Can anyone offer advice/experience on how crowded? what time to get there? Our visit would be late September
http://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/wednesdays
Tickets are half price and only available at the door.
I am having hard time working in all the sights we want to see in London and wonder if this is a good alternative spot for our visit to the Abbey
I don't know much about this, and am yet to visit the Abbey myself, despite walking past it a few times a month, however, checking the web-site, I got the impression that the Abbey was not fully open during the 'lates'... It says "See the highlights of the Abbey at your own pace. Find the Coronation Chair, Henry VII’s Lady Chapel and Poets’ Corner with our Wednesday Lates map."
Highlights suggests limited to me, and Lates Map? why would they need a special map, why not use the normal map... because i suspect some areas will be restricted. But i am guessing.
It's not often you get something for "free", especially for such a popular attraction... but i could be wrong. Worth asking before entry.
I would suspect the queues would be HUGE if the weather isn't to bad, and i would think ticket number will be limited.
Again, I'm guessing.
Christine, this looks wonderful! You can include enjoyment of Evensong as well. For them to do this might indicate that there are fewer tourists too. I recommend going! Westminster Abbey is simply spectacular.
Thank you both
After reading thru info again it does seem like what you get to see is limited.
I think I have found a way to get us there at opening on a Wednesday, if that doesn't pan out we'll give the Lates a try.
We were there 30 yrs ago but I barely remember it!
Myself and my wife went to a late opening, pretty much on spec. It was early in the year and there was no queue to get in to speak of. Inside, it already being dark outdoors, the abbey was incredibly atmospheric, and I think, less crowded than at other times. That's not to say there was nobody there but it didn't feel packed or claustrophobic. We were able to chat with the docents at a decent length and ponder over the more obscure tombs.
We thoroughly recommend it!
Have a great trip!
Ian
PS. There's a good quality, and cheap for London too, restaurant downstairs as well. In fact we also recommend 'ecclesiastical dining' - we had an evening meal at Westminster Abbey, breakfast at Westminster Cathedral, tea at St Pauls and, on another trip, a meal at St. Martin in the Fields crypt!
