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Home / Type of trip / Attractions / Westminster Abbey: family travel perspective

Westminster Abbey: family travel perspective

February 13, 2015 by Gretta Schifano 31 Comments

Westminster Abbey. Image courtesy of Dan Pianesi, Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey. Image courtesy of Dan Pianesi, Westminster Abbey

I’m reviewing a new guide book series- Marco Polo Spiral Guides…  – and one of the first things that I see in the London book is a Top 10 list of the most important sights in the capital. At the top of the list is Westminster Abbey.

I’ve lived half an hour outside of London for most of my life, I go there often and I think that I know it well. Yet I’ve never been inside Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the place where Kings and Queens have been crowned for nearly 1,000 years. I determine to go there as soon as possible.

The next day as soon as the kids are off at school I walk the dog and then head to the station to catch the train to London. Once in the capital I take the tube to Westminster and walk past the Houses of Parliament and across Parliament Square to Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey

From the outside the Abbey is a vast, gothic structure with turrets and towers. I queue for a couple of minutes to get in at the Great North door. I have a press ticket for my visit but I think that the entry price is quite steep: £20 per adult and £9 per 6 -16 year old child (it’s slightly cheaper if you book online and younger ones are free if they’re with an adult). Once inside I collect my free audio guide and printed map as well as a children’s trail with a clipboard and pencil so that I can see what’s on offer for visitors with kids in tow.

I stop and stand and look around and am amazed by the grandeur and beauty of the place. I don’t know what to look at first. There’s a vast vaulted ceiling, there are inscriptions on the floor and walls and there are tombs and statues all over the place. A man in a green gown, a volunteer guide, asks if I need any help. We chat and he tells me that the Abbey is a ‘Royal Peculiar’ which means that it belongs directly to the monarch and is independent of the Church of England. This means that it’s self-supporting – which is why the tickets are so pricey.

Interior of Westminster Abbey. Image courtesy of Jim Dyson, Westminster Abbey

Interior of Westminster Abbey. Image courtesy of Jim Dyson, Westminster Abbey

Children’s Trail

He shows me the children’s trails printed in several languages including Italian, Spanish and French and tells me that everyone who completes one of these trails receives a Westminster Abbey chocolate coin. This sounds like an excellent way to help parents to chivy their children around the Abbey. For a problem that I find when visiting amazing historical places like Westminster Abbey is that I want to look at everything and read every sign while my children generally don’t. (And neither did I want to as a child). So, children’s trails, chocolate and other bribes and distractions –  bring them on, they’re all good if they engage children and help families to visit historical places.

Westminster Abbey Children's Trail. Copright Gretta Schifano

Westminster Abbey Children’s Trail. Copright Gretta Schifano

Audio guide

I use the map and audio guide (narrated by Jeremy Irons) to follow a route around the Abbey, looking at the Children’s Trail as I go along. I walk along the nave to the Great West Door, the one used on official occasions like coronations and Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding.

Grave of the Unknown Warrior

Just inside the door I see a group of small boys clustered around a poppy-edged black slab on the floor. The audio guide tells me that this marble slab covers the grave of the Unknown Warrior, the body of a serviceman brought here from France in 1920 to commemorate the members of the armed forces who died in the First World War. The boys listen solemnly as their teacher explains that this is the most important of all of the tombs at the Abbey, more important than those of any of the Kings or Queens or famous people. I like this teacher.

Coronations

I walk back along the nave through the Quire and up to the High Altar. This is the actual place where Kings and Queens are crowned (I’d love to have come here as a child and played Coronations with my siblings. There should so be a huge Royal dressing up box here). Starting with William the Conqueror in 1066 most of the country’s monarchs have been crowned at Westminster Abbey. Since 1300 they’ve all used the chunky, wooden Coronation Chair for the event. This chair is behind glass at the end of the tour so you can only see it from a distance.

The Coronation Chair. Image courtesy of Dan Pianesi, Westminster Abbey

The Coronation Chair. Image courtesy of Dan Pianesi, Westminster Abbey

Chapels

Behind the High Altar is a series of amazing chapels with tombs of people that kids may know from Horrible Histories such as Elizabeth I, Mary Tudor, Mary, Queen of Scots and Edward the Confessor. At the eastern end of the Abbey is Henry VII’s Lady Chapel, a beautiful Medieval structure with a vaulted ceiling which was said to be ‘the miracle of the world’ when it was built. Behind this is a small chapel with colourful stained glass windows dedicated to the men of the Royal Air Force who died in the Battle of Britain between July and October 1940. There’s still a hole in the stone of the chapel wall, now covered with glass, from bomb damage that same year.

