Westminster Abbey

The History of Westminster Abbey

Did you know that Benedictine monks founded the Gothic church in 960 AD?! With so much English history to unveil, it's no wonder Westminster Abbey is an impressive tourist attraction. From royal occasions to the final resting place, this magnificent and world-famous building is a sight to see.

The Abbey is known to be the final resting place for 30 monarchs in their royal tombs, for both famous kings and queens. From King Edward the Confessor, Henry III, and Charles II to Edward VI, Elizabeth I, Mary I, Mary II, Mary Queen of Scots and George II were the last English monarchs to be buried here. Due to this, it's known to be the House of Kings. Royals are buried near the Edward the Confessor shrine or in Henry VII's Chapel.

Henry III built the church of England that we see today in the 13th century. Alongside being the resting place of many, the Abbey also houses a treasure of artefacts and a house of worship. It has also held many royal occasions, such as the royal coronations of British Monarch like Willliam the Conqueror to Elizabeth II and being home to the Coronation Chair! There were 16 royal weddings, such as Prince William and Catherine Middleton, coronation ceremonies, and funerals like Lady Diana Spencer's.

Fun fact: every British sovereign since William the Conqueror has been crowned at Westminster Abbey!

As well as being the resting place of monarchs, Westminster Abbey is famous for holding many famous people, scientists, and poets, such as Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking, who are famous in The Nave. In Poets' Corberm, you'll find memorials of world-famous poets for those who are literature lovers, like William Shakespeare, Geoffrey Chaucer, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Oscar Wilde. Did you know that musicians are known to be buried in the north aisle of the nave?

The gift shop also sells beloved publications from these writers and Rudyard Kipling.

Westminster is so impressive that it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Westminster Palace and Saint Margaret's Church!

Things To Do

You'll find various guided tours to explore the ins and outs of Westminster Abbey. Discover special areas like the Poets' Corner, royal tombs, Chapter House, Lady Chapel, and more from the Verger tour. With the audio guides, you'll have a multimedia guide, and you can follow public access to the Abbey and learn more about the religious building with a rich history. You'll embark on an interactive journey as a deep dive into history from the 14th century to the 19th century and more!

Did you know that Westminster Abbey has held religious services since the 10th century? With daily services that people can attend. For music, you'll find a pair of organs here, a Bombarde organ and choir organ, where classical music is played.

Of course, the historic church holds many beautiful stained glass windows and incredible architectural styles, like Gothic architecture, to admire and discover. Did you know that Henry III wanted to match the great French churches? And that Westminster Abbey has the highest nave in any Gothic church building in England? It's still prominent in the skyline, even being surrounded by tall buildings. If you love architecture, this is the attraction for you. Psst...did you also know that Westminster Abbey holds Britain's most important collection of monumental sculptures?

Westminster Abbey for Kids

For families, you'll find the Family Trail, which will help you discover the Abbey. Your kids can collect a free badge from the shop after you've completed the trail, too! There's also Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Gallery to discover with a trail! The kids can dress up as monks in the Museum, too!

You can even pick a Westminster Abbey tour that explores the Houses of Parliament too. We'd recommend this so you can make the most out of your visit!

Food & Drink

Head over to Cellarium Cafe and Terrace for a bite to eat. Whether you're in the mood for a full English breakfast, soup of the day, crispy fish cakes, chargrilled breast or homemade pasta! You can even enjoy some sweet treats like ice cream, New York cheesecake, afternoon tea, or light bites! Plus, there are plenty of refreshments to be had, whether you'd like a hot or cold drink!

Why We Recommend Westminster Abbey for Families

Westminster Abbey is a site of monumental historical significance, but it's also more than that! It's a vibrant cultural hub that offers a rare insight into the rich tapestry of the royal family and famous historical figures. It's a fun-filled family day out!

Plus, with its stunning architecture, Gothic buildings, fascinating history, and family-oriented tours, it promises an educational and exciting day out. This is a place where every corner tells a story, every window paints a picture, and every visit brings learning to life.

Psst, you can book your Westminster Abbey tickets online with us!

- A magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site

- Stunning Neo-Gothic architecture to discover

- Cast your eyes on the Coronation Chair and Bombarde organ!

"Amazing historic place with great architecture. I loved the history with great people like Newton, Darwin, Faraday and Stephen Hawking's remains buried there. We also attended a service there. The staff is very nice at answering questions. Would highly recommend taking the audio tour." - Anmol