The verger tour of Westminster Abbey

Why it is on the list

Westminster Abbey has crowned 40 English and British monarchs since 1066 and buried 18; with the Palace of Westminster and St Margaret's Church it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.¹ At its centre, behind the High Altar, is the shrine of Edward the Confessor, the king who built the first large church here; Henry III moved his remains there in 1269.¹ General visitors cannot enter the shrine. A verger, one of the clergy's staff who look after the church, takes you in, then on to Poets' Corner, the royal tombs, the Lady Chapel and the nave.²

It is the wrong choice for a party that wants a building to itself: the tour is shared with up to 20 people, runs in English only and happens during opening hours.² For a house after closing, for your party alone, take the candlelit tour at Sir John Soane's Museum.

How to get it

Tours run Monday to Saturday and last about 90 minutes.² They cannot be booked ahead: buy an entry ticket online for a slot about 30 minutes before the tour, then book the tour at the Abbey when you arrive.² The day before, call 020 7654 4832 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) to learn the tour times; that line does not take bookings.² The tour costs the Abbey entry price plus £10; adult entry is £31.²³ General admission runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm, and the Abbey is a working church that can close at short notice.³

Small bags up to 40×30×20 cm are allowed; suitcases, large backpacks and anything on wheels are not, and there is no cloakroom.⁴

Discretion

The tour is shared, and the Abbey is open to the public while it runs.² There is a drop-off space outside the West Doors but no parking.⁴ Photography is never allowed in the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor, nor during services; flash, video, selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed anywhere in the church.⁵ Visitors are asked to dress modestly for a working church, and flat shoes suit its uneven floors.⁴