Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is an absolutely essential part of any visit to London. One of the city’s most iconic buildings, the Abbey has seen so much history that you can’t help but feel it.

Steeped in over a thousand years of history, Benedictine Monks first started worshipping at this site in the middle of the tenth century and the current building has been there for over 700 years.

This magnificent gothic construction is a sight to behold and the incredible stained glass is some of the most impressive in the UK and contains The Coronation Chair. Created for King Edward I in 1296, the chair has been the seat for the crowning of every monarch since 1308, including HRH Elizabeth II.

The literary corner of the Abbey is named due to the large amount of poets and writers buried there, including Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling and Thomas Hardy, as well as many beautiful memorial stones and busts dedicated to the likes of Shakespeare and Robert Burns.

Seventeen monarchs are buried at Westminster Abbey but it is also a site of happier events – it was also the venue where Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot in 2011.

Multimedia Guide. You are welcome to use the new multimedia guide when visiting the Abbey during normal opening hours.

The guide is easy to use and is offered free with your individual entry ticket at the North Door.

The guide lets you explore the Abbey at your own pace. English language commentary is by Oscar-winning actor, Jeremy Irons, and the guide is also available in the following languages:English; French; German; Dutch; Hungarian; Spanish; Italian; Polish; Portuguese; Russian; Japanese; Chinese and Arabic.

Location:Westminster Abbey, 20 Dean’s Yard London SW1P 3PA

Nearest station:The closest tube stations are St James’ Park and Westminster