Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries at Westminster Abbey

Posted by bugsycar (Chicago, IL) on 02/10/19 09:30 PM

I am looking forward to visiting the newly opened Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries on an upcoming visit to Westminster Abbey. I'm planning to buy tickets ahead for this online when I purchase our regular admission. I saw that these are timed admissio tickets. We're planning to buy the 9-11am Westminster Abbey entrance - what are your recommendations for the entry time to choose for the galleries? They are offered in 15-minute increments. I'm not sure if the Galleries are in the beginning of the walk-through of the Abbey, middle, or end...

If it helps, we will be a group of 6 visiting. 4 of us have toured the Abbey before, but it is new for two in our group. We are all planning to use the audio guide tour through our visit.

Thanks!

Posted by Pam

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA

02/10/19 09:36 PM

14822 posts

This in no way answers your question, lol, but....if you all have phones, be sure to download the free Westminster app before you go then have earbuds in your pocket for the visit. They are so much more comfortable than using the heavy audio-guide provided by the Abbey. The program is the same and it's free.

I'd also consider paying the extra 5GBP for the Verger tour as well.

Posted by bugsycar OP

Chicago, IL

02/11/19 12:19 PM

97 posts

Thanks for the info about the verger tour. I will look into that!

Posted by Laurie Beth

Twin Cities, Minnesota

02/11/19 03:59 PM

2014 posts

Also, not the specific answer you are looking for, but I also wanted to recommend the Verger tour. When I took it a few years ago I had already been to Westminster Abbey several times, but I learned so much on that tour. I am returning this fall and also want to see the new Galleries, so I am hoping someone who has seen it responds to you.

Posted by Accidental Southerner

New England

02/11/19 05:07 PM

702 posts

I visited the new Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries in September 2018 on a repeat visit to the Abbey. The Weston Tower (entrance to the Galleries) is at the southeastern corner of the church, between the Chapter House and the Lady Chapel, so about 3/4 of the way around the one-way sightseeing route of the church's interior.

Like others who've posted, I highly recommend the 90-min Verger Tour, but your planned self-tour with the Abbey's audio guide is also a fine choice, with Jeremy Iron's voice in your ears. Your sightseeing pace through the Abbey will determine how long it takes you to arrive at the Weston Tower, but I'd guess allow 1.5 to 2 hours between your Abbey admission time and your Galleries admission time. I think I spent about an hour in the Galleries, worth the visit.

After the Galleries, do make sure to see the Chapter House and Cloister Gardens if open, and the Cellarium Cafe provides welcome refreshment.

Enjoy your visit!!