Follow these tips to make the most of your trip to the abbey, built over 1,000 years ago by Edward the Confessor. Wander its expansive interior and step outside the abbey walls to fully appreciate this magnificent building in all its glory.
Westminster Abbey, one of the most important ecclesiastical buildings in Europe, is regularly used to host large state events such as royal weddings and memorial services. During such events, Westminster Abbey is closed to the public – check before your visit to see if the abbey is open for general admission. The public is welcome to join the regular masses and prayer sessions.
While most people are familiar with the grandeur of the abbey itself, you may be less familiar with its spectacular gardens. The gardens have been used by British monarchs over the centuries as a place for cultivating medicinal herbs and relaxing. Nearby is a graveyard of the who's who of British royalty, science and culture. The gardens are open between Tuesday and Thursday.
While you might consider the abbey an exclusively royal burial place, other British culture greats have also been laid to rest in this magnificent and resplendent building. In addition to royal tombs such as that of Elizabeth I, you'll find the graves of Rudyard Kipling, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, and Laurence Olivier.
Located in the heart of central London, Westminster Abbey is surrounded by some of the city's most iconic attractions. Flanked by royal parks and parliamentary offices, Westminster is awash with history and where stories are still made today.
Located straight across the way from Westminster Abbey is the Palace of Westminster (otherwise known as parliament) and the iconic London landmark, Big Ben.
One of the famed royal parks, St James's is just a stone's throw from Westminster Abbey. It's the ideal place to spend a lazy summer afternoon lounging by the lake with Buckingham Palace in the background.
Head down imposing Whitehall past the great offices of state and you'll find yourself at the British prime minister's home on Downing Street. No longer can you stroll down the street and peek at number 10, but you can get a good look from the gates at the end.