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Hidden Highlights tour was brilliant - Westminster Abbey

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Hidden Highlights tour was brilliant

The Hidden Highlights tour was absolutely brilliant - not only a chance to see 'behind the scenes' where you usually couldn't see, including the beautiful Jerusalem chamber where Henry IV died, to the excavation of the Medieval Sacristy, to London's oldest Library. The tour size is small (10) and the guide is very knowledgable and we were able to spend a long amount of time in each part of the tour, with lots of time for questions. It never felt rushed and due to the small group size no-one missed anything. The tour was 90 minutes so you definitely get your money's worth, especially as you end in the Jubilee Gallery which has an additional cost anyway. It seems at the moment these tours are not continuing past the Summer, I hope they do reconsider this as it's such a brilliant and unique tour. I would also love for the Abbey to do other 'secret' tours like this to areas not usually accessible. As for the Abbey itself, there's a lot to see with historic figures everywhere you look, beautiful stained glass. It's worth paying extra to visit the Diamond Jubilee Galleries as the objects on display, including funeral effigies from the medieval era onwards provide a fascinating history, alongside historic clergy robes, fabrics, and historical objects. Including the 90 minute tour I spent three hours in the Abbey and could have easily spent longer but it felt like too much for a single visit. I certainly plan to visit again at some point in the future, and I will probably pay for a multimedia guide for additional information, and hopefully look out for more interesting tours. I just wanted to write this review to hopefully encourage the Abbey to continue to run these tours, and consider more tours and to encourage any London local or tourist to put this on a 'must see' list to visit, not just because of the beauty of the building but the history behind it.

Thank you very much for your feedback. It's great to read how much you enjoyed the tour, especially as they are a new addition to our programme of onsite activities. We hope to continue the Hidden Highlights tour into September and beyond, and will announce details of this shortly via our website and social media channels. Best wishes Visitor Experience Team Westminster Abbey

Incredible history. If there was a medal for name-dropping, this place would take gold every time. Just about every monarch, artist, poet and writer is here. The absolute highlight (if that's the right term) is the tomb of the unknown warrior. Amongst the hundreds of years of royal history is this; the only tombstone in the Abbey which it is forbidden to walk on. The history of how the body was selected and bought to Britain is a true mark of respect and honour.

Always wanted to visit and it did not disappoint, took about 90mins to walk around without a tour. So much history and I would recommend a visit.

The Abbey has some incredible history and contains so many national assets. So it was disappointing that the web purchase experience was so antiquated (the tickets never arrived - a problem experienced by others in the queue and clearly many others on social media), the person on the turnstile was so plain rude (“I want to see this and I want to see that”. “You must shown me that again”!) and the welcome inside smacked more of crowd control than Christianity. As a Brit I was embarrassed. Can I suggest those purporting to run the Abbey (and charging £18 for entry) go to the Tower of London, ranked #1 in London, to learn what a great experience is. We went in the afternoon and it was a delight.

We spent a recent morning here. Opted for the audio guide which gives you a guided tour of approx 1 hour. The history of the abbey is wonderful. Definitely recommend a visit.

wonderful Gothic gem with so much history--audio guides were helpful but you could take a day!! The Queens gallery was wonderful and with views

Stuff About London

A blog on london history - and other stuff, westminster abbey’s hidden highlights tour.

08/02/2022 donbrown churches , The Blog , Westminster Abbey 0

I am a jaded old cynic, a London Blue Badge Guide who has taken people round Westminster Abbey what, 200? 300 times? Pre-covid, some weeks I was taking tours three or four times a week, desperately trying not to sound like a man on autopilot as I talked about (yet again) Scientists’ Corner or the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

But the Hidden Highlights tour I went on this morning… Oh man, my socks have been blown so far off they’re probably halfway to the USA.

This is a £15 add-on to the normal entrance fee* and is worth every penny and more, showing you parts of the Abbey that are generally not things that any visitor sees. 

