9 Tips for Visiting Westminster Abbey With Kids

When visiting Westminster Abbey with kids, you’ll want to book skip-the-line tickets 3-4 weeks ahead and grab the free Family Trail maps at entrance for an interactive treasure hunt experience. Consider hiring a Blue Badge Guide for tailored tours, plan around seasonal opening hours, and prepare for physical challenges since only 70% of the Abbey is stair-free. Use Westminster station for easy access, explore the elevated Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, and join themed family events throughout the year. Below you’ll discover specific strategies to maximize your family’s Westminster experience.

Book Skip-the-Line Access for Stress-Free Entry

When you’re planning a Westminster Abbey visit with children, booking skip-the-line access transforms a potentially stressful experience into a smooth family adventure. You’ll eliminate those overwhelming crowds that can quickly frustrate young visitors, while saving precious time that’s better spent exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Skip-the-line tickets provide immediate entry through alternative routes, bypassing the main queues where families often wait for hours during peak times. This means less time standing around and more time discovering the Abbey’s incredible history.

Your children won’t have to endure long waits that test their patience, and you’ll avoid the chaos of crowded entrance areas. The entire experience typically lasts around 2.5 hours, making it perfectly manageable for families with children of various ages.

Most booking platforms offer flexible cancellation policies, so you can adjust plans if needed while securing your family’s stress-free entry to one of London’s most magnificent attractions.

Take Advantage of the Free Family Trail

Once you’re inside Westminster Abbey with your fast-track entry, grab the free Family Trail from staff members to turn your visit into an exciting treasure hunt. This complimentary activity transforms potentially overwhelming historical sites into kid-friendly adventures, guiding families through key areas like the Royal Tombs and Poet’s Corner.

The trail works for children of all ages and helps you discover the Abbey’s most important features without needing a structured tour. Your kids will stay engaged as they complete activities and search for specific landmarks. The activities are specifically designed to help children engage with the Abbey’s history and architecture in an interactive way.

Don’t forget to collect the free badge at the shop when you’re finished – it’s a perfect souvenir that celebrates your children’s exploration efforts and makes them feel accomplished.

Consider a Private Blue Badge Guide Tour

While the Family Trail offers great independent exploration, hiring a private Blue Badge Guide can transform your Westminster Abbey visit into an unforgettable educational adventure tailored specifically for your children. These licensed professionals specialize in engaging kids aged 6-12 with fun, beyond-textbook narratives that bring history to life at sites like Poet’s Corner and the Coronation Throne.

Your 90-minute Abbey tour includes skip-the-line access and admission tickets, eliminating wait times that test children’s patience.

The experience extends with a sightseeing walk through St. James’s Park to Buckingham Palace, creating a detailed 1.5-2.5 hour adventure. Tours run every Saturday at 10:15 am, with additional Monday tours available depending on the season.

Tours accommodate strollers and require only moderate fitness levels.

With guides speaking over 30 languages and prices starting at $87.95 per adult, advance booking ensures your family receives dedicated, expert guidance.

Plan Around Opening Hours and Age Requirements

Before you pack your bags, check Westminster Abbey’s operating schedule since it varies considerably throughout the year and can make or break your family’s visit.

Standard weekdays offer 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM access with last entry at 2:30 PM, while Saturdays run 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. However, winter months (January-February) reduce hours significantly, closing as early as 12:30 PM on Saturdays.

Budget-wise, children under 6 enter free with adults, while kids 6-17 need £8-£14 tickets. Family packages start at £20 for one adult plus one child, offering up to 25% savings.

Avoid Sundays entirely—it’s worship-only with no tourist access.

Summer extends hours until 4:30 PM weekdays, giving families more flexibility. Always verify current schedules since royal events and holidays cause unexpected closures.

For the smoothest family experience, book tickets 3-4 weeks ahead during peak season when crowds are heaviest and availability becomes limited.

Prepare for Physical Challenges and Accessibility Limits

Even though Westminster Abbey welcomes families with mobility needs, you’ll face significant physical challenges that require advance planning with children who’ve accessibility requirements.

The historic building’s uneven floors from underground burials make navigation tricky with wheelchairs or mobility aids. Your family can only access about 70% of the Abbey without climbing steps.

