Seen it on TV and want to walk in the footsteps of royalty? We get it. Whether you're a history buff, architecture lover, or just looking to snoop on some royal tombs (no judgment here), this classic London landmark has so much to offer. With 1,000 years of royal pageantry, soaring gothic arches, and more famous names than a BAFTA afterparty, we agree Westminster Abbey deserves its place on your London bucket list.
We’ve done the legwork – joined the queue (well, there wasn’t one), chatted with Abbey Marshals Michael and Edward, and explored every corner. Here’s your full guide to getting the most out of your visit.
The route around the Abbey (you literally can’t get lost)
Once you’re in (more on that below), you’ll be directed around the Abbey in one simple loop. Don’t worry about wandering off – you’re gently guided by signage, staff, and an excellent audio guide that’s included with your ticket.
Here’s the route:
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Nave – the grand entrance hall with the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
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Choir Stalls & High Altar – where the magic of coronations happens.
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North Transept – welcome to Poets’ Corner – more famous names than the Brit Awards.
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Ambulatory Chapels – St Michael’s Chapel, Islip Chapel, and more.
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Shrine of Edward the Confessor – the spiritual and architectural heart of the Abbey.
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Henry VII’s Lady Chapel – eye-popping ceiling alert, look up!
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South Transept – more tombs, more trivia.
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The Cloisters and Chapter House – don’t skip these, find out why below.
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Exit via the main Abbey – don't miss the coronation chair on your way out.
Area-by-area breakdown, AKA what to see where
The Nave
Start your visit where history and grandeur collide. Pause to reflect at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior – laid to rest in 1920, it’s a sobering tribute to Britain’s fallen soldiers. Poignantly, it’s the only grave that never gets walked on (literally—it’s roped off).
The Choir Stalls & High Altar
This is where the magic happens. Picture King Charles III’s coronation – or Queen Elizabeth II’s – this is the spot we’ve all seen on TV. If you’re lucky, you might catch a rehearsal.
The Chapels
Each chapel has its own vibe and VIP guestlist. St Michael’s is small but mighty, while Islip Chapel, named after the abbot who helped rebuild the Abbey in the 1500s, is a gem of intricate design and a real hidden highlight. Look out for detailed fan vaulting and vibrant stained glass that throws kaleidoscopic light across centuries-old tombs.
Then there’s the Chapel of St John the Baptist, nestled near the heart of the Abbey. Here, you’ll find some serious historical heavyweights including the tomb of Margaret Beaufort – mother of Henry VII and the Tudor dynasty’s original power player.
Make sure you look up at the ceilings as you go round!
The Lady Chapel (Henry VII’s Chapel)
Absolutely breathtaking. Don’t forget to look up – the ceiling in here is a gothic masterpiece.
Bonus: just after this chapel is where Queen Elizabeth I is buried, right next to her sister Mary I. This may sound super cute, but they actually weren’t friendly in their lifetimes, so they’d probably say it’s a bit close for comfort!
Poets’ Corner
Prepare for literary goosebumps. Here lie the likes of Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, and Rudyard Kipling – giants of the written word resting just metres apart. You’ll also spot memorials to Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and even C.S. Lewis, all honoured for shaping British literature.
South Transept & science stars
Isaac Newton? Check. Stephen Hawking? Yep. Charles Darwin? Also here. This part of the Abbey is a who's who of scientific greatness, with monuments celebrating minds that changed the way we understand the world. Someone once asked if John Lennon was buried here. He’s not – but we appreciate the optimism.
Look out for literary legends in the Poets' Corner.
Top tombs to look out for (and who you won’t see)
Isaac Newton – buried under an extravagant monument with more symbolism than a Dan Brown novel.
Stephen Hawking – a fittingly cosmic spot near Newton.
Elizabeth I & Mary I – royal sisters sharing a tomb (bet that’s awkward).
Ben Jonson – England’s only known standing burial as he couldn’t afford a full-size plot.
Charles Dickens – not a fan of funerals, but buried here nonetheless.
Edward the Confessor – his shrine is the beating heart of the Abbey.
Find our more detailed list of who’s buried in Westminster Abbey here.
🚫 Not here:
Henry VIII – he’s in Windsor
Princess Diana – she’s at Althorp
Sir Lancelot, Sherlock Holmes – sorry to be the bearer of bad news, these guys weren’t actually real – yes, apparently people really ask where they’re buried, frequently…
Check out more of the funniest questions Westminster Abbey guides get asked.
