Exploring Westminster Abbey, one of London’s most iconic landmarks, is a must-do for any visitor. The entrance ticket offers a chance to uncover over a thousand years of British history within this gothic masterpiece. While it doesn’t provide skip-the-line access, the two-hour tour with an audio guide ensures an immersive experience, allowing visitors to appreciate significant sites like the Coronation Chair and Poets’ Corner. With flexible cancellation policies, this ticket caters to travelers’ needs, making it a convenient choice for those looking to delve deeper into the abbey’s architectural and historical wonders.
Key Points
- Purchase a timed entrance ticket to Westminster Abbey in London for £38.80 per person.
- Tickets include a free audio guide in multiple languages for a 2-hour tour.
- Visitors must present a voucher at the ticket office for entry, as this is not a skip-the-line ticket.
- Expect long queues at the North door entry point, as this is not a fast-track ticket.
- Flexible travel plans are recommended, as the abbey is an active place of worship subject to occasional closures.
Ticket Information and Pricing
Westminster Abbey entrance tickets are priced at $38.80 per person.
Visitors can reserve now and pay later, with the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour duration is approximately 2 hours, and an audio guide is included in multiple languages. This makes it an accessible and flexible option for exploring the historic abbey.
However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a skip-the-line ticket, so visitors may encounter long queues at the North door entry point.
Experience Highlights
Visitors can explore over a thousand years of history at the iconic abbey.
Witness the grand gothic architecture, including the famous Coronation Chair used since 1066 for British monarchs.
Witness the grand gothic architecture, including the famous Coronation Chair used since 1066 for British monarchs.
Discover the resting place of many notable poets and writers in Poets’ Corner.
Enjoy significant moments of British history, from coronations to royal weddings.
The audio guide, available in multiple languages, provides an insightful perspective as you wander through the abbey.
With 2 hours to explore, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this renowned landmark and its enduring cultural importance.
Visitor Guidelines
To access the abbey, visitors must present their voucher at the ticket office located at the North door entry point.
Large bags, pets (except assistance dogs), alcohol, drugs, and audio recording are prohibited. Smoking isn’t allowed inside the abbey.
With a seating capacity of 2,000, long lines may occur, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Westminster Abbey is an active place of worship, subject to occasional closures for special services or events. Guests are advised to keep their travel plans flexible and check availability before their visit.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Westminster Abbey experience, awarding it an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on over 7,700 reviews.
Westminster Abbey experience lauded with 4.6/5 rating based on over 7,700 customer reviews, overwhelming praise.
The highlights include:
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Excellent value for money, rated 4.1/5.
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Standout audio guide and exceptional organization, per a review from Andreia Violas in the UK.
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Suggestion for visiting during less crowded times, as noted by Madeline from the US.
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Unclear ticket exchange process leading to long waits, as mentioned by Paula from Ireland.
Important Notes
Although visitors should check availability for starting times, Westminster Abbey remains a working church, subject to occasional closures for special services or events.
As such, guests are advised to keep their travel plans flexible. The reserve now and pay later option allows for easy rescheduling should plans change.
Visitors should also be aware that they can’t bring large bags, pets (except assistance dogs), alcohol, drugs, or recording devices.
History of Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey boasts a rich history spanning over a millennium. It was founded in 1065 by Edward the Confessor and has since served as the coronation site for English and British monarchs.
Some key historical facts about Westminster Abbey include:
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It has been the burial site for 17 British monarchs, including Elizabeth I and Mary I.
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The Abbey contains the tombs of famous historical figures, such as Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, and Geoffrey Chaucer.
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During the English Reformation, the Abbey briefly became a cathedral, but was re-established as a collegiate church in 1560.
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The Gothic architecture of the Abbey, with its ribbed vaulting and flying buttresses, is a stunning example of the English Perpendicular style.
Architectural Marvels
The grand Gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey captivates visitors, with its soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stone carving, and stunning stained glass windows.
The abbey’s iconic towers and flying buttresses showcase the brilliant engineering and craftsmanship of its medieval builders.
Visitors can marvel at the Abbey’s magnificent Nave, adorned with decorative pier arcades and delicate tracery.
The ornate choir stalls and Chapter House exhibit exquisite wooden carvings.
Exploring the Abbey’s chapels and cloisters reveals even more architectural delights, from the luminous Lady Chapel to the serene East Cloister.
Westminster Abbey’s architectural marvels immerse visitors in the grandeur of Britain’s rich history.
Significant Sites Within the Abbey
Visitors to Westminster Abbey can explore several significant sites within the historic structure.
These include:
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The Coronation Chair – Used since 1066 for the coronation of British monarchs, this iconic chair is a symbol of centuries of royal tradition.
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Poets’ Corner – The resting place of many renowned poets, writers, and playwrights, including Chaucer, Dickens, and Kipling.
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The Grave of the Unknown Warrior – A simple but poignant memorial to those who lost their lives in World War I.
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The Lady Chapel – An exquisite example of late Gothic architecture, featuring ornate carved stone and stunning stained glass windows.
The Sum Up
The Westminster Abbey Entrance Ticket offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to explore one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks. With a two-hour audio tour, guests can discover over a millennium of history and admire architectural marvels like the Coronation Chair. Though it doesn’t provide skip-the-line access, the ticket’s flexible cancellation policy makes it an ideal choice for travelers with flexible schedules.
You can check availability for your dates here: