Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is an incredible experience with so much history and beauty. Unfortunately you can’t take photos while inside but in some ways that makes the experience even more valuable as you have to take it all in without distraction. Going upstairs is well worth paying the extra for, not only for what’s up there but the stunning views of the cathedral below. Great for wet weather days but get in early before it gets too busy then take your time to explore.

I am surprised that somewhere so fundamental to the heritage of the British people is not admission free as in the case of museums. Nevertheless the fee of around £20 is appropriate. It is a professional organisation with staff in smart cassocks who are helpful with the clergy also leading a small prayer every hour. I don't normally like audioguides but the one supplied here is short and informative without being overbearing. As you walk around the history of the United Kingdom unveils in front of you from Edward the Confessor to modern day intellectuals. Things you remember from history lessons at school, television transmissions of royal weddings and former Prime Ministers are bought back to life. All this takes place in a quiet and respectful atmosphere. Everyone should have the opportunity to visit.

We were concerned that the lines would be too long, and we hadn’t secured “skip the line” entry, but we got in with almost no wait towards the end of the day. Literally from our first moment in the door, we were in awe. The audio guide that’s included in the price was so well-done, and we navigated with ease. No photos allowed, so we were able to focus on the experience. Lovely, actually.

Westminster Abbey is a stunning example of Gothic architecture replete with soaring buttresses and beautiful stained glass windows. The tombs and monuments are both tributes and works of art. The audio guide (free with ticket purchase) is a great way to view the Abbey and learn its history. A small extra fee gets you into the Queen's Jubilee Galleries where you'll find a collection of historical objects linking the Abbey to the monarchy. Be sure to purchase the souvenir guide for the interior photos since photographs are not allowed inside (can be purchased with ticket). Book online to save time and money. One stand out feature is the Cosmati floor in front of the high altar. Don't forget to stop by the cafe afterwards for afternoon tea.

Westminster Abbey is more than magnificent at any time of year, but at Christmas it steps up even further. I found it interesting whilst spending Christmas back in Blighty with two American friends how “The Abbey” as they kept referring to it, had struck such a cord with them. Yet St Paul’s barely featured on their radar. Regardless I myself was keen to experience communion at the Abbey and so we headed there early one morning to do so.

Communion at the Abbey is an experience I would highly recommend and especially at that time of year it’s perfect. Needless to say the early morning communions are well orchestrated affairs and intimate. It was wonderful to experience this ritual in such a special place and at that festive time of year. Plus it’s nice to have that moment of reflection amidst the seasonal goings on. Seeing the Abbey in its festive gear truly put us in the Christmas spirit. Afterwards it was a lovely opportunity to walk around Parliament Square and take in all the statues.

If I were to make one small observation it would be that the team in the Abbey seem very weary of you being a tourist as oppose to a worshipper which I understand but surely you can be both?

Such an amazing building with great history but this was overshadowed by the high cost to get in and then expected another £7 a person for a tour, which was free at st pauls, which we didn't take up and opted for the audio tour instead,however this wasn't as detailed as I'd have liked and struggled to find some of the statues within the audio tour. Such a shame as this could have been fantastic. Lots of staff wandering around not doing anything or engaging with visitors.

Visited here with my boyfriend in November 2021 as a place we had always wanted to come to in London. We were able to use our Blue Light Cards for complimentary entry and, to be honest, I am glad we did as the £20+ entry fee otherwise would have been a bit steep in my opinion.

Don't get me wrong, the architecture in the building is fabulous and it is nice to walk around and think about all the occasions that will have taken place there and all the history, I'm just not sure £20+ each to get in can be justified really.

I think a guided tour would probably be worthwhile though, the tour guide we saw delivering to a tour group seemed very charismatic and knowledgeable. The gift shop was quite nice too with a nice variety of gifts.

If Westminster Abbey is somewhere you'd really like to go to then sure, pay the entry fee and go, however I personally wouldn't go out of my way to recommend visiting to somebody for the sake of it.

A very disppointing experience as the website did not say that the rooms containing the Tudor and Stuart monarchs and those containing the treasures/museum were all closed.

As we were told we had to book a slot on line I did so and spent quite a lot of time and money travelling to the Abbey for my first trip from home since early March.

It is wonderful that it is open for a few hours a week but as the very rooms I wanted to visit were all closed, access around the Abbey is limited and the red robed staff were abrupt and unfriendly I was very sad that the experience was so poor as it was the first time I'd visited in more than 40 years.

I fully understand these are challenging times but they could do with seeing how the staff of St Paul's deal with the public and learn from them.

We were captivated by the beautiful architecture of Westminster Abbey. The rose window is spectacular. We toured the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries and it was so cool getting to see the church from the top. Seeing the gargoyles on the roof from the galleries was awesome. It's something most people don't get to see.

My only issue with the place is that you aren't allowed to take photos inside, especially since you are paying to enter. Also, the layout was a little confusing and it was hard to find a restroom.

The extra 5 pounds to see the upstairs queen's gallery was the best money spent in London. The exhibit contained a wide variety of information and displays including the dress of the monarchs, architecture of the cathedral, illuminated manuscripts and fabulous views. Well worth the money and far more manageable then the downstairs tour.