How is late afternoon to see Westminster Abbey?

Worst time to go: every day at midmorning and all day Sat. and Mon.
Visit early, during lunch, or late to avoid big crowds.
Evensong services will be at 17:00; but they won't let you walk around after the service.
Closed Sundays except to worshipers.

We went mid-late afternoon, finished up around 4:30-ish and went outside to wait to go back in for the evensong service.

We loved the service and sang along just like we knew what we were doing.

I was much more impressed by Westminster Abbey than I thought I would be and spent more time than I expected, even with the audio guide they have encouraging me to move on.

This is going to sound a little strange, but there are some places where I have felt very uncomfortable and others where I felt very much at home. Westminster Abbey was, or maybe is, an "at home" place for me.

I've heard a lot of people say that Westminster Abbey was much better than they thought I would be. I haven't been inside yet myself, to my shame as I live only around 10miles away from it, but even me, who is not particularly interested in museum type things, can see the attraction in visiting.

Last entry to the Abbey is at 15:30 (an hour before closing at 16:30), which will leave you 60-90mins to look around... doesn't sound much time. I'd get there before it opens, and get in the queue for 9:30 opening time, then you can wander about and take your time.

Churchill War Rooms are a 5min walk away, and a much less visited attraction. If there were lines, they will be far less than the Abbey.

Early morning is a great time in London at weekends, it's 'quiet' until midday, then tens of thousands of people will appear as if by magic! Still great fun thought. There really is too much to see and do in London in one visit, even a two week visit.

Kent mentioned the Evensong services at 17:00. We attended several years ago and it was one of the best parts of that trip. Seriously consider attending. TC

Kent mentioned the Evensong services at 17:00. We attended several years ago and it was one of the best parts of that trip. Seriously consider attending. TC

The Evensong Service was very nice and I highly recommend it. We exited through the main entrance and the vicar was there to shake hands with people as they left-very special. I think I still have my printed order of service.