Westminster Abbey Hidden Highlights tour tickets

Posted by Mustlovedogs (United States) on 08/29/24 12:01 PM

I went online this morning to check and see if I could purchase tickets for a date in October for this tour. The month of October is available for general admission tickets to the Abbey, which I selected and then was sent to subsequent screens for the galleries (Diamond Jubilee, which I do not need to add) and then to "tours". The only one showing up is the "Medieval Monastery tour".

Do you think I am just too early checking on adding the "Hidden Higlights" tour and it will become available later in the week? This is the first time we have tried to book this tour so I am unfamiliar with the process. I knew I needed to start looking at the end of August for October bookings, but maybe I am missing something. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Posted by Mardee

Duluth 🛶

08/29/24 12:12 PM

8156 posts

When I booked my tickets earlier this year, they released March and April dates right around the end of February. I had signed up for the newsletter so I actually got an email letting me know the release dates in advance (not much in advance—maybe a day or so, but still...).

ETA: You could email them at [email protected] to ask about the tour bookings. Also, here is the link to sign up for the newsletter. https://www.westminster-abbey.org/about-the-abbey/contact-us/sign-up-to-our-new-newsletter/#i4532

Posted by Mustlovedogs OP

United States

08/29/24 12:56 PM

556 posts

Thanks mardee! I just did both things you suggested. Maybe I will get some clarification later today. Appreciate your taking the time for the links!

Posted by Mardee

Duluth 🛶

08/29/24 02:37 PM

8156 posts

Oh good! I've emailed them in the past and have almost always gotten a response within 24 hours, and sometimes less.

Posted by Mustlovedogs OP

United States

08/30/24 06:30 PM

556 posts

Just got an email back from the Abbey. Unfortunately they will not be offering the Hidden Highlights Tour after the September dates. They didn’t say why or if this was a permanent decision. The email said the Medieval Monasteries tour will still include JC but parts like the sacristy, the library and Nursery Chapel won’t be accessible anymore. Also, admittance to the Diamond Jubilee Galleries isn’t included in the MM tour price.

I’m kind of bummed, as a sacrist at our church I really wanted to see the Abbey sacristy in particular, but alas it wasn’t meant to be. I think I will still purchase tickets for the medieval monasteries tour. We saw the Jubilee Galleries last summer and they were wonderful, but think we’ll skip that part again if we have to pay for two separate admissions in addition to the general admission tickets.

I will be sure to report back on the Monasteries tour. Hope it is worthwhile!

Posted by Sara

Port Angeles

08/31/24 06:44 PM

169 posts

I had been planning to book the Hidden Highlights tour as well (for Oct. 4). I booked the Medieval Monastery Tour instead and it does sound fascinating!
"Walk in the footsteps of the medieval monks and explore the history of the Benedictine monastery at Westminster Abbey on a guided tour of the church, the Cloister, the Chapter House, the Pyx Chamber and Jerusalem Chamber."

Having done the Verger tour on past visits, I think this will be a great alternative. I too will report back!

Posted by jserv13

09/01/24 03:39 PM

19 posts

One of our highlights when we visited Westminster Abbey, was actually attending a Sunday Service. I had chills. It happened to be Palm Sunday. Highly suggest besides the tour of the Abbey.