How to Buy Tickets for Westminster Abbey

Planning your visit in advance is key to making the most of your experience. There are many things you’ll need to know when organizing your trip, such as how to purchase tickets for Westminster Abbey, opening hours, and how to get there. Luckily, you can find all the essential information you need in our comprehensive ticket-buying guide for Westminster Abbey.

If you’re in a hurry – How to buy tickets for Westminster Abbey: Unless you enjoy spending your holidays waiting in long queues, we highly recommend booking your Westminster Abbey entrance ticket in advance here. Or, if you’d like to learn even more about the abbey’s history, book a guided tour here.

Best Ways to Buy Westminster Abbey Tickets

As one of London’s most iconic attractions, Westminster Abbey welcomes thousands of visitors each day and offers several ticket purchase options. It’s important to understand each one, as your choice will affect your overall experience. Here’s where to get your Westminster Abbey tickets and what’s included in each purchase.

1. Buy On Site (Not Recommended)

Unlike many other London sights, it’s still possible to buy tickets for Westminster Abbey in person on the day of your visit. However, we don’t recommend this for a number of reasons. You’ll need to wait in a line to buy tickets—losing valuable time on your trip—and you may even have to wait for the next available entry slot. Tickets for this popular attraction are limited, so waiting until the last minute carries a risk.

2. Buy Online

Rather than waiting until you arrive, we recommend you purchase Westminster Abbey tickets online in advance. Booking online is quick, and allows you to choose your exact time slot, so you can plan the rest of your sightseeing accordingly. “Skip-the-line” tickets are also available on the official abbey website, but those are non-refundable. For more flexibility, we suggest booking through the previous link, which allows cancellation up to 24 hours before arrival with a full refund at the same price. Plans can change, and flexible tickets bring peace of mind.

3. Book a Guided Tour (Recommended)

If you want to get the most out of your visit, there are several ways to book a guided tour of Westminster Abbey. The Abbey itself offers two options: the Highlights Tour and the Verger-guided tour. Both let you access some exclusive areas not open to the general public. The Highlights Tour can be booked online via the official website, while the Verger-guided tour is available for booking in person on the day. Both tours have limited availability and run only on select days. A very popular alternative, however, is to book this guided visit, which takes place more frequently. With this option, a professional guide accompanies you through the abbey and you get skip-the-line tickets for an even smoother experience.

4. Use a Tourist Pass

If you plan on packing your trip to London with sightseeing, consider purchasing a London Pass. Like other city passes, it’s a convenient way to save on attraction entry, providing free admission to a long list of London’s top sights. In addition to Westminster Abbey, pass holders have access to places like Buckingham Palace and The View from The Shard. The pass also includes a one-day ticket for Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, which you can use to get around the city.

Practical Information for Visiting Westminster Abbey

What’s the Best Time to Visit Westminster Abbey?

Top London attractions like Westminster can get very crowded—even with timed entry tickets. If you want a calmer visit, the best time is usually early in the morning, before most tourists arrive. Visiting in the late afternoon—shortly before closing—can also be quieter. As for the day of the week, there’s little difference between weekdays, but Saturdays are the busiest, and the Abbey is closed on Sundays.

Westminster Abbey Opening Hours

Westminster Abbey is open every day except Sundays, though it occasionally closes for special events. Always check the calendar on the official website before your visit. Standard opening hours are usually from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm for general admission, but timings can vary—some days entry may close as early as 1:30 pm or 2:00 pm, so double check online. The Abbey’s café, kiosk, and gift shop each have separate opening hours, also available on the website.

How to Get to Westminster Abbey

Tourists have plenty of options to reach Westminster Abbey. Thanks to its central location near other major London sights, you may already be nearby. Still, public transport is the best way to arrive. You can reach Westminster Abbey by Underground via the Circle, Jubilee, or District lines—get off at Westminster station. Alternatively, hop on RB1, RB2, or RB6 River Bus services with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and get off at Westminster Pier. Numerous city buses serve the area, but routes 11, 24, 88, 148, and 211 stop right at the Abbey.

How Do Westminster Abbey Tickets Work?

