Westminster Abbey is an ancient church that has seen many important events that transpired throughout England’s rich history. The location of this church sits on or near a location where a fisherman claims to have seen Saint Peter. It is believed that the very first holy site located here dates back to the early seventh century when the place was called Thorn Island. The original church was rebuilt in the early eleventh century by King Edward the Confessor, who is buried here. The current structure was begun by King Henry III in 1245. The Abbey has seen the coronation of Kings and Queens as well as many royal weddings, making it a highly attractive site to tourists.
Among the royalty buried at Westminster Abbey is a virtual who’s-who of English history. King Henry III, who rebuilt much of the Abbey, intended the place as his own tomb. He is buried there as are most of the Kings and Queens through the eighteenth century. Those royal family members not buried at Westminster Abbey are most likely nearby at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. In addition to royal burials, the honor of burial at the Abbey extended to noted artists and other popular public figures. This includes notable historic figures like Chaucer, Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. It is also the final resting place for numerous Generals and Admirals.
The Westminster Abbey Museum is located in one of the oldest areas of the church, dating back to the eleventh century. The museum includes numerous effigies in the exhibits, as well as remnants of artifacts from the early history of the church. This includes glass panels and fragments of architecture or sculptures. The Museum is open daily from 0930 to 1530 but may be closed for State and other special events. Some postcards and books are available at the Museum.
Getting to the Abbey: Westminster Abbey is in the heart of London (next to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament). Two major railway stations, two London Underground stations and regular red London buses will take you close to the Abbey doors. The nearest Underground stations are at St. James's Park (District and Circle Lines) and Westminster (Jubilee, District & Circle Lines). There is no public parking available and parking appeared to be very scarce in this part of London, so consider public transit. We included the Abbey and Big Ben as part of our Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard experience, so you may also opt to walk here if you are visiting other nearby attractions.
Admission Charges
Adults
Buy online for fast track entry - £20
Buy at the Abbey - £22
Concessions
60+ and Students on production of valid student ID - £17
Wheelchair users and their carers - Free
Children
6 - 16 years - £9
0 - 5 years - Free, if accompanied by an adult
Family
2 adults and 1 child - £40
2 adults and 2 children - £45
Some areas of the Abbey are unavoidably inaccessible to people permanently confined to wheelchairs. Therefore, they offer free admission to such visitors and their carers. Visitors should enter via the North Door, where there is a small ramped step.
Sunday
Worship only No Tourist Visiting
Twenty-eight dollars (give or take) to visit a church seems excessive to me. However, this church is not any ordinary church. It is a rich historic location that has intersected with English Royalty and public figures throughout history. It is the marriage and burial place of numerous Kings and Queens as well as the final resting place for many other historic figures. If you love architecture and that is enough to satisfy your interest, looking at the exterior is free, as is visiting for a service on Sunday. Those are good options for the frugal traveler, but you will not get the audio tour or access to the tombs and museum. I still think this attraction is somewhat overpriced, but also high on the list of places that tourists should visit.
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