We’re going on the tour in Oct. In the itinerary, it states the tour will visit Westminster Abbey OR St Paul’s. How do you know which one you’ll see…? How do they decide which one to do? When you get your final hotel list, do they tell you then? I’d really love to see the Abbey, and would love to know sort of ahead of time, so if we miss it on the tour, we can go back and check it out. Thanks!!
Posted by
1501 posts
I would reach out directly to the RS office to ask when/how they make the determination. If it were me, and it is more of a last minute decision; I'd buy advance separate tickets to the Abbey, because I never leave things to chance with something I really want to see.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1549 posts
You might check with the RS tour office. Not every tour is exactly alike for a variety of reasons.
Posted by
Chicagoland
1098 posts
As others have said, reach out to the Rick Steves' office.
You could always attend a service, such as Evensong, at either location with no tickets required. You wouldn't have access to the entire church. For example, you wouldn't be able to enter the side chapels at Westminster Abbey. But you would have lovely experience.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1644 posts
Sometimes Westminster Abbey is closed to the public because of a private ceremony. We went to St. Magaret's right next to the Abbey which also has crypts or engraved slabs in the floor. Sir Walter Raleigh's body is under the floor. His head was delivered to his Widow.
Posted by
New Hampshire
5 posts
Hi Pam,
I'm doing this tour end of Aug and recalled the " See Dates & Prices" page mentions which trips do St Paul's Cathedral in lieu of Westminster Abbey. The list says the Oct 7-20 tour "Visits St Paul's Cathedral in lieu of Westminster Abbey". The Oct 5 - 18 tour does not mention this change. Hope this helps!
Enjoy your trip!
- Dawn
Posted by
8 posts
Closure dates in October listed on Westminster Abbey web site
Planned closures so far are:
1st October - all day
3rd October - all day
5th October - closed from 12pm onwards
9th October - all day
12th October - closed from 12pm onwards
19th October - all day