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I is for Individuals

Discover over 1,000 years of faith and history with our brand-new A to Z of Westminster Abbey. Perfect for primary-aged children, and their accompanying adults, these independent and team activities are designed to spark creativity, ignite imaginations and keep young brains ticking, with little or no materials required. Letter-by-letter, uncover the many places, themes and beliefs that can be found within this national place of worship. What are you waiting for?

An Evening with Clare Jackson: James VI and I

Wednesday, 25th March 2026

Leading historian Clare Jackson makes the case for why this Stuart monarch should be considered one of the most interesting and consequential in British history.

Events Lectures

Attending a service

People from all over the world visit Westminster Abbey to join our services, which form part of a tradition of daily Christian worship.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Answers to frequently asked questions about visiting Westminster Abbey, including opening hours, ticket prices, accessibility, facilities, getting here, and what's on.

Recordings

The Abbey Choir enjoys a recording partnership with Hyperion. Its catalogue includes music for the great feasts, as well as Renaissance masterpieces and twentieth-century classics.

Ecumenical Patriarch and Archbishop of Canterbury attend Evensong

Wednesday, 4th November 2015

Evensong at Westminster Abbey on Tuesday 3rd November was held in the presence of His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, and His Grace The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I Archbishop of Canterbury Special Service

Tudor tomb

When Charles Dickens died at his home in Kent on 9th June 1870, it was presumed that he would be buried in Rochester Cathedral or in one of the nearby parish churches at Cobham or Shorne. This, after all, was what the author of some of the greatest novels in the English language had wanted.

Membership FAQs

Answers to your most-asked questions about membership of the Westminster Abbey Association.

Group visits

Visiting the Abbey in a group is a wonderful day out. We welcome private tour groups as well as school and university groups all year.

Advent & Christmas services frequently asked questions

Answers to questions you may have about Westminster Abbey's Advent and Christmas services.

I wonder why they dare - Flourish

In 2017, Westminster Abbey invited young people from around London to respond to the stories and memories held in the fabric of the building. These young consultants reflected on their experience through a variety of outcomes creating a vibrant and eclectic body of work.

Writing in good faith: a pilgrimage in fiction, film and thought

Thursday, 22nd May 2025

Writer and broadcaster Rhidian Brook gives the annual Eric Symes Abbott Memorial Lecture.

Eric Symes Abbott Memorial Lecture

A Reflection on history

Friday, 12th June 2020

I have been watching the film of Edward Colston’s statue emerging from Bristol’s Floating Harbour. The statue stood on the city centre Watershed, perhaps five hundred metres from Bristol Cathedral.

Friday Reflection COVID-19

Gift membership

Westminster Abbey Association membership is a fantastic gift that lasts for a year, giving unlimited entry, access to exclusive events and other benefits.

Lunchtime Organ Recital: The Music of César Franck

Wednesday, 20th May 2026

Francois Cloete, Organ Scholar of Westminster Abbey, plays César Franck’s Trois chorals pour orgue

Families

Westminster Abbey is a wonderful place for you to discover as a family. Whether you want to become a royal for the day, create a new and exciting piece of art or sing with our world famous choir, there is something for everyone. We offer a varied programme throughout the year to help your family explore a thousand years of history.

England's Oldest Garden

From mice to elephants and dragons to unicorns, the Abbey is an ark of exciting animals. Popping up on memorials, knight helmets, flags and candlesticks, animals have acted as symbols of power, loyalty and courage and captured our imagination in terrific tales for hundreds of years. Choose your animal counterpart and explore the Abbey's marvellous menagerie.

Building History

Westminster Abbey was founded in the year 960 AD. Since then there have been three churches on the same site. The current church is 750 years old and full of beautiful statues and windows. Join us to find out about and recreate some of the wonders you would encounter inside.

Fascinating Flags

As a royal church, Westminster Abbey celebrates the Commonwealth every day. The Commonwealth Service in March is a particularly joyful and hopeful celebration. Watch these videos to discover more about this family of nations who work together to make the world a better place, through song, dance and creativity.

What is St Margaret’s Church?

Westminster Abbey is, first and foremost, a living, working church where people of all faiths and none are welcome. Be still and reflect about how faith weaves the Abbey's 1,000 year story together.