Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey featuring heritage architecture, religious elements and a church or cathedral
Westminster Abbey showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and night scenes
Westminster Abbey featuring a city, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Westminster Abbey which includes religious elements, night scenes and a church or cathedral
Westminster Abbey showing château or palace and heritage architecture


A historic place of worship and a venue for royal events dating back centuries, as well as England’s most iconic piece of religious architecture.

When you approach Westminster Abbey from the outside, you’ll be met with its towering yet austere façade, its medieval gothic towers and pointed spires looming over the surrounding grasslands. However, it’s only when you step inside that you’ll fully appreciate its grandeur and its rich heritage, having played host to 26 royal weddings and 38 coronations, as well as serving as the last resting place for some of the country’s most legendary historical figures.

The structure you’ll see when you visit dates back all the way to 1245, when Edward the Confessor’s 1042 abbey was renovated. It took many years for the abbey to come to be what it is today.

It will take half a day to fully explore the riches of this abbey, from the Coronation Chair to the Nave where tombs of old kings and queens remain. Other highlights include the memorial to Sir Winston Churchill by the West Door, and the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, which serves as a poppy-laden tribute to those who lost their lives in the First World War. Spend a moment in Poets’ Corner too where Shakespeare, T.S. Eliot and Dylan Thomas are among the literary giants buried here.

The 11th century vaulted undercroft of St. Peter is one of the abbey’s oldest parts, and here you’ll see royal effigies, death masks and clothing on display. You can also then explore the tranquil College Gardens outside.

Services at Westminster Abbey are powerful and popular, and ceremonies at Christmas require advance booking. If you simply wish to explore the building, free audio tours are available at the North Door guided tours are also available. Note that photography is not allowed inside the abbey.

Situated near Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in central London, Westminster Abbey is easy to reach by tube or bus, near to St. James’s Park and Westminster Underground stations. It is open every day apart from Sundays, when services are held.

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Popular places to visit


Top Westminster Abbey Hotel Deals

Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
30 John Islip Street, Westminster, London, England
The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Hub By Premier Inn London Westminster - Westminster Abbey

Hub By Premier Inn London Westminster - Westminster Abbey

2 out of 5
21 Tothill Street, Westminster, London, England
Hub By Premier Inn London Westminster - Westminster Abbey
Park Plaza London Riverbank

Park Plaza London Riverbank

4 out of 5
18 Albert Embankment, London, England
Park Plaza London Riverbank
Park Plaza County Hall London

Park Plaza County Hall London

4 out of 5
1 Addington Street, London, England
Park Plaza County Hall London
The Grand at Trafalgar Square

The Grand at Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
8 Northumberland Avenue, London, England
The Grand at Trafalgar Square
Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square

Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
8 Northumberland Ave, (adjacent to Trafalgar Square), London, England
Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Westminster Abbey

A trip to Westminster Abbey offers an array of exciting attractions and interesting sights. While exploring the historic abbey, you can also enjoy nearby activities such as theatre performances, art exhibitions, and shopping. Don't miss out on the informative Westminster Abbey tours that provide insight into the remarkable history and architecture of this iconic landmark, making your visit truly memorable.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Burlington Arcade, just 1.3km away, offering a delightful mix of luxury shops. Borough Market, 3.2km away, provides a vibrant atmosphere with gourmet food stalls. If you're up for a drive, visit Harrods, located 3.2km away, for an iconic shopping experience.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, a vibrant sports venue, offers exhilarating events and a lively atmosphere, perfect for an energetic escape. Hampstead Heath provides a tranquil setting for relaxation amidst nature, while the Wimbledon Tennis Club exudes luxury, allowing for an indulgent and refined experience.

Adventure

The IFS Cloud Greenwich Peninsula Station, a cable car gondola, offers breathtaking views, located 9.7km from Westminster Abbey. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill is a thrilling spot just 1.3km away. Additionally, the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 3.2km distant, promises exhilarating karting adventures.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Westminster Abbey offers a mix of excitement and culture. Take a ride on the London Eye for stunning views, or immerse yourself in the thrills of the London Dungeon. For a classic theatre experience, catch a show at the Apollo Victoria Theatre nearby.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey offers a wealth of attractions, including charming streets, picturesque piazzas, and serene urban parks, making it a perfect destination for cultural exploration and family experiences. Nearby points of interest enhance your visit, providing a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy, whether you're exploring on foot or seeking evening activities. Don't miss the rich history and stunning architecture of the area surrounding Westminster Abbey for an unforgettable experience in London.

  • Buckingham Palace: As the official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace offers a glimpse into regal life. Located 966m from Westminster Abbey, you can witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony, explore the stunning gardens, and appreciate its grand architecture, steeped in history.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Situated 1.3km away, Piccadilly Circus is a vibrant hub known for its bright neon lights and bustling atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for people-watching and offers easy access to theatres, shops, and restaurants, embodying the lively spirit of London.
  • Big Ben: Just 322m from Westminster Abbey, Big Ben is an iconic clock tower that stands as a symbol of London. Its impressive architecture and historical significance make it a must-see, while the nearby Houses of Parliament offer a stunning backdrop.

Best time to go to Westminster Abbey

The best time to visit Westminster Abbey can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Westminster Abbey falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Westminster Abbey falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Westminster Abbey

For a budget-friendly visit to Westminster Abbey, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation prices, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance for the best deals. Sundays typically offer the cheapest stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find last-minute offers, customise your search for eco-friendly hotels, and sort results by price. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to substantial savings. Don't forget to explore free activities around the Abbey to further stretch your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Westminster Abbey are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Westminster Abbey is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Westminster Abbey is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Westminster Abbey is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make use of Expedia’s search tool to customise your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel reservation for Westminster Abbey with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.