Westminster Abbey, formally titled the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, is a large, mainly Gothic abbey church in the City of Westminster, London, England, just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. Opened in 1090 and Burials include Elizabeth 1 of England and Sir Issac Newton.

Westminster Abbey

Though most people today associate Westminster Abbey with Kate Middleton and Prince William's beautiful royal wedding, the monument has a long and illustrious heritage that extends back nearly 1,000 years.

The Benedictine monks first arrived at the location where the Abbey now stands around 1050, to establish a coronation church. The chapel was eventually extended, and the current Westminster Abbey was built between 1245 and 1272. Because of its significance in the history of England, it has been the site of numerous significant events. It is the most important Gothic church in entire Europe.

What Are The Must-Watch Elements in Westminster Abbey?

• Chapter House

The octagonal Chapter House located in the East Cloister dates back to the 1250s. Monks used to congregate here in the early mornings to pray and discuss their day's activities. Sculpture, stained glass, and wall paintings adorn the walls of this richly decorated room, which also has the oldest door in Britain, which dates back to the 1050s.

• Coronation Chair

From its procurement by King Edward I in 1296 to its authorized use at every British monarch's crowning since 1308, the Coronation Chair has served as a symbol of the country's unity. It is the oldest piece of furniture that is still in use for the purpose it was intended.

• Grave of the Unknown Warrior:

An unknown British soldier from the First World War is buried here at this graveyard. The Arc de Triomphe was the site of the burial of an unnamed French soldier who died on the same day, which is November 11, 1920. This type of burial was created to pay tribute to the unidentified deceased, and it has sparked a worldwide trend of similar practices.

• Poet Corner:

It is located in the South Transept of Westminster Abbey and has several burials and dedications to some of the greatest writers in English history. Poet's Corner is also a must-watch for everyone who enjoys poetry and literature. Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer, Rudyard Kipling, and many more literature masters are all buried here. Other writers such as Shakespeare, Bronte sisters, Oscar Wilde, TS Eliot, and Jane Austen also have been given dedications at this cemetery.

• Parliament Square:

Before or after your visit, you should take a stroll through Parliament Square, which is the plot of grass right in front of the Abbey. The square is flanked by sculptures of renowned noble people such as Robert Peel, Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and other notable figures.

Important Information

Timings

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM 
• Wednesdays - 9:30 AM to 6 PM
• September to April on Saturdays - 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM
• May to August on Saturdays - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Tickets

• Adults pay £20.
• Seniors and students pay £17.
• Families with two adults + one child can pay £40, and two adults + two children pay £45.
• Children under the age of five are admitted free of charge if accompanied by an adult.

Tips You Need To Remember Before Visiting Westminster Abbey

1. Before your visit, download the free Westminster Abbey audio tour app from iTunes.
2. Go to Westminster Abbey on a Wednesday afternoon to avoid the crowd and big queues.
3. If you're taking the train to London, take advantage of the 2-for-1 offer. The offer is only applicable for those with walk-up tickets and the longest wait durations.
4. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are only a minute apart, and it's a lovely 15-minute stroll to Buckingham Palace from Westminster Abbey if you're only in London for a few days.

https://www.westminster-abbey.org/