*(I should just say that, despite my negativity in the opening par, right now is a great time to visit the Abbey. There are no crowds; you feel you have the whole place to yourself. And these days they allow photography as well. If you’ve never been, or only seen it at the height of the tourist season, you should definitely go now. Details here, or contact me if you’re after a private tour .)

Back to the Hidden Highlights. There were just two of us paying punters this morning, but as the maximum number on any tour is 14, it is never going to feel oppressive. One starts at the archaeological dig that is taking place on the site of the 13th century Sacristy , on the north side of the building. The Abbey plan a visitor centre here to allow for a better visitor flow at the entrance (and so those queuing to get in – assuming we get back to pre-covid levels – don’t have to do so in the rain). Under the foundations of the sacristy they have uncovered a graveyard, with remains from the 10th century (the time of the founding of Dunstan’s original abbey) plus two chalk tombs from Saxon times (i.e. 1400 years ago). There are complete skeletons in situ, loose bones are scattered on or protrude from the soil. One can gaze upon an intact skull and realise that this person was walking around this area more than 1000 years ago. It is incredibly moving, a tangible link to history as well as to one’s own mortality.

One then progresses to the St George’s Chapel, just to the right as one goes into the main building by the West Door. Here one is within touching distance of the Coronation Chair , close enough to make out the individual graffiti scratched on the back and the seat of this 700 year old piece of furniture. I’ve been on the other side of glass on this chapel on innumerable occasions, so to be on the inside looking out was something very special.

Then to the chapel behind the High Altar to sit beside the shrine to St Edward, who as the King of England, Edward the Confessor was the monarch responsible for giving the abbey its prominence and longevity. He endowed the small 10th century establishment with wealth and property, and financed the first stone abbey, consecrated in 1065. This shrine was an important site of mediaeval pilgrimage, and the reason why his devotee Henry III financed the construction of the sublime gothic building we see today. (Henry is buried close to Edward’s tomb, as are three other kings and four queens of England).

Next is the Abbey library, to be among 11,000 books dating from the 15th century onwards and to see manuscript fragments from the time of the Confessor, or an illuminated manuscript showing the coronation of King John. This is housed in the former monastic dormitory – and has been since 1591 , the reign of Elizabeth I – above the east side of the cloisters.

The tour ends in the new triforium museum, the Diamond Jubilee Galleries , to see the fabulous view along the length of the building to the West Door, taking in Edward’s shrine, the Cosmati pavement, the Quire and the nave, as well as medieval treasures such as the 14th century  The Litlyngton Missal , a wondrous illuminated manuscript, and the Liber Regalis, the ‘how to’ guide for the staging of coronations.

The Hidden Highlights tours take place twice a day nearly every day until the end of March. You really, really, need to make sure you do this tour – if a jaded old cynic like me can come away from it buzzing like I have, you are going to find it utterly compelling.

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Westminster Abbey Hidden Highlights Tour - Westminster Abbey

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Westminster Abbey Hidden Highlights Tour

We took the Hidden Highlights tour which was exceptional. Our guide, Joe, was friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. He took us inside for a close up and detailed viewing of the Coronation Chair, Jerusalem Hall, the Treasury, the Library, and up into the Shrine of Saint Edward the Confessor. We also got a behind the scene view of the ongoing excavation just outside which included ruins and skeletons and where we encountered an infant fox. Great add on to a visit to Westminster Abbey.

It goes without saying that when in London visiting Westminster abbey is a must but I wasn’t prepared to be so fascinated by this immersion in history and architectural delight. The queue to get in was long but fast so don’t be deterred however the timed slot we booked seems a bit pointless. It is only an indication, we were told, so no panic but it also means no guarantee to be let in punctually. Bizarre. We chose the audio guide which was great and allows you to skip or re-listen to certain parts. We spent nearly 4h there including the new Queen’s jubilee galleries, which staircase in itself is worth the climb (it’s a gentle one and there is also a lift). The abbey has many stories to tell, and is rich in artwork. Take your time. Look up, the gothic arches are exquisite! I particularly liked the story about the effigies specially showcases in the new section (which requires a separate ticket).

