Free entry to the Abbey for NHS staff as summer visiting hours are announced
Friday, 25th June 2021
NHS staff will be able to visit Westminster Abbey for free from July onwards. The gesture to NHS staff is an acknowledgment of all their hard work during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
People receiving Universal Credit will be offered a reduced rate of entry. Verger-guided tours will also return during the summer.
Social distancing, mask-wearing and the highest standard of COVID hygiene will still be in place when visiting or worshipping.
Reopening areas of the Abbey
From July The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries will reopen after being closed since last year. Set high above the Abbey floor in the medieval triforium, the museum tells the story of the Abbey’s thousand-year history and offers spectacular views down into the church below.
From Monday 19th July the following areas will also reopen, pending the further easing of lockdown:
- Elizabeth I and Mary Tudor tombs
- Mary Queen of Scots tomb
- Ambulatory side chapels
- Pyx Chamber
You can start planning your summer Abbey visits by:
- seeing visiting times and which areas will be open via our visit us page
- booking tickets
- finding out about upcoming services and times
- discovering updated prices and entry information
Worship
The Abbey remains open for public worship and individual prayer. Attendance at services is free of charge.
About the Abbey
The Abbey is an inspirational place to visit – a unique and beautiful church built around the shrine of Edward the Confessor - with a thousand years of history to explore. It has been the coronation church since 1066, has held 16 royal weddings and is the final resting place of kings, queens and some of the most distinguished figures from our nation’s history.
As the Abbey receives no Church or State funding, the return of visitors is also vital to protecting its priceless heritage, which has been put at risk by the drastic reduction in income caused by the COVID pandemic.
Visit England has awarded the Abbey its official ‘Good to Go’ kitemark in recognition that it is following government and industry best practice guidelines to maintain the highest standards of protection through cleanliness and social distancing to help keep visitors safe. Further information about the measures in place is available on our coronavirus page.
As well as special arrangements to keep you safe during the COVID pandemic, we have rigorous security checks in place, and we ask also that you’re vigilant when you’re with us. Find out more about security at the Abbey.
