Westminster Abbey, London (London)

13th Century Abbey used for coronations, funerals and marriages of the royal family.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) No smoking Art and sculpture Guided tours Gift shop Information provided Learning facilities Gardens Audio guide

Introduction

Westminster Abbey in the heart of central London is a living church where worship still takes place today, with services every morning and evening. On the 29th April 2011 it hosted the wedding ceremony of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. It is the traditional place of coronations and burials with 17 English monarchs laid to rest at the abbey. St Edward the confessor's shrine is at the heart of the abbey church and is surrounded by the tombs and memorials of many great men and women from British history. 

More than a 1000 years worth of treasures including paintings, stained glass and textiles are on view within the stunning gothic architecture of the abbey.

Within the abbey precincts, visitors can visit St Margaret's Church, the Great and Little Cloisters, the Chapter house and museum and on certain days to the College Garden.

History to the present day

The abbey has more than a thousand years of history. Benedictine monks first came to this site in the middle of the 10th Century, establishing a tradition of daily worship. 

The present church, begun by Henry III in 1245, is one of the most important gothic buildings in the country. The facade of the abbey was completed in the 15th Century, with the two towers completed in the 18th Century. The youngest part of the abbey is the North entrance, completed in the 19th Century.

Food and Drinks

Light snacks are available at the abbey from the north cloister and on the Sanctuary outside the West Towers of the abbey. Hot and cold drinks and a range of snacks and sandwiches are available. Consumption of food or drinks are prohibited in the abbey church, chapter house, pyx chamber, or museum. 

Grounds and gardens

There are three original gardens within the abbey; the Garth, the Little Cloister and College Garden which all served different uses within the abbey. College Garden is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between March and October.

Other facilities

Gift shop. Free audio tours.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: , London, , United Kingdom

Address: Westminster Abbey, 20 Dean's Yard, London, SW1P 3PA

Opening Times: Monday-Friday 9.30am-4.30pm, Saturday 9.30am-2.30pm

Directions: From Westminster Station, travel down Bridge street, turn left at Parliament Square, turn left at Broad Sanctuary.

Nearest Underground stations: St James's Park and Westminster 

River services: Exit at Westminster Pier

More photos of Westminster Abbey, London

Inside the Abbey

Cloisters

Arches