Westminster Abbey – Plan Your Visit

Standard Opening Times

Westminster Abbey is open for sightseeing Monday through Saturday.

From Monday to Friday, the Abbey typically welcomes visitors from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

On Saturdays, the doors open earlier at 9 AM and close for entry at 3 PM.

The building remains open for one hour after the final entry time to allow visitors to complete their tour.

Sunday Access

The Abbey is a working church and is closed to tourists for sightseeing on Sundays. However, the public is welcome to attend scheduled religious services throughout the day, including Holy Communion and Evensong. Please note that exploring the monuments and tombs is not permitted during these times.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries

Located in the beautiful 13th-century triforium, the Jubilee Galleries usually operate on a slightly different schedule, opening at 10 AM and closing for last entry at 3 PM.

Access to this elevated display area requires a separate timed ticket in addition to general admission.

Planned Closures and Special Services

As a site for significant national and royal events, the Abbey may occasionally close at short notice or have restricted access for special services. It is recommended to check for specific closures on dates such as Good Friday, Christmas Day, or during state ceremonies, as sightseeing will be suspended.

Westminster Abbey is located in the heart of London, situated just west of the Houses of Parliament and Parliament Square.

Address

Westminster Abbey
20 Dean's Yard
London
SW1P 3PA

By London Underground

The Tube is the most efficient way to reach the Abbey. The closest station is Westminster, which is served by the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines. Upon exiting the station, follow the signs for Parliament Square. The Abbey is a 3-minute walk from the station exit.

Alternatively, St James’s Park station (District and Circle lines) is approximately a 5-minute walk away. From this station, head east toward Broadway and Victoria Street.

By National Rail

If you are traveling from outside London or via the overground network, the nearest major rail hubs are:

London Victoria: Located about 0.8 miles away. You can reach the Abbey on foot in approximately 15 minutes by walking straight down Victoria Street, or take the District/Circle line two stops to Westminster.

London Waterloo: Situated across the Thames, about 0.8 miles away. The walk takes roughly 15-20 minutes and offers scenic views as you cross Westminster Bridge.

Charing Cross: Located approximately 0.7 miles away. It is a 15-minute walk via Whitehall and Parliament Street.

By Bus

Numerous bus routes stop directly outside or within a short walking distance of the Abbey. Key routes serving the area include the 11, 24, 88, 148, and 211. Most of these stop at Parliament Square or Victoria Street, both of which are just steps from the North Door visitor entrance.

By Bicycle

Cycling is a convenient option with several cycleways leading into Westminster. Public bicycle racks are located near the Abbey at Broad Sanctuary and Victoria Tower Gardens. Please note that folding bicycles are not permitted inside the Abbey buildings.

For those using the Santander Cycles hire scheme, the nearest docking stations are located at Abbey Orchard Street and Smith Square.

By Car and Taxi

Driving is generally discouraged due to the Abbey’s location within the Congestion Charge and ULEZ zones. There is no private parking on-site. The nearest secure public parking is the Q-Park Westminster, located in Great College Street.

Taxis and private hire vehicles can drop passengers at the designated drop-off point at the West End of the Abbey, near the Sanctuary.

The Abbey provides essential services to ensure a comfortable visit, though it is important to remember that as a historic place of worship, modern additions are limited.

Secure toilet facilities, including accessible toilets and baby changing areas, are located in the Cloisters. These are available to all ticket holders.

For security reasons, there is no cloakroom or luggage storage on-site. Visitors are prohibited from bringing large suitcases or bulky backpacks inside, so it is advised to use luggage deposit services at nearby stations like Victoria or Charing Cross.

To enhance the visitor experience, a complimentary multimedia guide is included with the price of admission. These handheld devices are available in multiple languages and provide historical context for the monuments, architecture, and royal history of the building.

Wi-Fi is not provided for public use within the Abbey, and visitors are reminded that photography is permitted for personal use only, provided that flashes and tripods are not used.

Westminster Abbey is committed to being as accessible as possible, though the age of the building presents certain physical challenges. Most areas of the Abbey are accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility. Entry is free for disabled visitors and their carers. A ramped entrance is located at the North Door, and most of the main floor - including the Nave and the Quire - is level. While some smaller chapels have steps, many of these can be accessed via portable ramps provided by the Abbey marshals.

For visitors with visual impairments, the Abbey offers a descriptive audio guide and a tactile map of the building. Braille and large print guides are also available upon request at the information desk. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome throughout the entire site, including the Cloisters and the museum areas.

For the D/deaf and hard of hearing, the multimedia guides have a screen-based option with subtitles and British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation. An induction loop system is active during all services and for those using the standard audio tours.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, located in the high triforium, are accessible via a lift, ensuring that visitors with mobility issues can view the museum and its displays. However, some sections of the historic Cloisters and exterior walkways feature uneven stone flooring and dim lighting, so caution is advised. If you require a wheelchair during your visit, the Abbey maintains a small number of non-motorized chairs available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Cellarium Café and Terrace is the primary dining location at Westminster Abbey, situated in the vaulted cellars where the monks originally stored their food. This unique setting offers a full menu ranging from traditional English breakfasts to seasonal lunches.

For a quintessential London experience, the café serves Afternoon Tea, featuring handmade scones, finger sandwiches, and cakes. The outdoor terrace provides a quiet space with views of the Abbey’s towers, making it a popular spot during the warmer months.

For visitors seeking a quicker option, the Kiosk in the Sanctuary offers takeaway snacks, coffee, and light refreshments. The Cellarium is open to both ticket holders and the general public, providing a convenient meeting point near Parliament Square.

As it is a busy central London venue, making a reservation for lunch or Afternoon Tea is recommended to avoid waiting times during the peak midday period.

The Westminster Abbey Shop is located at the Broad Sanctuary entrance and is accessible without a sightseeing ticket.

It offers a wide range of high-quality merchandise inspired by the Abbey’s history and British craftsmanship. Product categories include scholarly books on the monarchy, official coronation memorabilia, and exclusive jewelry modeled after the Abbey’s architectural details. Every purchase made at the shop supports the ongoing conservation and maintenance of the building.

For those looking for smaller keepsakes, the store stocks a variety of stationary, textiles, and seasonal items. There is also a dedicated section for children, featuring educational toys and books about the kings and queens buried within the walls.

The shop remains open during standard visiting hours, though it typically stays open slightly later than the final entry time for the Abbey itself.