We've been twice before for the history, but this time, we attended service. Beautiful! In our opinion, you can't go to London and not visit Westminster Abbey. This is where the kings and queens of England are buried, starting with Edward the Confessor. It's incredible.

I visited the Abbey on 15th March this year with my wife and her sister, on a visit to London from Paris for her. We wanted to attend the midday service. We did attend the service, but decided to leave before the communion part. We had sat at the rear of the seating - in case we wanted to leave before the formal end of proceedings. We did not want to disturb other attendees. As we left we were rudely and quite aggressively corralled to the exit of the Abbey. We were left feeling disappointed, surprised and offended. I was embarrassed for my sister in-law and wife.

This abbey never disappoints. There is just so much to see and takes a good two hours at least to do the place justice. Always worth a trip to.

A beautiful Abbey, but so crammed full of tombs and historically significant burials, you could literally spend a whole day there for sure. Staff are helpful and informative. I would suggest the audio guide, to help you get the most from your visit.

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• March/April dates...

March/April dates now open at Westminster Abbey for Hidden Highlights Tour

I just got an email that they are now taking bookings for March and April and that includes the Hidden Highlights tour, which I have read about. If you book this tour, you do not need to book a separate tour for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, as it is included in the HH tour.

From everything I have read, tickets for the HH tours go very quickly (not sure about March and April but I wouldn't chance it). They only have 2 tours a day. https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-events/special-tours-and-events/2024/march/hidden-highlights-tour-march-2024#i23032

On this 75-minute tour you will visit areas of the Abbey not normally open to the public. You will see the lost medieval sacristy, recently revealed during one of our biggest ever archaeological projects, along with the following: Florence Nightingale & Nurses' chapel, the chapel remembers those in nursing professions who died during the 1939-1945 war Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, which displays many of the Abbey’s treasures Jerusalem Chamber, the medieval room where Henry IV died and Henry V became king

Mardee, it is a fabulous tour. I took it in 2022. We saw the ruins being excavated which were part of the original building. We were in the Jerusalem Chamber and met the Dean of the Abbey (he was there for a meeting, but graciously said they would wait for our tour to see the chamber.) There is an elevator up to the Queen's Gallery which I really appreciated. The view from there down to the Abbey is fabulous. We also saw an old library with ancient books. Have fun!

Oh cool, Laurie Beth! Thanks! I was about ready to book the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries, because I hadn't heard anything about the Hidden Highlights tour, but then came back here, did a quick search for info, and went back and booked it.

So good to hear that it is worthwhile. It really sounds wonderful!

Mardee, thank you so much for posting this! I definitely want to do this later this spring. "Jerusalem Chamber, the medieval room where Henry IV died and Henry V became king." I really must see this.

I know, Rebecca! That's the one that caught my eye! I'm very excited about this tour! Evidently they release the dates on the last day of the month (for future reference). 😊

Hope you are feeling better.

So different than the Verger tour correct? So now, you need several tours to see it all!

Tammy, evidently yes. When I was researching it, I found a couple of threads on the forum that sort of explained the difference.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/westminster-abbey-hidden-highlights https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/westminister-abbey-01227ae2-814f-4dcf-80cd-d9a6d2f9c660

mardee, we thought the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries were absolutely amazing. We spent a lot of time there. Seeing those galleries after seeing all there is downstairs in the Abbey was like a cherry topping on a sundae. Adding the other sites- the Nurses chapel AND the Jerusalem Chamber for that Hidden Highlights tour? Wow. Sprinkles and whipped cream! I’m so jealous! 😊

Mardee, thank you: I am feeling a bit better.

The Jerusalem Chamber is actually mentioned in Shakespeare's play, "Henry IV; Part 2": http://shakespeare.mit.edu/2henryiv/2henryiv.4.4.html

Just an FYI that they have released April tickets for this tour as well.

Mustlovedogs, thanks! I can't wait! It will be so different from when I was there 28 years ago!

Rebecca, I remember that about Henry IV (I worked on a production of that many years ago) - so interesting! Glad you are feeling better!