A poignant note you'll find near the tombs of Mary I and Elizabeth I.
Hidden gems for the eagle-eyed explorer
The Chapter House – look out for original 13th-century wall paintings and Britain’s oldest door – yes, really.
The Pyx Chamber – a medieval strongroom that once held royal treasure.
The Cloisters – peaceful, atmospheric, and a favourite of Abbey Marshal Michael. Sit here a while and let the monastic vibes wash over you.
The ceiling in the Lady Chapel – not quite so hidden, but an unmissable gem!
Services and special exhibits
Westminster Abbey isn’t just a tourist attraction – it’s a working church. You can attend daily services for free, including Evensong, which is particularly beautiful with the choir in full voice. But if you want to really explore properly, you’ll need to enter with a ticket/ pass during visiting hours.
There are also rotating exhibitions and events – check the Abbey’s website before your visit to see what’s on. Since the coronation period, for example, the Abbey has been showing the Coronation Chair up close.
We agree with Abbey Marshall Michael, the cloisters are the perfect place for a peaceful moment of reflection.
Essential info: what you need to know
Opening hours: generally, Monday – Saturday, 9:30AM – 3:30PM (check before you go!)
Entry: covered with The London Pass® – just scan and go!
Audio guide: included in admission, available via handheld device, just show your ticket at the audio guide desk to collect yours.
Extras: entry to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries is a paid extra.
Toilets: ask any Marshal – you won’t be the first, or the hundredth.
Best time to visit: weekday mornings are ideal; we didn’t queue at all. If you’re going at the weekend or later in the day, just be aware you may have to queue.
Shopping: browse the charming Westminster Abbey Shop, located just outside the exit, for unique gifts, books, and exclusive souvenirs inspired by the church’s rich history and royal connections.
Photography: normal photos can be taken in the Abbey, just not during prayer, services, or in the Galleries. Video, selfie sticks and flash photography are not permitted at all.
How to get there: Westminster Abbey is easy to reach by public transport.
🚇 It's just a 5-minute walk from Westminster Tube station (Jubilee, Circle, and District lines).
🚌 Several bus routes stop nearby, including the 11, 24, 88, 148, and 211.
⛴️ You can also arrive by river - Westminster Pier is just a short stroll away and served by Thames Clippers and the Uber Boat.
A bit of history (because it’s that old)
Let’s rewind to the 1960s, when a group of Benedictine monks rocked up and established a monastery here. Fast forward a few centuries and Edward the Confessor decided it needed a royal glow-up. He rebuilt it as a grand Romanesque church – just in time to be buried in it in 1066.
Since then, Westminster Abbey has become the nation’s go-to for big occasions: coronations, royal weddings, and state funerals. Every British monarch since William the Conqueror (except Edward V and Edward VIII – because drama) has been crowned here. It’s also home to the tombs of kings, queens, poets, scientists, and the occasional standing skeleton.
Why not see how many members of British royalty you can spot on your way round?
Where next?
Once you’ve explored the awe-inspiring interiors of Westminster Abbey, there’s plenty more to discover just a stone’s throw away – and some of them are included with The London Pass®!
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Churchill War Rooms – delve underground into the secret bunker where Winston Churchill directed WWII operations. A must for history buffs!
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The Uber Boat – Hop on at Westminster Pier for a scenic ride down the Thames, for great views of London’s top landmarks .
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Household Cavalry Museum – just a short walk through St James’s Park, this working museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at royal ceremonial duties.
Check out our Westminster area guide for even more inspo!
Now you’re all set...
Westminster Abbey is more than just a church. It’s a time capsule, a royal stage, and a peaceful sanctuary all in one. Walk in the footsteps of kings, spot a literary legend, or just marvel at the architecture; we promise there’s something unforgettable around every corner. Make sure you impress your friends and study up on all thing’s Westminster Abbey with our Cheat’s Guide.
And when you’re standing beneath that vaulted ceiling, or sitting in the quiet of the cloisters, you’ll get it – the magic, the majesty, and the sheer weight of history this place holds. Plus you’ll get extra kudos for all the fun facts you now know!
Enjoyed this?
Check out what to see in Westminster Abbey besides tombs or discover the darker side of Westminster Abbey’s history!
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