’s famous pelicans on the lake.

Buckingham Palace (15-minute walk)

No trip to London is complete without watching the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, the royal family’s main residence. The ceremony starts at 11am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Arrive early for the best view.

Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery (20-minute walk)

Visit Trafalgar Square to snap a few selfies with the huge bronze lion statues and the towering 169-foot Nelson’s Column. The square, which commemorates the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar, is also home to the National Gallery, a free art gallery that houses works by famous European artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Van Gogh.

Getting to Westminster Abbey from Heathrow

The journey from Heathrow to Westminster Abbey is very straightforward and can usually be done in about 40 minutes.

From Heathrow, hop on the Heathrow Express for a fast and comfortable journey to Paddington Station in central London. Trains are direct and the journey time is just 15 minutes, with kids aged 15 and under travelling for free.

At Paddington Station, you can take the Circle or District Line to Westminster Station, which is just a 5-minute walk from the Abbey.

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Tips for visiting Westminster Abbey for the first time

As one of England’s most notable and popular tourist attractions, the Abbey gets very busy, so it’s important to plan your visit carefully.

Book tickets in advance: Westminster Abbey is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions, and tickets sell out weeks in advance during peak season, so booking in advance is essential.
Visit outside of peak hours: Weekday mornings between 9.30 and 10.30am tend to be the quietest time to visit. Booking a timed slot during these hours may help to avoid the crowds.
Allow 2-3 hours to see everything: Don’t underestimate how much there is to see. The Abbey is best explored at a relaxed pace to fully immerse yourself in its history, detail, and atmosphere.
Check opening times: Check opening times and closures before visiting.The Abbey is a working church and is closed to tourists on Sundays and during special services and events.
Use the audio guide: A multilingual multimedia guide is included in the price of admission and offers a fascinating commentary, helping to bring the Abbey’s history to life as you explore at your own pace.
Consider a verger-guided Westminster Abbey tour: Take a guided tour for insider knowledge and stories as well as access to areas of the Abbey that are otherwise not open to the general public.
Combine nearby attractions: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and St James’s Park are all within walking distance – consider adding them to your itinerary for the same day.