Things to do in Westminster

Westminster Abbey has been a focal point of British history for the past 1,000 years.

The scene of royal coronations since 1066, plus numerous royal weddings and funerals, this stunning building is a must see for any Westminster visitor.

A stone’s throw from the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey emphasises the importance of religion through British history.

The Abbey remains a royal church and is open for worship and daily services. Visitors to Westminster Abbey can book tours on selected days of the week to see the spectacular interior. The Coronation chair in St George's Chapel, the stunning Chapter House, the Quire and The Cloisters are some of the must see areas of the Abbey.

Make sure to look out for the grave of the Unknown Warrior in the nave and head to Poets Corner, where over 100 poets and writers are buried or have memorials. They include William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters and Charles Dickens.

Among the tombs in the Abbey marking their final resting place are those of Edward the Confessor, Elizabeth I, Henry VII and Mary Queen of Scots. Over 3,000 famous names from Britain's past are buried within this iconic building.

There are not many places which instantly connect you to a city in the way Big Ben does to London.

This much loved and much filmed tower is probably the most famous clock in the world.

Big Ben is the name of the huge bell within the Elizabeth tower, the tower having been renamed in 2012 to mark the monarch’s Diamond jubilee.

Big Ben overlooks the Houses of Parliament and is undergoing extensive conservation work in 2021, with tours unavailable during this period. However, it is still well worth a view from Westminster Bridge, allowing you to take in the scale of this magnificent structure. From there you can head on toward Parliament.

The Houses of Parliament tour takes around 90 minutes and gives you access to the House of Commons, House of Lords and Westminster Hall, with its stunning hammer-beam roof.

The tour guide is available in a number of languages with adult concession prices starting from £19, providing you access to the heart of British democracy.

This hidden gem allows you to descend to the secret corridors where Winston Churchill led the British wartime operations.

This must-see attraction lets you sample just how the British government functioned during some of the darkest hours the country has known. This is an authentic experience which takes you back in time.

You will visit the Cabinet war rooms from where Churchill led the British war effort, as well as the essential map rooms where progress was charted. During your tour you will learn all about the lives of the hundreds of men and women who kept this vital operation running. You will even be able to have a look at the bedroom where Churchill would occasionally sleep.

In 2005 a museum dedicated to Winston Churchill was added to the site, providing a fascinating insight to his life. The Churchill War Rooms are located at the Clive Steps on King Charles Street. It is part of the Imperial War Museum group, with free entry for IWM members. Adult concession admission prices start from £22.50 without a Gift Aid donation.

Buckingham Palace sits proudly at the end of The Mall, an instantly recognisable symbol of British royalty around the world.

For the last two decades the Palace has opened its famous gates to visitors who can now explore the sumptuous state rooms, as well as see the throne chairs used in the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Further highlights of a visit to Buckingham Palace include the Music room with its stunning parquet floor, the huge Ballroom and the iconic grand staircase. The Palace is also home to a major collection of paintings, including pieces from Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian and Van Dyck. After touring the lush interiors you can head out and enjoy the 150 acre Palace gardens.

This is a rare opportunity to visit a working royal palace. Visitors are admitted between July and September with a family ticket available that includes two adults and three children. There is a shop where you can buy your mementos, while picnics are allowed in the garden.

Located on Millbank, the Tate Britain is home to a collection of historic British art, as well contemporary art from around the world.

There are 13 rooms where you can explore British art since the 16th century, including works from William Hogarth, Joshua Reynolds and John Constable.

There are two rooms dedicated to the sculptor Henry Moore, while the gallery also houses the largest collection of paintings by J.M.W. Turner. There are nine rooms exhibiting the Turner collection, which also includes the popular Mark Rothko Seagram murals.

Admission to the Tate Britain to see these masterpieces is free, although there may be a charge on some exhibitions. The gallery is open every day from 10am and has two shops where you can buy gifts and mementos, plus a restaurant and cafe for your well earned refreshments.

This lovely little museum presents the history and current working practices of the regiment.

The Household Cavalry was formed in 1661 and its mounted regiments continue to guard the Queen at ceremonial events. The regiment also participates in duties around the world in armoured fighting vehicles.

The museum is a living, working museum giving visitors an up close experience of how the regiment has operated across the centuries and how it still operates today. One of the highlights of the visit is being able to watch the working stables through a large glass partition.

The museum has a fascinating collection of military artefacts from across the years, some of which are very rare, but all with stories to tell. Being a working museum there is always something going on. The museum is located in Whitehall and is normally open daily from 10am.

You could be forgiven for overlooking Westminster Cathedral due to the proximity of the more famous Abbey.

However, the striking architectural design and the interior of the cathedral are worth a visit. The cathedral’s foundation stone was laid in 1895 with the building structure completed in 1903.

The brick design with its terracotta and white stripes is striking enough. Add the many domes and circular towers and the artistic merit of the design becomes even more enhanced. The interior certainly does not disappoint either. The cathedral nave is vast, and the building contains a series of beautiful murals. Over 120 different marble types help decorate the interior, adding lovely patterns and dashes of colour throughout the building.

Visitors can attend the daily masses to experience a working cathedral. The Tower viewing gallery offers visitors stunning views across London, with admission starting from £3. The cathedral also has an exhibition where you can see a collection of rare objects, relics and chalices, as well as learning all about the history of this architectural gem. Admission to the exhibition starts from £2.50.

The Jewel Tower survived a fire in 1834 which destroyed most of the Palace of Westminster.

The tower provides visitors with a link back to medieval England. The tower’s original purpose was to house the royal treasure of King Edward III. It has served many functions since then, which are all explained in a fascinating exhibition set across three floors.

The Jewel Tower is located opposite the Houses of parliament, and as visitors wonder around the exhibition they have the privilege of seeing ornate ceiling carvings dating right back to the 14th century. Being able to witness original 14th century craftsmanship is a rare experience and one to be enjoyed.

This small tower steeped in history is run by English Heritage, whose members receive free admission. Concession prices for non-members start at £5.30, with two family ticket options also available.