Exploring over 32,000 square feet of the cathedral can get confusing and exhausting without the Westminster Abbey map, especially for first-timers.
The cathedral has much to offer, including the Coronation chair, highlighting the royal connection between Westminster Abbey and the Crown of Britain.
Download the Westminster Abbey map PDF on your smartphone before visiting the cathedral to access it any time you wish to during your visit.
Westminster Abbey Structure and Layout
The Gothic influence is clearly visible in Westminster Abbey’s structure with its stone statues and flying buttresses.
The Abbey’s exterior also boasts beautiful stone statues of Kings who have shared an integral connection with the Abbey over the years.
There is much to see inside Westminster Abbey, from the Coronation chair to the Poet’s Corner.
The Poet’s Corner houses the graves of the most prominent poets, including Geoffrey Chaucer, the first to be buried here.
The attraction is well maintained, and its prominent architecture showcases its long-standing royal connection with the British Crown.
Westminster Abbey Entrances
The Westminster Abbey has two primary entrances, the Great Noth Door and the Great West Door.
There is another entrance by the Dean’s Yard.
Let us learn more about the Westminster Abbey entrances, easily visible on the Westminster Abbey map.
Great North Door
Visitors must follow the North Transcept to reach the North Door of Westminster Abbey. Visitors can exit the Abbey via the North Door, leading them to St. Margaret’s Church right ahead.
The North Transcept came to be known as the Statesman Aisle in 1788 when the remains of Prime Minister William Pitt were buried here.
This door leads straight to the Quire, High Altar, and Cosmati Pavement.
Great West Door
The Great West Door is one of the most preferred entrances at the Westminster Abbey.
This Door takes you close to the NAVE, and you can also see the Coronation Chair and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior first thing if you access the Abbey via this door.
The Great West Door is the Abbey’s focal point, and its highlights are the beautiful carvings and the words “Sancta Maria,” Latin for “Holy Mary.”
Right above the door are 10 statues of Martyrs, and the West Towers are located on both sides of the Great West Door.
The Crimea Memorial is just across the door on the opposite side of the Great West Door.
Group Entrances
Visitors wishing for a group entrance can take the entrance close to the Dean’s Yard.
This entrance takes you near the Cloister GARTH.
Navigating through the Westminster Abbey
The Abbey is a huge site; navigating it can become stressful for tourists, especially first-timers.
Therefore, it is recommended that you carry the Map of Westminster Abbey at all times.
Here is a brief guide to help you navigate through the Westminster Abbey.
- Walk inside the Abbey through The Great West door; you can quickly locate it on the Map of London’s Westminster Abbey and look at the Coronation Chair.
- Walk ahead and see the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
- You will reach the Abbey’s NAVE and walk straight to see the Quire, High Altar, and Comati Pavement.
- Turn to your left and keep walking further to see the Tombs of Medieval Kings and Queens. Walking in from the Great North Door leads you to this portion of the Abbey.
- Now, walk further to explore the Tomb of Elizabeth I and Mary I and explore the Lady Chapel and Tomb of Henry III, which are just close by.
- Now, as you walk out of the Tomb of Henry III, you will reach the Quire again.
- Walk in the other direction, opposite where you came from, and walk towards the left to see the Poet’s Corner and the tomb of Geoffrey Chaucer.
- Walk towards the Clisters GARTH to see the Cloisters, and keep walking straight until you see a left turn.
- Head inside towards the left to explore the Chapter House, and once you’re done, walk outside using the same lane.
- Once you reach the lane near the Cloisters GARTH, turn left and walk a little ahead till you see another space where you can see the Pyx Chamber dating from 1070.
- Next to the Pyx Chamber is the Abbey Museum, and the Little Cloister is a little ahead, too, as visible on the Westminster Abbey map.
FAQs about the Westminster Abbey Map
Do I need the Westminster Abbey map for exploring the Abbey?
The Westminster Abbey Map is a must-have for exploring the Abbey smoothly without wasting time, as it helps you navigate the vast venue easily and quickly.
Is the Westminster Abbey Map available online?
Visitors can download the Westminster Abbey Map PDF on their smartphones to access it whenever they want.
Featured Image: London-tickets.co.uk