Indyhiker, thank you! I've revised my post accordingly. 😊

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Go Behind the Scenes at Westminster Abbey

As a Blue Badge Tourist Guide, I spend a lot of time guiding in Westminster Abbey. However, I had a real treat recently joining a Hidden Highlights tour where we went behind the scenes, to areas not usually open to the public.

I’ve previously written about the best sneaky details in the publicly accessible areas in another blog post here . But let’s see some of the hidden bits…

History of Westminster Abbey

First, a potted history to get our bearings. Westminster Abbey is our Royal Church, where monarchs have their coronation ceremony. It’s also a burial site, not just for the 30-odd Kings and Queens but also a staggering 3,300+ others including Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens and – recently – Stephen Hawking.

The first church was established in 960AD by Saint Dunstan who settled here with a group a monks. The next major building was by Edward the Confessor, who constructed an elaborate Abbey in the 11th century. But the building we see today is mostly down to King Henry III who in 1245 ordered a new Abbey.

Image Credit: Public Domain – Abbey c.1711 J.C M.D. Fellow of the Royal Society

When we look at the building today there are two major later additions; the Lady Chapel (constructed 1500s and seen on the left in the illustration above) and the West Towers (1700s and seen below).

Image Credit: Public Domain – Canaletto, A Procession of the Knights of Bath, 1749.

There’s a brilliant 4 minute video of the stages of construction from Westminster Abbey here .

The Great Sacristy

One section of the Westminster Abbey complex that we can’t see today is the Sacristy. It was an area where monks kept the sacred items used during mass and was built in the 1250s under King Henry III.

From the outside today all you will see are these hoardings, but on the tour we went behind them to get a closer look at the ruins.

Interspersed amongst the stones are many burials, some of which are thought to be 12th century monks.

Sacristy Ruins © Westminster Abbey, London

The Great Sacristy was demolished in the 1740s but its now part of a major refurbishment plan to create a new visitor entrance to allow the public to enter through the West door rather than the side, North door.

This is the spectacular view that greets you as you enter the West Door into the Abbey.

The Jerusalem Chamber

Visible behind the gift shop as you enter the Abbey, the Jerusalem Chamber is Medieval.

The inside has been much altered but the roof is authentic, dating from the 14th century, albeit restored in the 1950s.

In amongst the timbers are the initials of Abbot Nichols Litlyngton (1362-1386) and King Richard II in whose reign it was completed and the tapestries range from the 16th – 19th centuries.

Jerusalem Chamber © Westminster Abbey, London

As for the name, no one is quite sure why, however we do know that King Henry IV died in this very room in 1413.

The King had been planning to travel to the Holy Lands, fulfilling a prophecy he would die there. But he instead fell ill whilst praying in the Abbey, possibly suffering a stroke.

Carried into this room, when he momentarily regained consciousness, he asked where he was. The answer? ‘Jerusalem’ and the King, satisfied he’d fulfilled the prophecy, could die in peace.

The Library

There’s a tantalising door in the cloister of the Abbey which you’ll hardly ever see open.

It leads to the library and during the tour when the door was opened it’s the smell that hits you first. Hundreds of centuries-old books, in all their discoloured and leather bound glory.

There are over 14,000 books in the collection, the earliest dating from 1477, which has been housed here since 1591.

Library © Westminster Abbey, London

The room itself is far older though, previously used as a dormitory for the monks, with the spiral staircase giving access to the main Abbey for night-time prayers.

Today you can still see the steps on the south transept wall (bottom left in the image below).

Connected to the library is the Muniment Collection, an archive of the records of the Abbey dating back to the 10th century.

This is stored in the Triforium level inside the Abbey, visible from the floor and the Diamond Jubilee Galleries.

It’s hard to make out the epic wooden storage chests from below, however what is visible from the floor is the Medieval wall painting of a white hart, symbol of King Richard II.

As part of the tour you can also visit the Diamond Jubilee Galleries, a new area of the Abbey which opened in 2018.

Sadly you can’t take photographs from there (imagine dropping your phone over the edge!) but here’s the view of the beautiful wooden staircase that takes you there.

