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Westminster Abbey Ticketing - can you confirm my plans?

Posted by (Edmonds) on

Hello Travelers,
We are headed to London in September and Westminster Abbey is on our itinerary. I have read the other postings on the Forum (helpful) and I want to confirm my plans. The ticket-buying seems rather complex for my wee brain. Here is my plan.
1. Wait until tickets go on sale for September and buy a time-entry ticket for first thing Tuesday (less busy during the week).
2. Call Monday morning to learn when the Verger Tours are scheduled (phone 020 7654 4832 up to 48 hours in advance, closed Sundays)
3. Arrive at ticketed time and buy a Verger Tour ticket. If it is soon, we will wait or visit the Shop, and then do the Verger Tour (90 minutes).
3. Otherwise, we will do a self-tour first (1-2 hours)
4. As needed, we will visit the Cafe or Shop in between tours for sustenance or resting of our feet.
5. Finish touring.
6. At that point we will most likely need some lunch. Any recommendations?
7. What would you do after that?

For others planning a trip to Westminster, Mardee from Duluth shared this article in a 2023 Forum post about the history of the Abbey. It's excellent. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/history-westminster-abbey-180981806/

Thank you in advance for your input!
Gretchen

Posted by
7278 posts

Thank you for your detailed post, Gretchen. You have information that I didn't! Perhaps, we will cross paths in September!

Posted by
885 posts

Gretchen, sounds like you have a good plan.

I was at the Abbey on a Tuesday in March. I had a timed 9:30 entry. People were just milling about when I arrived 20 minutes early. About 9:15 a guard opened the gate and the line started forming. Heading to the security tent we were divided into 2 groups - those with reservations and those without. I was about the 5th person to enter at 9:30 and immediately went to the desk to book the Verger Tour. I booked the 10:30 tour. The other option was 11:00. So I picked up the audio guide and started the self tour. I was able to enter all the side chapels and make a quick visit to the Queen's Galleries before my tour. The Verger Tour skipped these because the crowds had gotten too large for groups to enter.

I had lunch afterwards at Two Chairmen, a characteristic pub less than a 10 minute walk.

Posted by
881 posts

On food, Jeanm's suggestion of the Two Chairmen is a good one. I also like the Old Queen Street Cafe. Alternatively there's a great Indian restaurant, Cinnamon Club, on Great Smith Street, just near the Abbey.

Posted by
9884 posts

Gretchendr, I'm so glad you found the article! It does have some really interesting info in it. I hope you enjoy Westminster Abbey. It is one of my favorite places in London!

After your lunch, you could take the Queen's Walk, if you feel like walking a bit. It's a lovely walk and will give you some great views of London. Just head over Westminster Bridge and turn left. This gives a more detailed description: https://walklondon.com/london-walks/the-queens-walk-london.htm

Or you could head up Birdcage Walk, which is right next to Westminster Abbey. It's a nice walk and will take you past St. James Park, the Horse Guards, and Buckingham Palace. On your way, look for the Guards Museum, which has lots of info about the royal guards.

Posted by
17 posts

Bravo! Thanks for confirming my plan and sharing additional information. I feel more confident in our gameplan now.
Gretchen

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