Westminster Abbey is a famous church in London, England which is known for its majestic and gothic architecture. It is one of the most famous and England’s oldest churches. If you are visiting London, you need to visit Westminster Abbey at least once in your lifetime. Many Westminster tours operate around the city and can take you around. After buying Westminster Abbey tickets from Westminster Abbey´s website, you can visit the church. 

There are also several Westminster Abbey tours and one can also take Westminster Abbey’s official tour. 

The best places to visit in Westminster Abbey are 

1. Lady chapel 

Lady Chappal is located at the Eastern end of Westminster Abbey. It is known for its exquisite beauty and never fails to Captivate its visitors. 

The lady chappal stands as a testament to English medieval architecture and is regarded as one of the last masterpieces. The architecture with delicate fan lights and its look gives you a feeling like you are skipping into the medieval architectural world. 

The chapel’s walls are adorned with colorful flags and are a tribute to the nights of the order of the bath who convened here since the 18th century. 

However, the windows don’t look original because they got broken a long time ago. But the new months are from the 1900s and they also give an aesthetic look to the church. 

The lady chappal gives vibes full of peacefulness and it feels like you are stepping into a different time which is full of stories and beautiful things to look at. 

2. North Ambulatory 

Near the entrance of Westminster Abbey lies the North Ambulatory. It is an area filled with remarkable memorials and Toms that tell stories of the past. 

There is also the shrine of Edward the Confessor, a figure of immense significance in the Abbey’s history. One can witness the incredible craftsmanship in its creation.

Edward the Confessor played a crucial role in shaping Westminster Abbey as we know it today. With the approval from the Pope in 1065, he oversaw the construction of a grand Norman Church which was dedicated to St Peter. The project was a success and it earned him the title of the Abbey’s refounder which is mentioned on the official website of Westminster Abbey. 

3. The Queen’s Window. 

The dean of Westminster Abbey extended a unique invitation to David Hawking, who is one of the most esteemed and eminent contemporary artists. He was given the task of commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and was given the full creative freedom to include a distinctive artistic style in a stained glass window. 

Hockey’s creation stood out because of its unconventional style which was characterized by vibrant colors and playful simplicity. It offered a fresh perspective on the Queen’s legacy and was different from Abbey’s typical architecture. 

Hockney drew inspiration from his roots in Yorkshire and he also confused elements of the countryside that hold personal significance to both him and the queen. The window was completed in 2018 and it stands testament to the endowing power of art which captured the essence of a moment in time. 

4. The Quire Screen (And choir ) 

Quire screen is situated near the main area called the Nave. It is a stone screen and acts like a fancy divider, separating the nave from the choir part. 

On one side of the Quire screen, one can find memorials honoring famous British scientists such as Sir Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and Charles Darwin. 

If you go past the screen, you will reach the Choir section. This is where the choir is during Church services and some of the reserves are reserved for high commissioners from Commonwealth countries. 

The choir has its roots in medieval times and that one was built in the 19th century. 

5. The High Altar 

The high altar at Westminster Abbey holds dual significance. Firstly, it’s a traditional spot where British monarchs used to undergo their coronation ceremony which dates back to centuries. During these grant events, the coronation chairs are bought and used to face the high altar. Queen Elizabeth II was also ground here in 1953 which was

attended by 8 000 people. The high Altar also serves as the focal point for regular Church services. 

Around the high Altar, one can witness the stunning gilded screen at its center. It was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1867. 

Do not miss the Cosmati pavement in front of the Altar, which was laid in 1268. It is often held as the “finest example in Northern Europe ” according to Westminster Abbey’s tour guide book and is considered a Masterpiece of glass and marble design. 

The High Altar is surrounded by other significant areas like the Poet’s Corner, the choir, the North Ambulatory, and the entrance of cloisters. 

6. Pyx Chamber 

Pyx Chamber is located within the East cloisters of Westminster Abbey. It was built around AD 1070-80 and is one of the oldest rooms in London and in the Abbey. 

It originally served as a royal treasury In The 13th century the pyx chamber derives its name from the term “pyx” which refers to a box used to store precious metals. Its heavy oak door once secured by five locks is safeguarding the Crown jewels and essential state documents. 

Inside, you’ll see a floor made of all tiles dating back to the 11th century. It’s like stepping back in time! Although it is not allowed to go inside, one can peek through the open door and get a good look. 

The pics chamber was more than just a storage place, here the decisions were made about the country’s relations with other nations which holds a special significance in history. 

7. Chapter House 

At the center of Westminster Abbey’s East cloister is the Chapter House. It was built in 1250 and it is studied as a place where monks met up for discussions, readings, and prayers. 

With time the chapter house became even more important. In the 13th century, it became a spot where big decisions were taken by the king’s great Council. Later, in the 14th century, the House of Commons met at a fair before moving to another part of the Abbey.

The chapter house is known for its cool design especially its cool pillar reaching up to the high ceiling. The walls are adorned with old paintings showing scenes from the Bible and colorful stained glass windows light up the place. 

You can also check out the chapter house’s old wooden door which is often considered to be one of the oldest in all of Britain and dates back to around 1050. 

8. Poet’s corner 

At Westminster Abbey, there is a special place called Poets Corner. This spot has become a pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts from around the world and attracts a large number of visitors every year. 

The tradition of honoring Writers in the poet’s corner started a long time ago and It began with Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote The Canterbury Tales. After him, many other famous writers like Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, William Shakespeare, CS Lewis, and Jane Austen were either worried here or remembered with black and statues. 

As you take a tour of the poets’ corner, you will see a pattern of black and white blacks on the floor, paying tribute to these literary icons. Lord Byron and dialing Thomas adjusted to each other, with Lewis Carroll’s plaque below which forms a distinctive t- shape arrangement of plaques. 

The act is like David Garlic and mutual since like Frederick are also honored here and their flags serve as a permanent reminder of the enduring Legacy of these literary giants. 

9. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 

In Westminster Abbey, there is a special place called the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a brave British soldier from World War I is buried. According to Westminster Abbey’s official tour, the soldier’s identity remains a mystery but his valor is eternally honored. 

The journey of the unknown soldier began in the French trenches and made the ultimate sacrifice of his life for the country. In 1920, his body was brought back to England and buried in Westminster Abbey. Around his Grave, you will see 100 soldiers honored with Victoria crosses. People from all over the world come to pay their respects at this spot, especially on Poppy Day. 

There is also the memorial of Winston Churchill which is situated in the center of the Nave.

10. The Coronation Chair 

Saint George’s Chapel holds a treasure, an ancient chair known as “The Coronation Chair”. This chair dates back to the 14th century and has witnessed the Crowning of more than 26 monarchs including Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Queen Elizabeth II. 

It was originally crafted by King Edward I and has become a synonym with the coronation ceremony of English Monarchs. 

Despite its age the coronation chair is an essential symbol of Royal authority. Its history is rich with stories including its use by Oliver Cromwell, the lord Protector for his ceremony in Westminster Hall. 

The coronation chair is Westminster Abbey’s signature place to visit. It serves as a reminder of the endwing positions and ceremonies of the British world. 

Visiting Westminster Abbey offers a profound journey through history, where each corner speaks volumes. 

FAQ – Top 10 places to see in Westminster