With a little attention and a lot of perseverance I almost managed to quickly squeeze through the crowds stopped on the sidewalk to take pictures. Most of them arrive in Westminster City by subway and block before the panorama that greets them. On the left side you have the sumptuous Palace of Westminster while on the right stands the elegant, imposing Westminster Abbey, my destination for the day.
Until you get to cross the street to the abbey you first have to have the ability to fight your way through the tourists. After that, you need the patience to stay on a queue of hundreds in order to enter. My luck was the special permit issued for journalists (thank you for the support Grace Robinson and the Press Office) which allowed me quick access within the premises.
So here I am inside, stunned, literally. Not only by the fact that the Abbey has a history of over 1,000 years. Or by its popularity which has increased over the years as members of the Royal Family were crowned or celebrated their marriages here. Rather by its unique architecture and the solemnity that Westminster Abbey imposes on you. The fact that you are suddenly in front of the tombs of famous characters such as Isaac Newton, William Blake and Anne Boleyn also helps increase the feeling.
As quickly as possible go take the audio guide, press Start and then carefully listen to the information provided about each area. Otherwise it is hard to get focused. Your eyes will wonder from one chapel to another, you will go round and round the tombs where 26 kings and queens of England rest in peace.
From Elizabeth I, Mary I or Henry III, the funerary masks and tomb stones are a reminder of those who have shaped the history of England. And now comes that moment when you are tempted to take photos. It is all in vain 🙁 . Photography and filming are not permitted inside so you will just have to rely on your photographic memory to retain as much as possible. Although it is hard to ever forget Westminster Abbey. The Gothic architecture, the impressive tombs, the sculptures of angels and kings, the amazing colorful stained windows, the pavements and artifacts…
Then it happened. That magic moment when the pipe organ started. Instantly I sat down on a chair and tried not to make a sound. It crossed my mind that if I had a remote control I would commute to Mute button and stop the tumult of tourists. Although many of them reacted just like me. The people stopped and listened. Through the organ sounds you’re suddenly in a world detached from reality, a universe protected by honey-colored arches and statues that solemnly guard the tombs and niches of the chapels. Now here’s a little tip: if you take time and check the site of the Westminster Abbey, you can catch an organ recital to enjoy outside visiting hours (recitals are usually scheduled after 17.45).
I stayed up to the closing hours, remaining behind just to catch a glance of the empty abbey. Without the tourists, the inside is overwhelming, reinstating the solemn, spiritual atmosphere that make you bow your head and pray. 
I gave myself at least an hour and 30 min for the visit here. Needless to hurry especially since there is so much information to assimilate. Towards exist you will pass by the Coronation chair made for Edward I in 1300. Until then do what I did: turn to your left and go out in the patio to enjoy the perfect green of the courtyard, stop by the gift shop, enjoy the view that the inner open corridors offer you.
For your own sake try to avoid planning a visit here during weekend when Westminster Abbey is super crowded and closes at 1.30 am. It is less than funny when there are 100 people trying to get in the same chapel as you. The best time for a visit is during the week, the access is usually from 9.30 am. The official website of the Abbey is well organized and will give you all the details you need, including data about church history, official ceremonies or personalities buried here.
What I recommend:
- Check the access hours and buy your tickets online. You save a lot of time. Prices are £ 20 per person for adults, £ 17 for pensioners and £ 40 if you take a Family Web ticket valid for 2 adults and a child.
- If you haven’t read about Westminster Abbey before then use the audio guide which gives you a clear and incisive input. Each area is numbered so it is pretty ease to make your way to the most interesting areas
- Come here wearing shoes without heel (valid for ladies) as the floor tiles are containing many extremely old funerary inscriptions and tombs
- Do not miss the on-site café – Café Cellarium, perfect to rest your tired feet and have a cup of aromatic coffee
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