Westminster Abbey
Westminter Abbey, or the Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster, has served as the coronation church since 1066 and as burial site of 17 British monarchs, as well as several poets, priests and noted minds. With its majestic Gothic architecture, Westminster Abbey welcomes over one million visitors annually. Guests can explore the shrine of St. Edward the Confessor; the Royal Air Force Chapel, dedicated to the men who died in the 1940 Battle of Britain; the College Garden; and the tombs of Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Tennyson and Rudyard Kipling, among others, at the Poets' Corner. Tombs of royalty such as Mary, Queen of Scots, Elizabeth I, Mary I and Henry VII can been visited as well. Also, within the former monks' dormitory is the abbey museum, home of numerous notable artifacts from British history. Here, guests can see the saddle, sword, helm and shield of Henry V and the coronation chair of Mary II, among other items.
The abbey itself is not available for private events, but five settings, including Saint Catherine's Chapel Garden for up to 100 guests and museum for up to 150 guests, are available. Westminster Abbey hours and schedules vary based on day and time of year. The museum is generally open daily from 10:30 AM to 4 PM. Guided tours for groups of fewer than 26 people are available by request. Admission for non-worshippers is £12 for adults and £9 for children under 16, students and seniors ages 60 and older. Group rates are available. For more information: +44 20 7222 5152