Some attraction tickets in London can be confusing, but that’s not the case here—there’s just one standard ticket for a visit to the Abbey, so you don’t need to worry about choosing what to see. During booking, you can select extras like a guided tour or audio guide. Simply pick your desired date and entry time slot. Children under five enter for free. After buying your ticket, you’ll receive a confirmation by email to present on your smartphone or as a printout. A multimedia guide is included in the ticket price and provided at the entrance.

How Much Does a Westminster Abbey Ticket Cost?

Ticket prices depend on your chosen activities. Standard entry for all public areas is:

• £25.00 for adults
• £22.00 for concessions (over 65, students with valid ID)
• £11.00 for children aged 6–17
• £25.00 for a family ticket (1 adult and 1 child)
• Free for children under 5

You can also purchase one of two guided tours: the Highlights Tour or the Verger-guided tour, each with its own price. The Highlights Tour costs £19 for adults, concessions, and students over 65, while children’s tickets cost £8. The Verger-guided tour is a fixed price of £10 per person.

Best Hotels near Westminster Abbey

Staying near Westminster is a great choice if you want to visit many of London’s top sights. This part of Inner London puts you within walking distance of the city’s main attractions and offers excellent transport links for exploring further afield. While there are plenty of outstanding places to stay, here are some of our top picks to help make your search easier.

• The Guardsman is a superb new luxury hotel in the heart of Westminster, perfect for travelers after a special stay. Rooms and suites feature elegant decor and premium amenities, and guests can dine at the hotel’s excellent restaurant.
• Sanctuary House Hotel is an inviting and affordable choice for those seeking comfort and good value. Less than a five-minute walk from Westminster Abbey, this three-star property has cozy rooms and an authentic pub on the ground floor.
• Affordable accommodation in central London is hard to find, which makes the Walrus Bar and Hostel a smart budget pick. Located just across the Thames near Waterloo station, it’s a 15-minute walk from the Abbey and offers clean, friendly dorms at excellent rates.

Current Exhibitions at Westminster Abbey

Throughout the year, Westminster Abbey hosts a range of special events, services, and exhibitions of interest to visitors. Many of these are not included in standard admission, so you may need to buy a separate ticket. You’ll find an up-to-date list on the official website.

Security at Westminster Abbey

To ensure a smooth entry, it’s important to know the visitor safety measures in place. All guests are required to pass through airport-style security checks, including bag screening, before entering the Abbey. Large items—including suitcases, backpacks, or wheeled bags—are not permitted inside, and there are no storage facilities on site, so please plan accordingly. Personal photography is allowed during regular visiting hours, but not during services. Video recording, flash photography, selfie sticks, and tripods are all prohibited. As Westminster is a place of worship, remember to dress appropriately.

Visiting Westminster Abbey with a Disability

Westminster Abbey has taken steps to improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities and those with limited mobility. Nevertheless, as a historic site, some sections remain difficult to access. Visitors with disabilities are entitled to a discounted ticket, while a companion or carer can enter free of charge.

For easier access, guests with reduced mobility should use the North Door, which has a gentle ramp. There are lifts inside to access the State Apartments. Only motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters that fit in the lifts are allowed inside.

Wheelchairs are available to borrow on site. Multimedia guides include audio descriptions for visually impaired visitors, and printed transcripts along with BSL video tours for guests with hearing difficulties. A sound amplification system is available throughout the Abbey. Only guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted inside.

Westminster Abbey: Facts & Curiosities

What is Westminster Abbey?

Westminster Abbey is a famous collegiate church, the setting for royal coronations, and the burial site for numerous notable Britons.

When was Westminster Abbey built?

The current Gothic design for Westminster Abbey began in 1245, with major works continuing through the end of the 14th century.

Who built Westminster Abbey?

The original Westminster Abbey was constructed during the reign of King Edgar, but the present Gothic structure was initiated by King Henry III.

Where is Westminster Abbey?

The Abbey is located in Dean’s Yard in the City of Westminster, in central London.

Conclusion

Booking tickets for Westminster Abbey is a crucial step to enjoying your visit to this extraordinary London landmark. Choosing the right ticket option—such as buying online or booking a guided tour—lets you save time and plan your sightseeing efficiently. Remember to check opening hours and plan your visit around peak times for the best experience. With the information and advice in this guide, you’re ready for an unforgettable visit to Westminster Abbey. Enjoy your trip!