Westminster Abbey - Entry tickets for individuals (portal)

Overview

The church as we know it today was founded by Henry III in the 13th century, who ordered the demolition of Edward the Confessor’s royal palace and a monastery situated on the site. In its place, a new Gothic cathedral was built that was consecrated in 1269: From now on, by decree of the King of England, Westminster Abbey was to be a place for the coronation and burial of monarchs.

Royal Tombs
Today, over 3,000 people are buried or memorialised at Westminster Abbey, including 30 monarchs and notable historical figures such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking and Geoffrey Chaucer. At the west end of the Nave is the grave of the Unknown Warrior, whose body was brought back from France to be buried here in 1920.

The Coronation Chair
The Coronation Chair in St George’s Chapel is perhaps the most famous piece of furniture in the world. Commissioned by Edward I, ‘The Hammer of the Scots’, this ancient wooden chair has been sat on by every English and later, British, monarch at their coronation since the 13th century. Originally covered in gold leaf and glass, the chair was designed to house the ‘Stone of Destiny’, which was taken by Edward I as spoils of war.

Explore the Lady Chapel & Chapter House
Marvel at the fan-vaulted ceiling, carved pendants and ornate decorations that adorn every surface in the Lady Chapel; the burial place of 15 kings and queens including Elizabeth I, ‘Bloody’ Mary Queen of Scots and the Princes in the Tower.

In the Chapter House, you’ll find a late Saxon door thought to be the oldest door in Britain, believed to date back to the 1050s. Before the Palace of Westminster was built, the Chapter House was used as a meeting place for the King’s Great Council and the Commons, an early form of government and predecessor to Parliament.

NEW: Notre Dame de Paris, The Augmented Exhibition (7th February - 1st June 2024)
Immerse yourself in the history and spectacle of Notre Dame de Paris in the UK’s only location for this world touring interactive exhibition.
Explore the story of the French gothic masterpiece, Notre Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) from its earliest origins in the 12th century and its illustrious 850-year history to its painstaking restoration following the devastating fire of 2019.
This exhibition is an immersive and interactive journey through Notre Dame’s past including the lavish wedding of King Henri IV, the glittering coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the 19th century construction of Notre-Dame’s iconic spire of Viollet-le-Duc, which was tragically destroyed by the fire. The skill, artistry and vision over the ages of its architects, craftsmen and builders, and the 21st century experts who are bringing it back to its former glory are brought to life in the show.
This exhibition is included in the price of a general admission ticket.

Usual opening hours
Monday - Friday, 09.30 - 15.30 (last entry)
Saturday, 09.00 - 15.00 (last entry)
Sunday, CLOSED
Please note: Visiting ends one hour after last entry.


These tickets cannot be used for group transactions. For details of group visits please Email [email protected]