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
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
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.
If you are planning to visit Westminster Abbey, also read about:
FAQs
1. What hours is Westminster Abbey open?
Westminster Abbey’s hours of operation are from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays.
On Sundays, it is available for worship only.
2. What are the operating hours of Westminster?
The opening hours of Westminster Abbey are from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturdays.
On Sundays, it is open for worship only.
3. Can you just turn up at Westminster Abbey?
Yes, you can visit Westminster Abbey without a prior appointment.
You do not need to purchase a ticket to attend a religious gathering.
However, if you wish to tour the church, you need to purchase an entry in advance.
4. What time of day is best to visit Westminster Abbey?
The best time to visit Westminster Abbey is early morning or late afternoon when the crowds are thinner.
Alternatively, visiting during the off-peak season (October to February) or on weekdays can provide a more relaxing experience.
5. How much time do you need at Westminster Abbey?
The time required to tour Westminster Abbey depends on your interest and curiosity.
On average, exploring the entire abbey takes around 90 minutes to 2 hours.
However, if you have a keen interest in history and architecture, you can choose to spend more time exploring.
6. Is Westminster Abbey open to tourists?
Yes, Westminster Abbey is open to tourists.
However, some areas can be closed off during religious services.
Visitors are welcome to attend the daily services, but respecting the religious ceremonies and dressing appropriately is essential.
Are you looking for the best tickets to explore Westminster Abbey?
Here are some of the best tickets for visiting Westminster Abbey and London.
Entry ticket: Get the opportunity to tour around the cathedral, bell tower, tombs and more with the Westminster Abbey entry ticket.
Guided tour: Tour the famous Westminster Abbey with an expert guide and gain insights about the famous attraction
St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey: Enjoy St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey with one ticket.
Westminster Abbey and Afternoon Tea: Tour the Cathedral and visit the Cellarium Cafe for an English afternoon tea.
Westminster Abbey and House of Parliament guided tour: Get a tour of the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
London Pass: Enjoy access to over 85 attractions, including Westminster Abbey, with just one pass.
Go City London explorer pass: Visit Westminster Abbey along with 1 to 6 other attractions with this pass.
Featured Image: Westminster-abbey.org
