Fast Access Westminster Abbey Private Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey
- Guided tour with a London Blue Badge Guide
- Explore the Coronation Chair and Poets' Corner
- Discover the tombs of British monarchs
- Learn about the abbey's 1,000-year history
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey
- Guided tour with a London Blue Badge Guide
- Personalized experience with a private guide
- Transportation to and from Westminster Abbey
Itinerary
This fantastic 2,5-hour private tour will allow you to discover one of London's most beautiful and recognisable landmarks, Westminster Abbey. After meeting your expert local guide just outside, you will embark upon a journey of discovery, with a history of a thousand years to intrigue, entertain and fascinate you. Your guide will bring history to life, and not only will you learn fascinating and intriguing facts about the abbey and its awe-inspiring architecture, you will be transported back in time to an age when these floors were trodden by kings, queens, writers, poets and all manner of celebrated historical figures. Some of the highlights of this tour include the Coronation Chair, the Poet’s Corner, the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, The Lady Chapel, the Royal Tombs and the College Garden, which has been cultivated for over 900 years!
Meeting point
Start Location
Westminster Abbey Shop, Westminster Abbey, Dean's Yard, London, UK
Important information
Know before you book
- Tours are conducted in English; please ensure you understand the language.
- The tour is conducted entirely indoors; consider the weather when dressing.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult; please inform the operator in advance if bringing children.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking and standing.
- Photography is allowed in most areas; however, flash photography is prohibited.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour time to ensure timely entry.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Some areas of the Abbey are dimly lit and some chapels have low doorways. Much of the floor and many steps are uneven.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended
- Visitors are kindly asked to dress in a “respectful manner” during their visit to the Abbey.
- During the winter months the Abbey can get incredibly cold, so try to dress warmly.
- You will skip the tickets line but security checks are mandatory
Traveler reviews
Great tour for families
We have a family with kids of varied ages - 7, 10, 14, and 17. Dan did a great job of keeping everyone’s attention and made the history fun and interesting for our large family. With his help, we made it through each building while learning interesting stories and getting a better appreciation for the history of the UK. We loved learning the background behind the Royal Jewels before we saw them. Learning the stories behind different jewels being stolen or people killing other people for them made them more exciting for my kids to go see them and search for specific jewels. We learned a lot about those who lived in the Tower and died there as well. The kids remembered so many of the stories and everyone said this tour was a highlight of their trip to London. Dan is very knowledgeable and great at taking questions. We would definitely do another tour with him.
Highly recommended for a more meaningful engagement with Westminster Abbey
This was our second visit to Westminster Abbey in two years. The first time we toured with the standard audio guide provided by the Abbey. While that was useful, it is very easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the site and all of the prominent individuals buried or commemorated in the Abbey. Determined to have a more meaningful experience this time, we booked this tour. Our guide Charlotte did an outstanding job of contextualizing the history of the Abbey within the course of English history. She was able to identify our focus and interest-level and brought in details we never heard in our first visit, but also helped us be more focused so as not to be overwhelmed. Moreover, she was able to keep our entire group engaged - from elementary school-aged kids through adults with post-graduate degrees. The entire group raved about the quality of Charlotte’s guiding, and we would highly recommend this experience.
Great tour of Westminster Abbey!
Vicky was excellent! Her energy and enthusiasm was contagious. She tells great stories about the various royal families going back to 1066, how they undermined and murdered each other and even decided who was buried where in the Abby. She also highlighted special interest areas like the scientific corner and the poets corner and scandals like the monks trying to steal the royal purse and being filleted. Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable experience. We had just landed in London that day and it was so nice to start our time in London with Vicky.
A guide for the dead - very boring and submissive to other guides.
Tour guide was knowledgeable but guide was long winded. She wouldn't let you stand where you were comfortable or look at things that interested in. We was glad when it was over. She kept letting big groups take over where we were standing 1st. Made us move many times and it became unbearable.
Absolutely worth every cent! Fabulous
Lucy was just wonderful!! She is full of knowledge and her passion for history brings the stories alive. Can’t say enough good things about her and this tour.