Poet’s Corner

After the chapels the next part of the tour is Poet’s Corner where many famous writers such as Dickens, Chaucer, Shakespeare and Hardy are buried or memorialised. After searching in vain for any women writers apart from the Bronte sisters, George Eliot and Jane Austen I hand in my audio guide at the collection point and head out to the cloisters.

Cloisters

I go into the octagonal Chapter House and I’m struck by the vivid images on the walls which were painted around 1400. They show religious scenes as well as animals and birds. Apparently this room was used in the thirteenth century for daily meetings by the Benedictine monks who lived here. It was later used for meetings of the King’s Great Council and the Commons, forerunners of today’s Parliament. The Children’s Trail says that one of the doors in the Chapter House is the oldest door in England. I look this up later and find that the door is nearly a thousand years old. The next room is the Pyx Chamber where the monks and the King used to store their treasure.

Wall painting, Chapter House, Westminster Abbey. Image copyright Gretta Schifano

Wall painting, Chapter House, Westminster Abbey. Image copyright Gretta Schifano

Abbey Museum

The Abbey Museum has some interesting exhibits including a practice set of Crown Jewels, presumably for future Kings and Queens to practice with before their coronations. Marvellous. At the museum kids can borrow an outfit and dress up as a monk to have a photo taken in the cloisters (I mean no disrespect to monks but it would be great to have crowns and Royal outfits for kids to dress up in too).

College garden

I leave the museum and follow a passageway to the college garden. It’s a large, enclosed grassy space bordered by flower beds, paths and benches. I have the garden to myself on this February day but I imagine that this must be a lovely place to relax with a picnic when the weather’s warm. I check later and am told that visitors are welcome to sit on the grass with their lunch and that there are free lunchtime brass band concerts during the summer as well as a range of family activities such as learning to dance for the Queen, making a crown or learning to be a knight.

Cafe

I head back into the cloisters and find the bustling Cellarium Cafe in a vaulted room. The cakes look tempting but I need to head home. I follow the signs back into the Abbey, past the Coronation Chair and, inevitably, out through the Abbey Gift Shop.

Cellarium Cafe, Westminster Abbey. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Cellarium Cafe, Westminster Abbey. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Gift shop

At the shop I hand in the clipboard and pencil which I was given with the Children’s Trail and the serious lady behind the till insists that I accept a very large Westminster Abbey chocolate coin in exchange. Fair enough.

Verdict

I’m really pleased that I have now visited Westminster Abbey and I’m sorry not to have done so sooner. It really is a fascinating place. If I were on a sightseeing tour of London I’d definitely take my children there as it’s such an important historical place. But they would need chocolate to get them there. And a trip to a cafe or a picnic afterwards.

Family travel lowdown

Tickets to Westminster Abbey cost £18 per adult, £8 per 6 -16 year old child (younger ones are free if they’re with an adult), £45 for a family of two adults and two children if booked online. Tickets cost slightly more on the door. There’s no charge for people who are visiting the Abbey to pray or to attend religious services. Visitors with babies and young children are welcome to take a pushchair into the Abbey. Keep an eye on the Westminster Abbey website for details of summer family events.

Disclosure: I was given a ticket for Westminster Abbey for the purpose of this review.

I’ll be publishing my review of the new Marco Polo Spiral Guides next week and there’ll be a chance for 10 Mums do travel readers to win a book of their choice from this series. Have you ever been inspired by a book to visit somewhere on your doorstep?

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Categories: Attractions, City, Things to do in London with kids
Tags: London sightseeing, Westminster Abbey

About Gretta Schifano

I'm a freelance journalist and blogger specialising in family travel with teenagers, trips when parents manage to travel without their kids, and 50+ travel. I also write about vegetarian travel, parenting teenagers, adoption, SEN, ADHD and anxiety. My work's been published by the Financial Times, Guardian, Independent, National Geographic Traveller, Lonely Planet and others. I've lived and worked in Italy and Spain and am now based in rural south-east England with my husband, adoptive and birth kids and our dog. I previously worked as a social action radio producer for the BBC.

