Quick question. We are planning on visiting both Westminster Abbey and the Churchill War Rooms on September 12th, is it better to visit one site versus the other first? Is one site busier than the other? Thank you for any helpful comments in advance.
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1637 posts
I do not know about Westminster Abbey but the war rooms require a timed entry reservation. Get a reservation for the PM war rooms and go to the abbey when it opens in the AM. You should not have problems.
Posted by
Land of La
9261 posts
You need to reserve admission tickets for the war rooms. They are timed entrances. https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms
You should also continue to look at the Abbey website to be certain it will be open to the public on the 9/12. There are occasions when it is not.
https://www.westminster-abbey.org/
Both are very popular sites.
Posted by
United States
556 posts
James, we had an early morning arrival slot for the Abbey followed by 1:00 tickets for the CWR. It was fairly crowded in the morning in the Abbey, but it was this past summer and most of the London attractions were.
They obviously don’t allow as many visitors in the CWR and it didn’t seem too bad to us. I’m not sure if the order matters, but if you are interested in lunch in between, we loved the cafe at the Abbey. Really good food and atmosphere!
Posted by
Franklin, TN, USA
922 posts
Make certain that you pay the small additional fee in the Abbey and see the Queen’s Chambers……so worth it and especially the view overlooking the Abbey….there is an incredible portrait of the late queen that hangs there you will want to see…..it is excellent!
Posted by
United States
556 posts
Absolutely Jane! I think The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries should be on a must see list. We spent quite a bit of time there. Fascinating and her portrait- made me tear up thinking about her and her service to her country.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Very helpful. Thank you!
Posted by
Louisiana, USA
370 posts
I had the best time at Westminster Abbey in early June! I was among the first in line and went straight to the Lady Chapel. Saw that and the side chapels with interesting tombs mostly by myself. Then I saw the Jubilee Gallery upstairs which was very nice. After that was the Verger Tour I had booked on arrival. I HIGHLY recommend the Verger Tour. It was wonderful. This visit to the Abbey was definitely a highlight of my latest trip to London.