About this experience
Westminster Abbey is the most important cathedral in the country, the royal coronation church, and the main burial place in Great Britain. It was here that 65 years ago the coronation of Elizabeth II took place, and in 2011 her grandson, Prince William, and Catherine Middleton were married. On the tour, you will delve into the heart of English culture: you will hear about the War of the Roses, the rivalry between Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart, the achievements of Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking. All these stories will unfold here - under the carved Gothic vaults of Westminster Abbey.
What to Expect
Everything you need to know about Westminster Abbey
In the abbey, which is rightfully considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture from the 12th to the 15th centuries, you will see the oldest furniture in Britain still in use - the Coronation Chair. Here lie the tombs of English monarchs from the Middle Ages, including Queen Elizabeth I and her rival Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland. In addition to the monarchs, Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of prominent figures in science and the arts who have brought glory to Britain. For example, in the "Poets' Corner," writers Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling rest in peace, and the monument to Isaac Newton is next to the gravestone of Charles Darwin and the tomb of theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, who was buried in the abbey in 2018. We will, of course, talk about all these iconic figures on the tour.
Fascinating pages of English history
Within the abbey walls, I will tell you about the bloody War of the Roses, who ultimately emerged victorious, and what happened to the missing little princes. You will see the place where the remains of Oliver Cromwell, the leader of the English Revolution, lay (and learning about their fate afterwards will shock you!). In addition, we can attend an Anglican service, visit the world's first Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, and admire the beautiful carved ceiling of the Lady Chapel, where knights of one of Britain's highest orders - the Order of the Bath - gather for services.
At the end of the tour, I will answer all your questions related to London, recommend places for a snack or hearty meal. As a bonus for enthusiasts of English history, I can send a list of the best British historical films and series.
Organizational Details
Abbey Visit
- Please note that on Sundays the abbey is closed to tourists, so it is worth booking the tour for any day from Monday to Saturday. Sometimes the abbey closes for various events, but I always check such details on the abbey's website before confirming the tour.
- Recommended visiting times: in the morning from 9:30 to 12:00 or in the afternoon from 13:00 to 14:00
- For those booking a tour at 14:00, after its completion, there will be an opportunity to stay at the abbey for the evening prayer. The Anglican service starts at 17:00. Sometimes there are changes in the start time, but I always check in advance on the website.
Ticket Purchase
- I recommend purchasing entrance tickets on-site at the abbey on the day of the tour. With me, you can buy tickets at a separate ticket office and skip the line, using a special entrance (from Monday to Friday).
- Additional entrance fees: adult - £22, seniors (60+) - £17, child ticket (6-16 years) - £9, children from 0 to 5 years - free. The guide does not need a ticket. Family tickets: 2 adults + 1 child - £40, 2 adults + 2 children - £45, 1 adult + 1 child - £20, 1 adult + 2 children - £25.