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Comments

  1. Fritha says

    February 20, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    We are spending three days in London soon and were looking for ‘touristy’ things to do so I’m adding this to my list! x
    Fritha recently posted…Life Lately plus a little local spa discountMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Carolynne @ Mummy Endeavours says

    February 19, 2015 at 10:49 am

    I haven’t been either but it looks fab, as I knew it would! I will go there soon and take my children x
    Carolynne @ Mummy Endeavours recently posted…Project 365 Week 7 – 2015My Profile

    Reply
  3. Kara says

    February 17, 2015 at 10:16 am

    I haven’t been to Westminster Abbey for years – must go back for a visit with the kids
    Kara recently posted…A New Blog LookMy Profile

    Reply
  4. VaiChin @RamblingThroughParenthood says

    February 16, 2015 at 5:44 pm

    I have so wanted to visit the Westminster Abbey. But the ticket price and the lack of any sort of discount means I have been putting it off. I will, some day.
    VaiChin @RamblingThroughParenthood recently posted…Pineapple Chow Made EasyMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Globalmouse says

    February 16, 2015 at 3:51 pm

    Is it bad that I didn’t even realise that Westminster Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? I haven’t been since I was at school and clearly need to change that! It looks as amazing as I remember it so I’m not really sure why I haven’t been back. I am planning some London trips so will definitely add it to the list!
    Globalmouse recently posted…Luxury wool bedding with the Wool RoomMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Ting at My Travel Monkey says

    February 16, 2015 at 3:40 pm

    I haven’t been for several years, but I am in awe of it. It’s such a magnificent building. I didn’t realise there was a Children’s Trail and a garden. I think I shall add this to my ever-growing list of London trips I am planning this year!
    Ting at My Travel Monkey recently posted…Trunki PaddlePak Review and GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Liska @NewMumOnline says

    February 16, 2015 at 12:10 pm

    You’ve really thoroughly brought it to life. It sounds utterly fascinating and well worth a visit. Despite living in London for 41 years I have never been. I really love the chocolate coin. Daddy loves history so would be in his element here. x
    Liska @NewMumOnline recently posted…A Week of Photos A Week of MemoriesMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Clare Nicholas says

    February 15, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    I think the price would put me off as I know the kids wouldn’t appreciate it and get bored.
    Looks stunning though
    Clare Nicholas recently posted…Project 365 2015 – Photo Round Up Week 7My Profile

    Reply
  9. Michelle says

    February 15, 2015 at 7:29 pm

    I’ve never been there myself but it looks really interesting xxx

    Reply
  10. bluebearwood says

    February 14, 2015 at 11:05 pm

    Westminster Abbey is so magnificent to go and see, I haven’t been for many years but this has made me want to take my girls now. Great post

    Reply
  11. The Diary Of A Jewellery Lover says

    February 14, 2015 at 7:53 pm

    I have to admit I have never been and it does look interesting but I am not sure if I would pay the entrance fee to be perfectly honest. My husband would enjoy it though as he loves British history.
    The Diary Of A Jewellery Lover recently posted…No Man Is A Failure That Has FriendsMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Monika @family{m}adventures says

    February 14, 2015 at 7:03 pm

    I have been to Westminster Abbey, but not with the kids yet. It was probably 20 years ago, as a tourist, before I knew the UK would be my home.
    I am always surprised how many people haven’t been, but I also didn’t remember it being so expensive. There should really be a distinction at places like this for residents and tourists, with residents having cheaper access as a way to help them understand important heritage, don’t you think?
    Monika @family{m}adventures recently posted…10 Lessons learnt from flying with my toddlerMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      February 14, 2015 at 7:54 pm

      I agree, it’s very expensive and there doesn’t seem to be any way of getting a discount.There are so many amazing places to visit for free in London that you’d have to really, really want to go there to pay for a family ticket.

      Reply
  13. Rachel says

    February 14, 2015 at 2:49 pm

    It has been some time since I went to Westminster abbey, even though I live in London x
    Rachel recently posted…The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping MaskMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Polly says

    February 14, 2015 at 2:22 pm

    my horrible history mad kids would love to visit here!
    Polly recently posted…Bambino Mio GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
  15. ninjacat says

    February 14, 2015 at 10:26 am

    what a brilliant post so very detailed , I would love to go back to Westminster Abbey .
    ninjacat recently posted…Luxor The Jewel of The Magical NileMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      February 14, 2015 at 2:00 pm

      Thank you, I’m glad that you like it!

