Westminster Abbey

What makes it special

The Coronation Chair stands in the nave, and monarchs have sat in it to be crowned for over 700 years. The Grave of the Unknown Warrior lies in the same nave.

Stop at the High Altar and look down at the floor in front of it, where the pavement was laid in 1268. It is marble set with onyx, porphyry, serpentine and coloured glass, in the style of decoration known as Cosmati work.

In the Lady Chapel, look up instead. The spectacular fan-vaulted roof, hung with carved pendants, is the outstanding feature of the chapel.

Royal burials across the church come to 30 kings and queens. The medieval ones lie in tombs round the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor.

Visiting

Your ticket carries an entry time. If you miss your slot, tell a member of staff, who can still help you in.

Inside, collect a multimedia guide from the Abbey, or download the shorter version of it to your phone before you come. The route takes in the shrine and the royal tombs, then the nave, and ends in Poets' Corner, where over 100 poets and writers are buried.

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries need a second timed ticket on top of entry. Last entry there is 2pm, or 3pm on Saturdays.

Guided or on your own

Going round on your own suits most visits: the multimedia guide sets the order and you set the pace.

The Abbey lists its medieval monastery tour as including general admission. Verger tours run through the year too; dates and booking for both are on the Abbey's Events page, and an entry or tour ticket is best booked in advance.

Tips

Photography is allowed in most of the church, but never during a service, and a few areas ban it at all times.

Come back in the evening for Evensong to hear the building in use, though not to sightsee. On recent visits, those attending were shown to their seats in the Quire by a set route and stayed for the whole service, with no wandering before or after.

Do not count on the choir: one December 2025 Evensong ran with canticles and readings but no choir.