Bedsearcher's Guide to Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a stunning and architecturally magnificent building which is a must see when you're in the area. All but two of the British monarchs have been crowned at Westminster Abbey since the coronation of William, Duke of Normandy, on Christmas Day in 1066. The Coronation Chair, made of oak, incorporates the Stone of Scone (on which Scottish kings were once crowned, but which was appropriated by Edward I in 1297 to demonstrate Scotland's subservience to the Crown of England.The remains of many members of the nobility and church lie within other chapels surrounding the ambulatory. Poet's Corner is the final resting place for famous poets as far back as Chaucer. An unusually decorative altar tomb, dating from 1270 previously located within the Confessor's Chapel now stands near Poet's Corner. Recent monuments commemmorate the Battle of Britain (in the Royal Air Force Chapel) of WWII, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of WWI, and the Churchill Stone of 1965. Please note that no indoor photography is permitted except on Wednesday evenings.

Hotels near Westminster Abbey

There are many hotels near Westminster Abbey which can be booked online through Bedsearcher. The Westminster Abbey hotels vary in price and quality, ranging from unrated but still pleasant budget Westminster Abbey UK hotels to five star luxury Westminster Abbey UK hotels. Westminster Abbey hotels leave you excellently placed for a day at Westminster Abbey and where you can really explore the area. Westminster Abbey UK hotels can be found often within walking distance of Westminster Abbey and hotels a little further away from Westminster Abbey are ideal as a base for touring the entire area. Many Westminster Abbeys hotels offer parking and a range of other facilities, including many Westminster Abbey hotels with leisure facilities, ensuite rooms, babysitting services and restaurants. There are many cheap and expensive hotels near Westminster Abbey and these are ideal for a relaxing retreat or an overnight stay before or after visiting Westminster Abbey. Booking in advance is advisable in many Westminster Abbey UK hotels as they are very popular due to their proximity to Westminster Abbey although some hotels near Westminster Abbey will have spaces if you're visiting during the quiet season. There are many hotels near Westminster Abbey and many of these can be booked directly through Bedsearcher.

How to get to Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is most easily accessed via Westminster tube station.

Opening Times

The Nave and Cloisters are open from 8am until 6pm every day of the week. The Royal Chapels are open from Monday to Friday from 9.20am until 4.45pm and on a Saturday between 9.20am until 2.45pm and 3.45pm until 6pm. Amateur photography is permitted between 6pm and 7.45pm on Wednesdays. The Royal Chapels are closed on Sundays, through the Christmas period, (24th to 28th December), Good Friday and the Commonwealth Observance Day.

Copyright Bedsearcher 2002