As well as a brilliant selection of historic objects related to the Abbey, it’s worth going up there if only to gaze down at the Abbey – soaking up the supposed ‘best view in Europe’ – from which Richard Dimbleby provided commentary for the Queen’s Coronation.

The Hidden Highlights tour can be booked here , and groups are small (just 10 maximum) so they’re selling out quick!

If you’ve never visited Westminster Abbey before, or it was years since you’ve been, now is the perfect time to organise a trip without the crowds! You can email me about arranging private tours here.

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Westminster Abbey Tour

Explore Westminster Abbey, Britain’s most famous church and one of the most popular visitor attractions in London

A Westminster Abbey Tour is unmissable because…

Westminster Abbey is simply unique. Almost 1000 years old, it’s known as the royal church, built by kings for kings. Under its graceful gothic arches, history has been made…the coronations of 39 monarchs, many royal weddings, and state funerals. It’s also a sacred place of burial and commemoration. Look out for some very famous graves and memorials – some of which you may be surprised to see in the Abbey!

The must-sees of a Westminster Abbey Tour

• The Coronation site – see where Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953.
• The spot where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011.
• The exquisite Lady Chapel – burial place of King Henry VII.
• The most important grave in Britain – The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior .
• The shrine of King Edward the Confessor .
• The tombs of Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots .
• The 700-year-old Coronation Throne .
• Poets Corner with tombs and memorials including William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and Geoffrey Chaucer .

Book a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for a Westminster Abbey Tour because…

• You’ll enjoy faster entry to Westminster Abbey.
• A guided tour of the highlights and the hidden gems.
• Expert knowledge of Westminster Abbey’s history and the lives of the people commemorated there.
• Fascinating accounts of royal marriages, coronations, and conflicts.
• Inspiring stories of pioneering scientists, writers, and statesmen.
• A tour tailored to the interests and needs of your group.

Please bear in mind that these are not public tours, but private tours conducted by specialist Blue Badge Tourist Guides who will charge a separate fee, details of which can be found on our fees page.

Let us 'Match' you with one of our Blue Badge Tourist Guides who are:

• Friendly, professional and used to dealing with groups of all ages and sizes
• Holders of the prestigious Blue Badge (the highest Tourist Guiding qualification in the UK)
• Able to use special entrances at certain well known attractions to avoid waiting in long lines
• Able to offer tours in over 30 different languages

Simply input your tour request details in the form below. When you have finished, hit the Green ‘Submit to Match’ button. Your request will be instantly emailed to three highly qualified and enthusiastic London Blue Badge Tourist Guides, matching your criteria. They will then email you confirming availability, pricing and suggestions for the tour itself. So let one of our 500+ Blue Badge Tourist Guides make your stay in London a special one.

Short notice request! We will do our best to accommodate your needs, but generally try to give at least two days notice.

Date of tour: Flexible dates Coming to London for a whole week? Let the guide know that the date is flexible, so they can suggest an upcoming event or a less crowded time for the tour. (+/- 3 days)

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Venice Hidden Highlights Tour

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The tour has been designed for those who want to savor the best of Venice in a full day tour, avoiding crowds and by seeing the true marvels of the city in an insiders way.

Our Private Expert Guide, will accompany you to see the highlights of the city and explain the social political importance of its architecture and arts. You will learn about Marco Polo and the trading that enriched the Venetians, the Ghetto as seen in Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice” lunch in your local surroundings to be followed by a visit to Murano to see glass the most important craft of the city.

The tour will start with an hour cruise by private boat along the Grand Canal to see its beauty as it was intended to be seen by boat.

You will then proceed to the characteristic Cannaregio district and enter the old Ghetto and see privately some of the oldlest and finest Synagogues in Europe and learn about this first Ghetto’s history and the Jews struggle for emancipation. You will have the chance to wander through the area and admire the Ebraica shops and taste if you wish the “Pane Azzimo,” Venetian matzoh.

Your Private Expert Guide will then accompany you to a great local restaurant for lunch weather you prefer a Kosher restaurant in the ghetto a great pizza or a characteristic Venetian restaurant which you would not easily find on your own but worth every bite.

