Westminster Abbey is open to visitors once again
Friday, 21st May 2021
From today, Westminster Abbey will be open on selected days to visitors, following the further easing of lockdown restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Dates and times for visiting the Abbey have been confirmed until the end of June. Initially opening on Fridays and Saturdays, the Abbey will also be open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 7th June. More dates will be announced in due course, pending further easing of restrictions.
The Abbey remains open for public worship and individual prayer. Attendance at services is free of charge.
Social distancing, mask wearing and the highest standard of COVID hygiene will be in place when visiting or worshipping.
- See visiting times and discover which areas of the Abbey will be open when you visit us
- Book tickets
- Find out about upcoming services and times
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.
‘Share the glory of this ancient and holy place‘
The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle said:
‘For months, the Abbey has been a place where silence and an unfamiliar stillness has fallen between the regular services which never cease. Now, we can welcome back visitors and share the glory of this ancient and holy place. This is a time to see the Abbey, as it can rarely be seen, with rather fewer visitors. I am delighted to invite you to come and join us.’