Contact the Abbey beforehand to arrange fast-track entry and discuss your child’s specific needs. Six free wheelchairs are available, and staff provide portable ramps plus assistance. The Abbey provides contact details for accessibility feedback and can acknowledge requests within 2 working days.

The main entrance offers wheelchair access with a small ramp. However, key areas like Henry VII Chapel require climbing 12 steps, though staff can provide stair climbers.

Choose audio guides over standard tours, which involve multiple steps and inaccessible areas.

Use Public Transport to Reach Westminster Abbey

Getting to Westminster Abbey with kids becomes much easier when you use London’s excellent public transport network. Westminster station is your best choice, serving four lines (Jubilee, District, Circle, and Victoria) with just a 6-minute walk to the Abbey.

If you’re coming from central London, catch buses 11, 26, 453, or 88 that stop directly near Westminster Abbey – they’re frequent and cost £1-4 for single tickets.

Consider the scenic river bus option from Embankment Pier, which takes 8 minutes and runs every 20 minutes. Kids often love this water journey! The Westminster Pier stop is only a 9-minute walk from the Abbey.

For families with strollers, buses offer easier access than some Tube stations. Bus services run from early morning at 03:00 until late night, providing flexible timing for family visits. Plan your journey using multiple transport options to keep kids engaged during travel.

Explore the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries

While your kids might initially grumble about climbing stairs, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries offer one of Westminster Abbey’s most exciting adventures for families. You’ll ascend 108 stairs (or take the lift) to reach these spectacular galleries 16 metres above the Abbey floor.

Your children will love spotting the carved animals—dragons, lions, and greyhounds—that face toward Parliament, visible only from this elevated vantage point.

The galleries showcase 300 treasures spanning 1,000 years, including King Henry V’s battle gear and Queen Elizabeth I’s corset. Kids can wander freely through the horseshoe-shaped space while enjoying panoramic views across the Abbey’s interior. The space was originally the 13th-century triforium, which had been mainly used for storage before its conversion into this remarkable museum.

Remember to budget an extra £5 per person beyond your standard Abbey ticket for this unique experience.

Join Special Themed Family Events Throughout the Year

Beyond regular tours, Westminster Abbey hosts special themed family events throughout the year that’ll transform your visit into an interactive adventure. Your children aged 3 and up can participate in hands-on workshops, performances, and seasonal celebrations designed specifically for families.

Summer events showcase the Abbey’s 900-year-old walled garden through seed planting, tree trails, and eco-badge making. You’ll catch live Chinese Lion Dance performances at 11:30am and 12:30pm, plus nature storytelling sessions throughout the day. All activities are drop-in, with some repeated at different times for your convenience.

December brings Christmas-themed workshops featuring holiday crafts and the popular “Birds of Christmas” book launch. Many events are free but require booking, and popular Christmas programming often sells out.

Remember that children must stay accompanied by adults during all family events.

Combine Your Visit With Nearby Westminster Landmarks

Since Westminster Abbey sits at the heart of London’s political district, you can easily turn your visit into a full day of exploration with kids. Start with the iconic Big Ben and Houses of Parliament, just 2-4 minutes away.

Let children spot famous statues in Parliament Square, including Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela, all within 3 minutes’ walk.

Cross Westminster Bridge for family-friendly South Bank attractions like the London Eye and Aquarium—it’s only a 12-minute stroll. County Hall houses multiple family attractions including the London Eye, Aquarium, and London Dungeon all in one location.

The Churchill War Rooms offer 88 interactive experiences just 5 minutes away.

End your day at St. James’s Park, where kids can watch pelican feeding at lunchtime and spot Buckingham Palace nearby.

This UNESCO World Heritage cluster keeps little ones engaged while maximizing your London adventure.

Last Words

You’ve got everything you need for an amazing Westminster Abbey adventure with your kids! Remember to book ahead, grab that family trail, and don’t forget comfortable shoes for all the walking. Your children will love exploring the Queen’s galleries and hunting for historical treasures throughout this incredible building. Make it a full day by visiting nearby Big Ben and Parliament Square – you’ll create memories that’ll last forever!