Westminster Abbey, London (must see)
Westminster Abbey-the Gothic heavyweight champion of British heritage, parked squarely in the City of Westminster. Back in the day, Westminster wasn鈥檛 even part of London proper. It was its own thing.
The roots of this holy site stretch all the way back to the late 10th century. But it wasn鈥檛 until King Edward the Confessor decided to go full Romanesque here, in the 11th century, that things got serious. He turned the abbey into one of Europe鈥檚 top-tier religious mega-structures. Edward didn鈥檛 live to see it fully materialize, though, but history appreciates his effort.
In 1245, Henry III kicked off construction of the Gothic version we see today. He also commissioned the fancy Cosmati pavement near the High Altar-because kings of all people do appreciate custom flooring. Most of what we admire here now was wrapped up under Richard II, and in 1519, Henry VII added a gorgeous chapel to the Virgin Mary for good measure. As for the iconic west towers, Early Gothic Revival, they were built between 1722 and 1745.
But Westminster Abbey is not just a church. No. It鈥檚 the spiritual VIP lounge of the UK. Monarchs have been crowned here since 1066, starting with William the Conqueror. It鈥檚 also the final resting place for legends: Queen Elizabeth I, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Geoffrey Chaucer, Rudyard Kipling, Laurence Olivier鈥� Basically, if you鈥檝e made Britain proud, there鈥檚 a plot here waiting for you.
And don鈥檛 forget the emotional landmarks: Princess Diana鈥檚 funeral in 1997, and the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. Yes, this place has seen more royal drama than a season of The Crown.
If you consider visiting, remember: Lines form year-round, so book online to skip the queue like a pro. But don鈥檛 plan your Instagram reel just yet-no photography inside is allowed. It鈥檚 all eyes and memory...
As a bonus round, make a literary pilgrimage to Poet鈥檚 Corner and pay respects to Mr. Charles Dickens himself. Per his modest request, his gravestone simply reads:
CHARLES DICKENS
BORN 7th FEBRUARY 1812
DIED 9th JUNE 1870
Dickens died in Kent, but the public insisted-and The Times newspaper rallied behind the cause-that only Westminster would do as his final resting place. The funeral was private. The legacy-immortal.
So, whether it鈥檚 the soaring arches, the centuries of coronations, or the sheer weight of brilliance buried beneath your feet, Westminster Abbey is London in its architectural form-solemn, storied, and just a touch dramatic.
The roots of this holy site stretch all the way back to the late 10th century. But it wasn鈥檛 until King Edward the Confessor decided to go full Romanesque here, in the 11th century, that things got serious. He turned the abbey into one of Europe鈥檚 top-tier religious mega-structures. Edward didn鈥檛 live to see it fully materialize, though, but history appreciates his effort.
In 1245, Henry III kicked off construction of the Gothic version we see today. He also commissioned the fancy Cosmati pavement near the High Altar-because kings of all people do appreciate custom flooring. Most of what we admire here now was wrapped up under Richard II, and in 1519, Henry VII added a gorgeous chapel to the Virgin Mary for good measure. As for the iconic west towers, Early Gothic Revival, they were built between 1722 and 1745.
But Westminster Abbey is not just a church. No. It鈥檚 the spiritual VIP lounge of the UK. Monarchs have been crowned here since 1066, starting with William the Conqueror. It鈥檚 also the final resting place for legends: Queen Elizabeth I, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Geoffrey Chaucer, Rudyard Kipling, Laurence Olivier鈥� Basically, if you鈥檝e made Britain proud, there鈥檚 a plot here waiting for you.
And don鈥檛 forget the emotional landmarks: Princess Diana鈥檚 funeral in 1997, and the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. Yes, this place has seen more royal drama than a season of The Crown.
If you consider visiting, remember: Lines form year-round, so book online to skip the queue like a pro. But don鈥檛 plan your Instagram reel just yet-no photography inside is allowed. It鈥檚 all eyes and memory...
As a bonus round, make a literary pilgrimage to Poet鈥檚 Corner and pay respects to Mr. Charles Dickens himself. Per his modest request, his gravestone simply reads:
CHARLES DICKENS
BORN 7th FEBRUARY 1812
DIED 9th JUNE 1870
Dickens died in Kent, but the public insisted-and The Times newspaper rallied behind the cause-that only Westminster would do as his final resting place. The funeral was private. The legacy-immortal.
So, whether it鈥檚 the soaring arches, the centuries of coronations, or the sheer weight of brilliance buried beneath your feet, Westminster Abbey is London in its architectural form-solemn, storied, and just a touch dramatic.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Westminster Abbey on Map
Sight Name: Westminster Abbey
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Kensington/Knightsbridge Walking Tour
Situated just below Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and South Kensington are two adjacent neighborhoods with grand Victorian homes and leafy garden squares. Home to London鈥檚 most expensive homes, Knightsbridge has some of the highest density of millionaires in the world. This is clearly reflected in the selection of stores & restaurants in the area, including the famous Harvey Nichols and Harrods... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
London's Historic Pubs Walk
If there鈥檚 any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
South Bank Walking Tour
London鈥檚 South Bank, stretching along the southern side of the River Thames, roughly between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, is one of the most interesting and liveliest parts of the British capital. Here, London鈥檚 old soul and modern edge shake hands... and then probably go grab a pint together. Famous for its arts, culture, food, and scenic riverside walks, the area has a long and... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Walk around Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, the British monarch's official residence, is a must-see for anyone visiting London, but so are the adjacent royal establishments that give a unique window into the royal way of life. On this self-guided walking tour, along with Buckingham Palace and its memorable fountain, you will visit the St. James's private royal residence, the wonderful Queen's Gallery, and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Bridges of London
Around thirty bridges span the Thames river in London, each with its own story. Our self-guided walk takes you to see nine such historical structures located in the heart of the city, starting from the storied Westminster Bridge and ending at the iconic Tower Bridge.
The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
London Introduction Walking Tour
London: the capital of England, heart of the UK, and international heavyweight in history, culture, and sheer charm. Its name comes straight out of Rome. Londinium was founded circa 43 AD as a trading post. Then came Queen Boudica in 61 AD, who, let鈥檚 say, didn鈥檛 care much for Roman urban planning and burnt it to the ground. But Londinium wasn鈥檛 one to stay down-it bounced back, flourished,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers
Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...