Having hosted 26 royal weddings and 38 coronations, Westminster Abbey has earned its place as one of Britain’s most treasured buildings.
Looking up at this seemingly medieval construction, it’s hard to believe the importance this building represents for the British people. Some of Britain’s most significant figures have been laid to rest here, notably William Shakespeare, T.S. Elliot and Dylan Thomas. Thirty-Eight Kings and Queens have found their final resting place in the Abbeys Nave.
Crossing the threshold, visitors step into a piece of living history. With its ornate decoration and centuries-old structure, this palace of royal modesty will require more than just a few hours of visiting time. Originally rebuilt over Edward the Confessor’s 1042 abbey, this remarkable building has withstood decades of famine and revolution, gradually expanding into a glorious temple of spirituality. Take a gentle stroll around the vast interior of the abbey and reflect on the powerful words of Winston Churchill, whose memorial lies near the West Door. Feel the compassion and solemn silence that echoes from pillar to pillar in this tribute to the glorious and glorified figures in British history.
Explore the Abbey’s outer grounds by taking a stroll through the gorgeous College Gardens. Visitors can also delve into a unique area of 11th Century history in the vaulted under croft of St. Peter. This exhibit, open to the public, includes royal effigies, death masks and clothing, all providing an outstanding experience for history lovers and visitors of all ages.
If you wish to attend a service held at the Abbey, you will need to book in advance, especially during the Christmas period. Guided tours around the Abbey are on offer, or if you prefer, a detailed audio tour is also available from the North Door. If you’re visiting in the winter months, it’s advisable to wrap up warm, as the abbey tends to be rather cold! Visitors are also reminded that photography is not permitted inside the building itself.
Open to the public every day except Sunday, Westminster Abbey is located in the heart of London next to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The area is easily accessible by subway and major bus routes. The nearest Underground stations are St. James’s Park and Westminster.
