Westminster Abbey hours

The Westminster Abbey timings change throughout the week. 

On weekends, Westminster Abbey is open from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm.

On Saturday the opening hours are from 9 am to 1 pm. 

Westminster Abbey is only open for worshipers and not for tourists on Sundays. 

The Abbey is open to visitors every day of the year except on certain religious holidays. 

The Westminster Abbey hours are as follows: 

Days	Opening Hours
Monday to Friday	9.30 am to 3.30 pm
Saturday	9 am to 1 pm
Sunday	Worship only (no tourists visiting)

Visiting Westminster Abbey during busy hours

If you plan to visit Westminster Abbey during peak tourist season, you should be prepared for crowds. 

The abbey is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions so it can get busy, especially during summer. 

If you’re visiting during these months, arrive early in the morning during the initial Westminster Abbey London opening hours or late in the afternoon. 

Another option is to visit during the shoulder season, from June to August. 

You’ll enjoy pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and shorter queues during this time.

Service timings at Westminster Abbey

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As a working church, Westminster Abbey conducts daily services that are open to the public. 

These services are open to the public, and visitors are welcome to attend. 

However, some parts of the Abbey can be closed off to tourists during services.

If you’re interested in attending a service, the Westminster Abbey service timings are as follows:

• Monday to Friday: Morning Prayer at 7.30 am, Holy Communion at 8 am, and Evening Prayer at 5 pm
• Saturday: Morning Prayer at 7.30 am, Holy Communion at 8 am, and Evensong at 3 pm
• Sunday: Holy Communion at 8 am, Matins at 9 am, Sung Eucharist at 11 am, Evensong at 3 pm.

However, it’s important to note that these services are not tourist attractions but religious ceremonies. 

So, be respectful of the occasion, and make sure you’re appropriately dressed. Make sure you note the dress code before you plan your visit. 

How long does it take to tour Westminster Abbey 

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The entire Westminster Abbey can be explored in 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Visitors with the Westminster Abbey entry ticket can spend 2 hours in the cathedral and explore all the rooms and crypts.

If you take a guided tour, the tour takes around 2 hours.

Visitors who wish to tour other attractions along with Westminster Abbey spend more time.

Best time to visit Westminster Abbey 

The best time to visit Westminster Abbey during the day is either early in the morning during the initial opening hours at 9 am or late afternoon.

During this time, you can enjoy a crowd-free tour.

We recommend visiting during weekdays more than weekends.

During the weekends, the cathedral has limited opening time and some parts are closed for religious purposes.

Hence visiting during the weekend will not give you a complete tour of Westminster Abbey.

The off-peak season, typically from October to February, is the ideal time to visit Westminster Abbey. 

You can go during this time to escape the crowds and have a more relaxing experience.

FAQs

Featured Image: Westminster-abbey.org