Westminster Abbey: Tickets and History

Westminster Abbey: History, curiosities, and how to visit it

Westminster Abbey is much more than just a church. It is the spiritual heart of the British monarchy, the place where for almost a thousand years coronations, royal weddings, and state funerals have taken place. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most visited and beloved places in London. In this guide, you will find the history of the abbey, curiosities, information on tickets and hours, and tips for an unforgettable visit.

A bit of history: from origins to the present day

The history of Westminster Abbey begins in960 AD., when Benedictine monks founded a church on the site, then an island in the Thames called "Thorney Island." The current Gothic building was commissioned byKing Edward the Confessoraround 1045 and consecrated in 1065, shortly before his death.

Edward was buried in the abbey, and since then the church became the preferred burial place for English sovereigns. In 1066,William the Conquerorwas the first king to be crowned in the abbey, a tradition that continues to this day.

Most of the current building dates back to the reign ofHenry III(1216-1272), who demolished the Norman church and rebuilt it in Gothic style. The two western towers, iconic in the London skyline, were added between 1722 and 1745 by architect Nicholas Hawksmoor.

The abbey survived the Protestant Reformation (1534), when Henry VIII separated from the Catholic Church, and the English Civil War (1642-1651). Today it is a "Royal Peculiar," meaning a church that does not depend on any diocese but directly on the British sovereign.

What to see at Westminster Abbey

1. The Coronation Chair (King Edward's Chair)

The most famous throne in the world is located in the abbey, behind the high altar. TheKing Edward's Chair(King Edward's Chair) has been used for every coronation since 1308, when Edward I commissioned it to hold the legendaryStone of Scone(or Stone of Destiny).

The Stone of Scone, taken from Scotland by Edward I, was returned to Scotland in 1996, but is brought back to Westminster for coronations. The last time it was used was for the coronation ofKing Charles IIIin May 2023.

2. The Cosmati Pavement

In front of the high altar, in front of the throne, there is a magnificent mosaic pavement from1268, made by Italian craftsmen. It is one of the finest examples of Cosmati art outside of Italy. Made of colored marbles, porphyry, and glass, it is a masterpiece of geometry and symbolism.

3. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

In the central nave, near the entrance, is theTomb of the Unknown Soldier(Unknown Warrior), an unidentified British soldier from World War I, buried here on November 11, 1920. It is the only grave in the abbey that cannot be walked upon. The floor around it is always kept clear as a sign of respect.

4. The Poets' Corner

One of the most beloved places in the abbey is thePoets' Corner, in the south transept. Here lie or are commemorated the greatest writers and poets of the English language.

Burials:

• Geoffrey Chaucer(1343-1400), author of "The Canterbury Tales."

• Alfred Tennyson(1809-1892), poet laureate.

• Rudyard Kipling(1865-1936), author of "The Jungle Book."

Commemorations (plaques or monuments):

• William Shakespeare(commemorated, not buried here).

• Jane Austen.

• Charles Dickens.

• John Keats.

• Oscar Wilde(commemorated with a stained glass window in 1995).

• The Brontë Sisters(Charlotte, Emily, Anne).

5. Henry VII's Lady Chapel

Considered one of the masterpieces of English Gothic architecture, the chapel was commissioned by Henry VII in 1503 and is famous for its fan vault ceiling, a marvel of medieval engineering.

Here are buried:

• Henry VIIand his wife Elizabeth of York.

• Edward VI(son of Henry VIII).

• Mary I(Mary the Bloody) andElizabeth I(half-sisters, buried in the same crypt).

• Mary, Queen of Scots(cousin of Elizabeth I, executed by her).

• James I(son of Mary of Scots).

6. The Chapel of Kings and Queens

In the central nave and the side chapels are the tombs of many medieval sovereigns, including:

• Edward the Confessor(the founder, in a chapel behind the high altar).

• Richard IIand his queen Anne of Bohemia.

• Henry III(the builder of the Gothic abbey).

• Edward I(the "Hammer of the Scots").

7. The Cloister and the Chapter

Thecloisteris an oasis of peace where monks walked and meditated. From here you can access theChapter House(Chapter House), an octagonal room from 1250 with beautiful medieval floors and stained glass.

8. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries

In 2018, the galleries in the triforium (the upper level of the nave) were opened, accessible with a separate ticket or included in some packages. Here are displayed treasures of the abbey, including the oldest copy of the Magna Carta (1225), sacred vestments, wax models of the royals, and Queen Victoria's wedding chair.

Famous royal weddings

Westminster Abbey has been the site of some of the most famous royal weddings:

• 1100:Henry I and Matilda of Scotland (the first documented royal marriage).

• 1919:Lady Patricia Ramsay (granddaughter of Queen Victoria).

• 1923:The future George VI (father of Elizabeth II) and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (the future Queen Mother).

• 1947:Then Princess Elizabeth (future Queen Elizabeth II) and Philip Mountbatten.

• 1960:Princess Margaret (sister of Elizabeth II) and Anthony Armstrong-Jones.

• 1973:Princess Anne (daughter of Elizabeth II) and Captain Mark Phillips.

• 1986:Prince Andrew (son of Elizabeth II) and Sarah Ferguson.

• 2011: Prince William (now Prince of Wales) and Catherine Middleton(now Princess of Wales). The most-watched wedding in history, with over 2 billion viewers.

