Westminster Abbey

The height of Gothic splendor. Discover the locations of 16 royal weddings, several funerals, and each coronation since 1066. Westminster Abbey is a well-liked destination to browse the graves, tablets, busts, and stone dedications, similar to the Pantheon Crypt in Paris where you can see the tombs and memorials to important historical personalities. Along with dukes, countesses, and historical "celebs" like Darwin, Dickens, Hardy, Behn, and Olivier, there are 17 monarchs and queens interred here.

More than 3,000 individuals have been memorialized in the cloisters and chapels of the Abbey with stones, statues, and shrines. Isambard Kingdom Brunel is even given his own stained glass window, and the South Transept has a whole section devoted to poets and other writers, including DH Lawrence, Jane Austen, Dylan Thomas, Lewis Carroll, Shakespeare, and many more.

While you're there, it's also worthwhile to stroll around the Abbey's grounds. The four gardens—the ancient Garth, Little Cloister, College Gardens, and the more contemporary St. Catherine's Garden—are all quite lovely. One of the most unique gardens is the College Garden, which is where the original infirmarer's patch formerly stood and was used to cultivate food and medical herbs for Abbey inmates. All of the gardens, though, are exquisitely landscaped and surrounded by stunning architecture, so any one would be a nice place to promenade. Because Westminster Abbey is still a fully operational church, the visiting hours frequently change.

If you're intending to come, check the website ahead to see which parts will be accessible. The Cellarium Café is a nice place to stop if you're determined to stop by anyway; it's normally open during the week from 8am until 9am on Saturday and Sunday. It's also important to point out that audio-guided tours of the Abbey's highlights are available every day.

Google Rating: 4.6/5.0
Address: Broad Sanctuary20 Deans YdLondonSW1P 3PA
Phone: 020 7222 5152

Price:£20, £17 concs., £9 under-17s, under-fives free, family from £40
Opening hours:Opening times vary depending on events and areas you want to visit. Check the website for times on the day you want to visit
Website: westminster-abbey.org/home