      Reply
  16. Mina Joshi says

    February 14, 2015 at 12:13 am

    I work in Westminster and walk past the Abbey regularly but have never taken the trouble to go inside. Next time I have half a days leave – I must go in.
    Mina Joshi recently posted…Pav Bhaji (Spicy blend of vegetables served with bread)My Profile

    Reply
  17. Cathy (MummyTravels) says

    February 13, 2015 at 10:51 pm

    I do love Westminster Abbey and would certainly go more often if it was cheaper. It is an amazing building and such incredible history, I should make the effort to go back soon. I think a trip without my daughter until she’s a bit older though!
    Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…Why family holidays could be cheaper in 2016My Profile

    Reply
  18. Emma says

    February 13, 2015 at 8:27 pm

    wow I would be in awe in such an amazing place but as a visiting with the children / family of five the price would put me off I’m afraid.
    Emma recently posted…TREVELLA PARK PRESENTS EASTER WITH INSECTSMy Profile

    Reply
  19. lisa prince says

    February 13, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    what a stunning place , i havent been since i was 10 , thats 21 years ago and wish that one day soon i get ot go see it again x

    Reply
  20. Jaime Oliver says

    February 13, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    I would adore this building it looks utterly stunning form outside and we have been meaning to visit for quite some time!

    Its now on our Summer list to do!
    Jaime Oliver recently posted…Taking The First Step And Setting GoalsMy Profile

    Reply
  21. Bek Dillydrops says

    February 13, 2015 at 7:10 pm

    I’d have never thought to take the children there. I’ve not visited there but it sounds good for our future trips to London.
    Bek Dillydrops recently posted…Valentines Crafts with BostikMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Jen aka Muminthemadhouse says

    February 13, 2015 at 5:51 pm

    Oh I have never been although it is pretty expenses for somewhere that you wouldn’t spent that long in, especially if like us London is a long way to go and we try to cram as much in as we can
    Jen aka Muminthemadhouse recently posted…Encouraging kids to saveMy Profile

    Reply
  23. Boo Roo and Tigger Too says

    February 13, 2015 at 3:05 pm

    My daughter would love this as Kate and William got married there. The ticket price is a little expensive but as a one-off trip it’s not too bad.
    Boo Roo and Tigger Too recently posted…5 reasons why you should shop at Aldi #AldiChallengeMy Profile

    Reply
  24. Jenny says

    February 13, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    Just forwarded yr blog to tom who leaves tomorrow for two weeks in London.

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      February 13, 2015 at 3:24 pm

      I hope he has a lovely time.

      Reply
  25. My Family Ties says

    February 13, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    You have inspired me to take my daughter’s to Westminster Abby, we too live only an hour from London and I am ashamed to say I have never been there! A must do this year, thank you for sharing it 🙂
    My Family Ties recently posted…Bella Espresso Coffee Machine ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  26. Shobha says

    February 13, 2015 at 12:36 pm

    It’s so peaceful in the Abbey even though there are lots of tourists milling around. Something about the vaulted ceilings and all that stone lends a serene atmosphere.
    Shobha recently posted…The Legendary Bleeding Heart RestaurantMy Profile

    Reply
  27. Donna says

    February 13, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    Even though I live in london I never visit the tourist areas even though I keep meaning too. I’m annoyed I didn’t go to the Tower of London when I used to live around the corner!!! So I’m going to make it a mission this year to actually visit some of the amazing places we have in our doorstep!
    Jane Austen is at Winchester cathedral, I managed to go there! Lol x
    Donna recently posted…Nutmeg: Spring/Summer 2015 CollectionMy Profile

    Reply
  28. Sarah Ebner says

    February 13, 2015 at 11:18 am

    I haven’t been to Westminster Abbey for years, but remember thinking it was a wonderful place the last time I went, way before we had children. Perhaps it’s time I took the kids – it sounds very well set up for it.
    Sarah Ebner recently posted…Enjoying the beaches in TenerifeMy Profile

    Reply

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This is a personal blog written and edited by me, Gretta Schifano. Sometimes I’m given products or sent on trips to review, but I always make this clear and give my honest opinion. See my About page for full details.

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