Famous Coronations

Since 1066, all English and British monarchs (except two) have been crowned at Westminster Abbey.

• 1066:William the Conqueror (first coronation).

• 1485:Henry VII (first Tudor king).

• 1559:Elizabeth I (crowned after the death of her sister Mary I).

• 1953: Elizabeth II(the first televised coronation in history).

• 2023: Charles III(coronation on May 6, 2023).

Tickets and prices 2026

Westminster Abbey is primarily a place of worship. On Sundays and during religious services (Matins, Eucharist, Evensong), access is free only for the faithful, but sightseeing tours are not allowed.

Tourist visit rates (Monday - Saturday)

• Adults:£29

• Children (6-17 years):£13

• Children under 6 years:Free

• Over 65 and students:£25

• Family (2 adults + 1 child):£60

• Family (2 adults + 2 children):£72

Included:Italian audio guide (free) and a visit to the triforium galleries (Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries) with the combined ticket.

Ticket only for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries

• Adults:£10 (in addition to the base ticket)

• Children:£5

Opening hours (tourist visit)

• Monday - Friday:9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (last entry 3:00 PM)

• Saturday:9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (last entry 2:30 PM)

• Sunday: Closed to tourists(open only for religious services)

Closure:The abbey is closed to tourists on Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26). Some areas may close for royal events or special functions.

How to get there

• Subway:St. James's Park (Circle, District), Westminster (Circle, District, Jubilee). From Westminster, cross the bridge and the abbey is in front.

• Bus:Lines 11, 24, 88, 148, 211, 453.

• Boat:Westminster Pier (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers).

Visiting tips

1. Book online:Online tickets are slightly cheaper and allow you to skip the line at the ticket office.

2. Arrive early or late:Peak attendance is between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Arriving at 9:30 AM or after 2:00 PM reduces the wait.

3. Do not visit on Sunday:Sunday is closed to tourists (only religious services). If you want to attend a service, entry is free.

4. Get the audio guide:It is included in the ticket, available in Italian and excellent. Duration is about 60-90 minutes.

5. Maintain silence:The abbey is an active place of worship. Speak quietly, do not use flash for photos, and do not touch the tombs.

6. Combine your visit with Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster:They are literally across the street.

7. Dress appropriately:A strict dress code is not required, but avoid tank tops, very short shorts, or beachwear.

Curiosities about Westminster Abbey

• The abbey is not a cathedral:Westminster is a "Royal Peculiar" (royal property), not the cathedral of London (which is St. Paul's).

• The oldest portal in England:The north portal of the abbey dates back to 1050 and is the oldest still in use in the country.

• Over 3,300 people buried:More than 3,300 people are buried in the abbey and cloister, including kings, queens, poets, scientists, and musicians.

• The oldest chair in Europe:The King Edward's Chair is the oldest chair in Europe still in use, dating back to 1300.

• A war abbey:During World War II, the abbey suffered several German bombings. A stained glass window near Poets' Corner was destroyed and later replaced with one dedicated to RAF pilots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a ticket to Westminster Abbey cost?

The adult ticket costs £29, and for children (6-17 years) £13. Children under 6 enter for free. The audio guide in Italian is included.

What is the difference between Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral?

Westminster Abbeyis the Gothic church where coronations and royal weddings take place. TheWestminster Cathedralis the main Catholic church in London, in Byzantine style, located about a 10-minute walk away. They are two completely different buildings.Can you take photos inside Westminster Abbey?

Yes, photography is allowed without flash and without a tripod. Photography is prohibited during religious services. In the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries, photography is permitted.

How much time is needed to visit Westminster Abbey?

How long does it take to visit Westminster Abbey?

At least 1.5-2 hours for the basic visit with an audio guide. If you include the triforium galleries, expect 2.5-3 hours.

Is Westminster Abbey accessible to disabled visitors?

Yes, the main entrance and most areas are accessible. Free wheelchair rentals are available (reservation recommended). The triforium galleries have an elevator.

Can you attend a religious service at Westminster Abbey?

Yes, services (Morning Prayer, Eucharist, Evensong) are open to the public for free. During services, photography and tourist visits to the abbey are not allowed. Check the schedule on the official website.

Can I enter with a backpack?

Yes, but large backpacks (hiking) must be left in the free luggage storage at the entrance. Bags and medium-sized backpacks are allowed.

Is there a dress code?

Not formal, but respectful clothing is required (no tank tops, very short shorts, swimwear). It is an active church.

What is the best time to avoid queues?

Monday and Tuesday afternoons (after 2:00 PM). Saturday mornings are very crowded. Avoid summer months (June-August) and weekends.

Why can't you walk on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?

As a sign of respect for the unidentified soldier who fell in World War I. It is the only tomb in the abbey that no one can walk on.

Summary table

The heart of English history

Westminster Abbey is much more than a church. It is the heart of English history, the place where monarchy, faith, and culture have met for nearly a thousand years. From the coronations of William the Conqueror and Charles III to the weddings of William and Catherine, from the tombs of Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart to the monuments to Shakespeare and Jane Austen, every corner tells a story. Plan your visit in advance, book tickets online, arrive early, and let the audio guide lead you. You will leave the abbey with a sense of wonder and respect for the history you have just touched.

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Review date:April 2026