We will be in London for 3 days in June and also for one night in July before returning home. We would really like to do a tour of Westminster and attend Evensong. They don't have a schedule up yet on the Westminster website for Evensong. Does anyone know if they only do it on certain nights? Is it best to do the self-guided tour or use a hired tour guide/company? If the latter, do you have a specific recommendation? Hubby has never been to London (and I was there decades ago). We don't mind spending the money to get the most experiences we can in our few days. Any other recommendations are also appreciated!
Thank you!
Posted by
Lynnwood WA
116 posts
I signed up for a tour using the London Walks people. https://www.walks.com/our-walks/westminster-abbey-tour/
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14821 posts
For Westminster Abbey I like to do the guided tour with the Vergers who are employees of the Abbey. You sign up for a Verger tour when you enter the Abbey. You can also download the audioguide for the Abbey onto your smartphone and DIY.
Evensong is usually at 3PM on Sundays and 5PM on other days. I think they let you in about 430 but you'll want to check to see on that closer to the time.
https://www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/services-times
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7206 posts
What we did the last time we went to Evensong was visit the abbey later in the day. We entered at a time where we’d have plenty of time to wander, yet finish after the last entry time and the abbey closing. When finished we told the docent we were staying for Evensong and were allowed to stay in the abbey (but not wander around) and not go outside to wait in the Evensong line. By doing that we were one of the first in line and sat in the quire beside the choir. If just going to Evensong, people start lining up about 30 minutes early. The service lasted about 45 minutes.
Posted by
DFW TX, USA
457 posts
people start lining up about 30 minutes early
Good to know ... wanted to take the verger tour so got my tickets for when they open at 9:30, will plan on joining the evensong queue around 4:30 after our afternoon visit to the Churchill War Room ...
Posted by
Los Angeles
4871 posts
you get an audiotour automatically when you show up, so perhaps you don't need a guide. Rick also does a good job in his guidebook of describing the abbey and guiding you along.