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Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament

United Kingdom Westminster City of Westminster

Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament
Photo: Alicank, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church of English monarchs since 1066, and holds the tombs of kings and queens, and of Newton, Darwin and many poets. Across the road, the Gothic Houses of Parliament rise beside the Thames with the Elizabeth Tower, home of the bell Big Ben.


The Abbey is closed to sightseers on Sundays, but you can attend services, including the beautiful choral evensong. UK residents can book a tour of the Elizabeth Tower; anyone can book tours of Parliament on Saturdays and during recesses, or watch debates for free.

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