How to Beat the Crowds at Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey costs £31 for adults (£14 for children), with a multimedia guide included. It's open for sightseeing Monday to Saturday, usually from 9:30 am, with last entry mid-afternoon, and closed to visitors on Sundays. Arrive at opening, or from about 2 pm on a weekday, when the morning tour groups have gone. To see the inside for free, attend Evensong.
- Adults
- £31
- Over 65s and students
- £28
- Children 6-17
- £14 (under 6s free)
- Hours
- Usually 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Saturday
- Sundays
- Services only, no sightseeing
- Free option
- Evensong (no wandering)
- Best time
- 9:30 am or after 2 pm on a weekday
- Time to allow
- 1.5-2 hours
How busy is Westminster Abbey?
Westminster Abbey is one of London's busiest sights, and the queue on Broad Sanctuary can be long in summer, especially at mid-morning when tour groups arrive. Inside, the route is one-way, so it gets slow around the Coronation Chair, Poets' Corner and the royal tombs. Opening hours also change for services and special events.
Before you go, check how busy Westminster Abbey is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date, adjusted for UK school holidays, services and special events.
Check today’s crowds at Westminster Abbey →Best (and worst) times to go
- 9:30 am opening: the shortest queue.
- After 2 pm on a weekday: calmer before last entry.
- Worst: 10:30 am to 1 pm in summer and on Saturdays.
- Sundays: services only.
Our hourly forecast for Westminster Abbey shows how busy each hour is expected to be on your date.
Check today’s crowds at Westminster Abbey →