The Priority Access Tour of Westminster Abbey offers a unique opportunity to explore one of London’s most iconic landmarks without the hassle of long queues. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour provides an enriching experience that blends the Abbey’s rich history with the convenience of priority access. For those seeking a more expansive perspective, the optional Fast Track ticket for the London Eye promises stunning 360-degree views of the city. With a maximum group size of 20, the tour ensures a personalized and intimate exploration of this renowned site. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable day in the heart of London, this tour promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Good To Know
- The priority access tour allows skipping long queues to explore Westminster Abbey with a live professional guide for up to 90 minutes.
- Refreshments and pastries are served in the historic 14th-century Cellarium, enhancing the tour experience.
- The tour offers an optional fast-track ticket for the London Eye, providing stunning 360-degree views of London’s landmarks.
- The tour is stroller-friendly but not wheelchair accessible, and a moderate fitness level is required.
- The tour is highly rated, with reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides and the beautiful abbey architecture, though some critiques mention pacing issues.
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Contents
- Good To Know
- Tour Overview and Details
- Meeting and End Points
- Accessibility and Health Information
- Reviews and Ratings
- Booking Information
- Priority Access to Westminster Abbey
- Optional Fast Track London Eye
- Tour Duration and Refreshments
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Photography Allowed Inside the Abbey?
- Can the Tour Be Customized for Larger Groups?
- Are Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
- How Long Does the London Eye Ride Typically Last?
- Can the Tour Be Booked on the Day of the Visit?
- Sum Up
- Our Top Picks in London
- More Tours in London
- More Tour Reviews in London
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in London we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Details
The priority access tour of Westminster Abbey provides visitors with a live professional guide, allowing them to explore the historic abbey without waiting in long queues.
The tour includes refreshments and pastries served in the 14th-century Cellarium, followed by a guided tour of the abbey that lasts up to 90 minutes.
Travelers can also opt to add a 30-minute ride on the London Eye.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 20 passengers, ensuring a personalized experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and near public transportation.
Travelers should be aware that the tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness and may not be suitable for those with serious medical conditions.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London.
Meeting and End Points
Travelers generally meet at the Westminster Abbey Shop, located at 20 Deans Yard, London SW1P 3JS, and are advised to arrive at least 10 minutes before their selected tour start time. The tour ends at varying locations, with details provided during the booking process. To better understand the meeting and end points, consider the following table:
| Meeting Point | Arrive By | End Point | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster Abbey Shop | 10 minutes early | Varies | Refreshments (20-30 mins), Abbey tour (up to 90 mins) |
The tour offers a convenient and efficient experience, allowing visitors to make the most of their time exploring the iconic Westminster Abbey and its surrounding areas.
Accessibility and Health Information
This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed. Infants must sit on laps during the experience.
It’s not recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions, as a moderate physical fitness level is required.
While plant-based milk is offered, gluten-free or vegan pastries aren’t available.
The tour is located near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors. However, those with mobility or health concerns should carefully consider if this experience is suitable for them.
It’s essential to review the accessibility details provided to ensure the tour meets individual needs and comfort levels.
Reviews and Ratings
With a Badge of Excellence, the Westminster Abbey Priority Access Tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.5/5 based on reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor. Travelers frequently praise the knowledgeable guides, beautiful abbey architecture, and enjoyable refreshments, though some critiques mention issues with tour pacing, guide volume, and audio accessibility.
| Highlights | Lowlights |
|---|---|
| Knowledgeable guides | Tour pacing issues |
| Beautiful architecture | Guide volume problems |
| Enjoyable refreshments | Audio accessibility concerns |
Booking Information
The Westminster Abbey Priority Access Tour is priced from $98.62, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Travelers can also opt for the Reserve now and pay later option, though availability for desired dates and group sizes may be limited. Given the tour’s popularity, it’s likely to sell out, so customers are advised to check availability for their preferred date and number of travelers.
The tour offers priority access to the abbey, along with refreshments and an optional London Eye ticket, making it a convenient and comprehensive experience for visitors.
Booking early is recommended to secure a spot on this highly-rated tour.
Priority Access to Westminster Abbey
Priority access to Westminster Abbey is the key feature of this guided tour, allowing visitors to skip the long general admission lines and enter the iconic church without delay. The tour provides a live professional guide who shares insights about the abbey’s rich history and architecture throughout the experience.
| Access | Duration |
|---|---|
| Priority entry | Up to 90 minutes |
| Skip general admission lines | Refreshments (20-30 mins) |
| Abbey tour |
This efficient access and thorough exploration of Westminster Abbey ensures an engaging and memorable experience for tour participants. With a maximum of 20 passengers per group, the tour provides an intimate and personalized encounter with one of London’s most renowned landmarks.
Optional Fast Track London Eye
Participants can add a Fast Track ticket to their London Eye experience, allowing them to skip the standard queues and enjoy a 30-minute ride on the iconic observation wheel. This option provides priority access, so visitors don’t have to wait in long lines to ascend to the top of the London Eye.
With the Fast Track ticket, guests can simply proceed to the fast-track entrance and board the capsule without delay. The 30-minute rotation offers stunning 360-degree views of London’s skyline, including landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the River Thames.
This add-on is a convenient and time-saving way to experience the London Eye during the Westminster Abbey tour.
Tour Duration and Refreshments
The tour commences with a 20-to-30-minute refreshment period in the 14th-century Cellarium, where visitors can enjoy coffee and pastries while immersed in the abbey’s historic ambiance.
This is then followed by a guided tour of Westminster Abbey itself, lasting up to 90 minutes, during which the professional guide provides insights into the abbey’s remarkable architecture and rich history.
The total duration of the experience, including the refreshments and abbey tour, is approximately 110 to 120 minutes.
This combination of food, history, and guided exploration offers an engaging and enriching experience for visitors to Westminster Abbey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed Inside the Abbey?
Photography is allowed inside Westminster Abbey, but visitors must refrain from using flash and cannot photograph certain restricted areas. Photography policies may vary, so it’s best to check with staff upon arrival.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Larger Groups?
The tour can accommodate larger groups, though group size is generally limited to 20 passengers. Customization options may be available, but group size and special requests should be discussed with the tour provider when booking.
Are Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
Yes, the tour offers discounts for students and seniors. Customers can save up to 20% off the standard price by providing valid student or senior identification at the time of booking.
How Long Does the London Eye Ride Typically Last?
The London Eye ride typically lasts 30 minutes, according to the tour overview details. This provides visitors with a panoramic view of London’s iconic skyline after the Westminster Abbey tour.
Can the Tour Be Booked on the Day of the Visit?
The tour can generally be booked on the day of the visit, subject to availability. However, it’s recommended to book in advance to secure a spot, as the tours are popular and likely to sell out, especially during peak seasons.
Priority Access Tour of Westminster Abbey With London Eye Option
“Great tour. Easy to find the meeting point. Frank our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Would definitely recommend.”
Sum Up
The priority access tour of Westminster Abbey offers an enriching experience with a knowledgeable guide, allowing visitors to explore the iconic site without long queues.
The optional Fast Track London Eye ticket provides stunning 360-degree views of London, while the included refreshments in the historic Cellarium add to the overall experience.
With a maximum group size of 20, this tour ensures a personalized and intimate exploration of this renowned landmark.
