Tour: Medieval monastery
Discover the story of Westminster Abbey’s Benedictine monastery, from the arrival of the first twelve monks in 960 AD to its dramatic dissolution under Henry VIII in 1540.
On this 90-minute journey you’ll follow in the footsteps of the medieval monks, exploring some of the Abbey’s most atmospheric spaces, including:
- The Nave and Quire, where the monks gathered for daily worship
- The High Altar and Lady Chapel, places of devotion and splendour
- Poets’ Corner, where history and creativity meet
- The Cloisters and Chapter House, at the heart of monastic life
- The Pyx Chamber, the Abbey’s oldest surviving room
- The Jerusalem Chamber, once part of the Abbot’s house and steeped in history
Join us to uncover how monastic life shaped the Abbey we know today.
Available dates
Monday 1st September – 10:00am and 1:00pm
Tuesday 2nd September –10:00am and 1:00pm
Wednesday 3rd September – 10:00am and 1:00pm
Thursday 4th September – 10:00am and 1:00pm
Friday 5th September – 10:00am and 1:00pm
Saturday 6th September – 10:00am
Monday 8th September – 10:00am and 1:00pm
Tuesday 9th September – 10:00am
Wednesday 10th September - 10:00am
Thursday 11th September – 10:00am and 1:00pm
Friday 12th September – 10:00am and 1:00pm
Monday 15th September – 10:00am and 1:00pm
Wednesday 17th September – 10:00am and 1:00pm
Friday 19th September – 10:00am and 1:00pm
Saturday 20th September – 10:00am
Monday 22nd September – 1:00pm
Thursday 25th September – 10:00am and 1:00pm
Friday 26th September – 10:00am and 1:00pm
Saturday 27th September – 10:00am
Monday 29th September - 10:00am
Tuesday 30th September – 10:00am and 1:00pm
Ticketing information
There is a maximum of 15 people per tour.
What you need to book for this event
General admission to the Abbey
How to book
Choose your preferred date from the list above.
Select 'Book Abbey and Medieval Monastery tour tickets' and enter your chosen date and time (the time slot must be before or the same time as the tour time slot) and select your general admission tickets.
You will then be prompted to book tickets for the Medieval Monastery tour, if available.
If you are interested in the 1:00pm tour
If you would like to look around the rest of the Abbey during your visit, then we recommend you do so before you take part in the tour. This is to allow you enough time to see as much as possible.
Access and security
Please have your ticket ready to show our staff (either printed or on your mobile phone).
On your arrival, your bag will be searched and we ask you not to bring any large items with you (for example suitcases, large backpacks or folding bicycles) as these will not be allowed inside and we are unable to store them for you.
The Abbey has uneven floors and parts of the tour may only be accessible up a flight of steps, so we recommend you wear sensible footwear. Some areas on this tour are not wheelchair accessible, please consider this carefully when booking.
The Abbey is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events for all. If you have any access requirements or questions about your visit, please contact us when booking. [email protected]
Filming and photography
Please note that filming and sound recording are not permitted at the Abbey. See our photography policy for more information. Photograph is not allowed in the Jerusalem Chamber.
