Westminster Abbey is a working church and one of London’s most historically significant landmarks. Founded as a Benedictine monastery in the 10th century and rebuilt largely in the Gothic style under Henry III, it has been the setting for English and British coronations since 1066, as well as royal weddings and funerals.
Inside, centuries of craftsmanship and commemoration compete for attention. Look up at the soaring nave and the intricate fan vaulting of the Henry VII Lady Chapel, then seek out the medieval Coronation Chair. Poets’ Corner brings together the graves and memorials of writers including Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens and Jane Austen; elsewhere, royal tombs and monuments reveal the Abbey’s long connection to the monarchy.
Book tickets online in advance and aim to arrive early, especially in summer, when queues can build. Check the Abbey’s calendar before visiting: it remains an active place of worship, and services or special events can affect access. If time allows, explore the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries and College Garden, but check their opening arrangements and any additional admission charges beforehand.