After lunch you will then proceed, always by private boat, to islands of Murano . You will enter into a real working studio and see how the glass is blown and shaped with the original tools which have been used throughout history.

After the full day private tour, your Private Expert Guide will accompany you back to Saint Mark’s Square by private boat.

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Tickets Alert: Tour’s of Westminster Abbey’s hidden highlights

Xtickets alert: tour’s of westminster abbey’s hidden highlights.

There’s a chance to explore behind the scenes of Westminster Abbey on a guided tour of some areas not usually open to the public.

The 90-minute tours will take in the lost medieval sacristy, recently revealed during one of their biggest ever archaeological projects, and the library, formerly part of the monk’s dormitory with a magnificent 15th-century oak roof and majestic 17th-century bookcases. The tours will also include the Jerusalem Chamber where Henry IV died in 1413.

Abbey library (c) Westminster Abbey

The tour also takes in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries , opened in 2018 and displaying many of the Abbey’s treasures – which is normally open to the public for an extra £5  on their normal entry charge.

Although photography is now allowed inside the Abbey, it’s not allowed on the hidden highlights tours. Also, children are not allowed on the hidden highlights tours as part of the tour covers an excavated burial site.

The tours are an add-on to the existing Abbey entry price, so you need to book a normal adult entry ticket which is £24, then add the Hidden Highlights tour, which costs £15.

You need to book both entry tickets and tours at the same time, from here .

Alternatively, by joining the Abbey Association , which costs £40 per year, you get unlimited visits in the year, saves you £24 per visit and gets some special events thrown in for members.

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I did this tour last year, really amazing and interesting tour, and for a tenner, ridiculously good value!

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Verger-guided tours

Guided tours, led by our vergers, are a great way to see the Abbey - no one knows the ins and outs and history of Westminster Abbey like our vergers.

About the tour

With a verger, you’ll get to see special parts of the Abbey, such as the Tomb of St Edward the Confessor, not accessible to general visitors. The verger will also take you to see Poets' Corner, royal tombs, the Lady Chapel and the nave – and provide an expert commentary.

Space is limited to 20 people for these tours and commentary is in English only. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes.

Availability 

Tours run Monday - Saturday.

You can contact us 24 hours in advance to find out what times tours will take place by calling  020 7654 4832, Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm. You cannot book tours via this phone number. 

Prices and how to book

For a verger tour, you’ll pay the Abbey entry price plus £10.

General admittance tickets to the Abbey can be purchased in advance online but a verger tour can only be booked when you arrive at the Abbey.

When booking your tickets to the Abbey, please try to book your entry slot 30 minutes or so before the tour is due to start.

Other options

Multimedia guide.

Multimedia guides - available in 14 languages plus British Sign Language - are available at the Abbey

Group visits

Private tour groups of up to 20 can visit the Abbey when accompanied by a Blue Badge Tourist Guide. These are specialist guides who offer private tours and will charge a separate fee.

UK Primary and Secondary Schools

Our learning department offers guided tours, workshops and special events for schools in the Abbey. We also offer a range of video-conferences and guided virtual tours.

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difference between Hidden highlights and Verger tour W/Abbey - London Forum

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difference between Hidden highlights and Verger tour W/Abbey

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Er well, on the Hidden Highlights Tour, you will see stuff that not everyone gets to see...

https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-events/special-tours-and-events/2022/october/hidden-highlights-tour-october#i36114

On the Verger Tours, good as they are, you wil see the 'standard stuff'

A combination of the two could be really interesting, exhaustive and revealing.....

Looks like the Hidden Tour is only available during the month of October?

yeah i was wondering about that - looks like the november dates/times haven't been released yet.... thanks for your help

We did the Hidden tour in addition to an audio tour of the Abbey, and it was well worth it. You’ll get to see some of the most interesting and historically significant parts of the church, plus the Jubilee galleries. For the latter, I’d say an hour is enough for an overview, but allow two if you want to study each and every object closely.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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