Which is better to visit, Westminster Abbey or St. Paul's Cathedral?

Westminster Abbey is generally considered better for unparalleled, intimate royal and political history, while St. Paul's Cathedral offers superior, grand architectural views, including its famous dome climb. The Abbey is more crowded but offers a deeper dive into British heritage, while St. Paul's is often less crowded with a lighter, more open feel.

Is it worth it to visit Westminster Abbey?

Yes, 100% worth it. Use the vergers at the abbey, they will take you to places normal visitor can't go. If I remember they run like every 30 minutes pre-Covid. our tickets were for opening time and I think our group was like 10 people max. It was a great experience and glad we did it.

Is St. Paul's Cathedral worth visiting?

Yes, St Paul's Cathedral is widely considered worth visiting for its iconic architecture, significant history, stunning city views from the dome galleries (including the Whispering Gallery), and the peaceful crypt, offering a rich experience for history buffs, architecture lovers, and general tourists alike, despite the entrance fee.
 

How far is St Paul's Cathedral from Westminster Abbey?

The distance between Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral is 2 miles. How do I travel from Westminster Abbey to St Paul's Cathedral without a car? The best way to get from Westminster Abbey to St Paul's Cathedral without a car is to subway which takes 17 min and costs £2 - £3.

Should I go to Westminster Abbey or St. Paul's Cathedral?

Which is better for first-time visitors to London? Choose Westminster Abbey for the classic royal-history experience near Big Ben and Parliament; pick St Paul's if skyline views and Wren's architecture appeal more. Many travelers enjoy both on separate mornings.

What's The Difference Between Westminster Abbey And St. Paul's? - United Kingdom Explorers

How long should you spend at St. Paul's Cathedral?

How long should I spend at St Paul's Cathedral? Visitors usually spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the Cathedral. This gives you enough time to admire the interior, visit the crypt, and climb up to the dome for those unbeatable views of the London Eye, the Thames River, and The Shard.

Is it worth seeing the Crown Jewels?

The Crown Jewels is a definite must-see – it's home to an impressive collection of diamond-encrusted state crowns alongside many other precious treasures, from historic gold chalices to royal robes.

Which is older, Westminster Abbey or St. Paul's Cathedral?

St. Paul can trace it's origins back to 604 whereas “The Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066” (Westminster Abbey History).

Is 1 hour enough for Westminster Abbey?

With its ornate decoration and centuries-old structure, this palace of royal modesty will require more than just a few hours of visiting time.

Why is Queen Elizabeth not buried in Westminster Abbey?

Queen Elizabeth II wasn't buried in Westminster Abbey primarily due to space limitations, as no monarch had been interred there since 1760, with subsequent royals going to Windsor Castle, where she was ultimately laid to rest in the King George VI Memorial Chapel alongside her family, fulfilling her wish to join her parents and husband.

Do you pay to go into Westminster Cathedral?

Yes, entry to Westminster Cathedral itself is free for general visiting and worship, welcoming people of all faiths, but there's a fee to climb the tower for city views (around £6 for adults) and donations are welcome. You don't need tickets for standard entry, just be respectful as it's an active place of worship with services and tours available.
 

Why is St. Paul's Cathedral so special?

St Paul's Cathedral has a fascinating British history

Paul the Apostle, has a history dating back to the 17th century. It was designed by the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was also one of London's tallest buildings until 1962.

Did Charles and Diana get married at Westminster Abbey?

The wedding took place on 29 July 1981. 3,500 guests made up the congregation at St Paul's Cathedral. Charles and Diana selected St Paul's over Westminster Abbey, the traditional site of royal weddings, because St Paul's offered more seating and permitted a longer procession through London.

Why can't you take pictures of the Crown Jewels?

Photography is prohibited in the Jewel House to prevent potential criminals from using images to identify security weaknesses surrounding the royal gems.

What is the best Tower of London tour?

What are the best tours of the Tower of London?

• Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London (3 hours)
• Exclusive Meet & Greet Tour with the Tower of London Beefeaters (2 hours)

Do you have to pay extra to see the Crown Jewels?

See the famous Fortress

Your Tower admission ticket includes: The Crown Jewels.

Who got married at St Paul's Cathedral in London?

The most famous wedding at St Paul's Cathedral was Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, but others include Spice Girl Mel B (2025) and historical figures like Prince Arthur (Henry VIII's brother) in 1501, with marriages also occurring for members of orders associated with the cathedral.

Who is buried under St. Paul's Cathedral?

St. Paul's Cathedral's crypt is the final resting place for many of Britain's national heroes, including Admiral Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, and architect Sir Christopher Wren, alongside scientists like Alexander Fleming, artist J.M.W. Turner, and nurse Florence Nightingale, with many more notable figures interred or memorialized there.
 

How do I get to St. Paul's Cathedral for free?

You can enter St Paul's Cathedral for free to attend daily church services for worship and prayer, but a paid sightseeing ticket is required for exploring the building and climbing the dome galleries, with exceptions for specific groups like disabled visitors and clergy. The entry fee supports the Cathedral's operation, as it receives no government funding, but attending a service allows free access to the main floor.
 

Which church took 600 years to build?

The church famous for taking over 600 years to build is the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) in Germany, with construction starting in 1248 and finishing in 1880, spanning 632 years, making it a stunning Gothic masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.