In this article, I present Westminster AbbeyLondon's most famous religious monument, where British monarchs are buried.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Westminster Abbey
- What you can see on a visit
- How to get there
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Westminster Abbey, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Westminster Abbey: article summary
Westminster Abbey: coronation and burial place of British sovereigns Â
It's impossible to miss Westminster Abbey when you come visit London. On the one hand, since it stands in the landscape of a neighborhoods the capital's busiest; secondly, because it is one of the city's most important religious buildings.
Let me introduce you to it, and explain what you'll discover when you enter the heart of this impressive building.
Introducing Westminster Abbey
The real name of Westminster Abbey is actually Saint-Pierre collegiate churchin reference to the reason for its construction. A fisherman by the name of Aldrich is said to have spotted Saint Peter on the banks of the Thames, and so the abbey was founded.
In the space of just 3 hours, we show you the the best of the historic center of London (must-sees + secret spots) with a French-speaking guide just for you.
As early as the 10th centuryBenedictine monks established their quarters here with the blessing of King Edgar the Pacific, until the illustrious King Edward the Confessor, who reigned from 1042 to his death in 1066, decided to enlarge the building. He and his wife were buried here, providing the starting point for a tradition that continues today The first was to make the abbey the burial place of the kingdom's monarchs.
Be the 13th and 16th centuriessuccessive works were undertaken to further embellish and enlarge the abbey, which is dominated by Gothic style with strong influences from Renaissance architecture.
If the sovereigns of the British crown are buried here, it is also in this abbey that they have all crownedwith the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII, who did not have this honor. Queen Elizabeth II's coffin, on the other hand, can be found at Windsor Castle.
For the centuries of history that have passed through this abbey, as much as for its outsized architecture, a visit to Westminster Abbey is a must. a must-have !
Facts and figures about this monument Â
- The monument has been Unesco World Heritage in 1987, at the same time as the Palace of Westminster
- Every year, more than 1 million tourists who visit
- More 3,300 graves are gathered here, with sovereigns, but also poets, actors, explorers and political figures.
- This abbey is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- The last royal wedding was that of Prince William with Kate Middleton, April 29, 2011
What can you see on the tour?
If you're planning to visit what is one of London's most beautiful monuments - and I urge you to do so - then here are some of the treasures you can discover inside.
Good to know one French audio guide is available to help you make your discovery.
The central nave
With its impressive ceiling height (over 30 metres) but relative narrowness (only 10 metres wide), the Nave of Westminster Abbey is the place to be if you're looking for a place to relax. a place to gather and reflect at the various events held there.
The Kings' chapels
Several chapels dedicated to Britain's greatest monarchs can be visited, and you won't want to miss the chapel ofEdward the Confessorincluding the coronation chair on which the future King/Queen stands when officially taking office.
Another must-see is the Henri-VII Chapel formerly known as Lady Chapel, with its breathtaking ceiling.
The corners of poets, scientists and statesmen
Some areas have nicknames related to the personalities buried there. In poets' corneryou can come across Rudyard Kipling or Charles Dickens, you will see the graves of Winston Churchill or Neville Chamberlain in statesmen's corner or those of Darwin, Isaac Newton or Stephen Hawking, buried here in 2018, in the area dedicated to men of Science.
Saint-Pierre crypt and museum
Within the crypt, you can see ancient relics and treasures dating back several centuries. The crypt itself is one of the oldest parts of the entire abbey, present since its construction in the 10th century.
The chapter house
This majestic visiting room for its muralsfor its floor mosaics and the medieval paintings on its walls.
The Abbey Cloister
A little haven of peace hidden away in the east wing of the abbey, which links the various rooms together. The calm that reigns here is breathtaking.
Garden collage
In the north-east part of the building, you'll come across this garden, one of the oldest in the country. nearly 1,000 years that it beautifies the area outside the Abbey!
How to get to Westminster Abbey easily?
Westminster Abbey is located at the following address: 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA
Getting there is easy, via :
- Visit metroJubilee, District and Circle Lines (Westminster stop) or District and Circle Lines (St Jame's Park stop)
- Visit busThe Westminster stop is served by some 15 lines, including 3, 11, 12, 24, 29, 53, 70, 77, 88, 109 and 170.
Westminster Abbey: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's what you need to know to visit Westminster Abbey and make the most of it!
Rates and booking
- Adult ticket: €31
- Children's ticket (0-17 years): €14
- Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): 61 euros
By booking your visit dates and times online, you'll save time. You'll receive your tickets instantly, and all you have to do is present them at the entrance.
Opening hours
Visits from Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 3.30pm, Saturday: 9am to 3.30pm
Practical information
There are two things you need to know about visiting Westminster Abbey. audio tour for children allow you to take part in the tour without your toddlers getting bored; for an additional fee, you can discover the new museum Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries exhibiting over 300 royal objects and accessories.
What to see and do in the area?
The Westminster district is packed with things to see and do, and you'll never be bored. Here are my suggestions for continuing your exploration of the capital in this area:
- Visit the superb Palace of Westminster neighboring the Houses of Parliament and home to the famous bell of Big Ben
- Take a stroll through the St James Parkone of the most beautiful London parks
- Discover the world up to Buckingham Palace. A chance to discover one of the capital's most famous buildings and, in the morning, to attend the changing the guard !
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special London guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special London guide!
Leave a Reply