Westminster Abbey has seen almost every chapter of English history. Coronations have taken place here since 1066, many kings and queens are buried here, and it has hosted royal weddings. Together with the Palace of Westminster, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What to see
The coronation church
The Coronation Chair and the High Altar stand at the heart of the ceremonies that have crowned England’s monarchs for nearly a thousand years.
Royal tombs
Look for the tombs of Elizabeth I and of Edward the Confessor, the king who rebuilt the abbey.
The Lady Chapel
Henry VII’s chapel has some of the finest fan vaulting in the world – look up.
Poets’ Corner
Memorials to Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dickens and many more writers. Scientists such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin are buried in the nave.
Tips
- Book online: sightseeing tickets are timed.
- The abbey is open to visitors Monday to Saturday; on Sundays everyone is welcome at services, but not for sightseeing.
- The audio guide is included and worth it.
- Walk across to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben afterwards.
