This is a sponsored article on behalf of Westminster Abbey.
Westminster Abbey really does spoil us. Not only is it one of the world’s most spectacular buildings, a World Heritage Site with more than a millennia of history, and a living place of worship — it also smashes it out of the park when it comes to events.
Yep, in between royal weddings, commemorative services and coronations, Westminster Abbey hosts talks, tours, concerts and workshops which are open to all. Here’s what you’ve got to look forward to over the next few months.
Uncover Abbey secrets on a guided tour
Get a fresh perspective on this iconic landmark with the help of a guided tour. There are many to choose from, including one focused on Westminster Abbey’s origins as a medieval monastery, and another exploring its role as an evolving place of national memory (over 3,000 people are buried and remembered at Westminster Abbey, including poets and priests, kings and queens, and soldiers and statesmen).
Mark Women’s History Month on a tour that celebrates the lives of remarkable women commemorated at Westminster Abbey. Or get into the spirit of spring by roaming the Abbey’s historic green spaces, which include the oldest cultivated garden in the country.
Celebrate Commonwealth stories
Commonwealth Day is observed on the second Monday of March and Westminster Abbey is hosting several special events around this date to mark the occasion. Following its annual inter-denominational service on 9 March, Westminster Abbey presents a Commonwealth Festival Day on 14 March. Celebrate the cultures of this 56 nation-strong association through live performances, stories, art and conversation — all included in the price of admission.
Can’t make it? You also have the chance to explore the complex and evolving relationship between Britain and the Commonwealth on a special tour of Westminster Abbey, taking place on a handful of dates throughout March. Along the way, you’ll explore spaces such as the Samaria chamber (where British and Empire fighting forces are remembered), the Shrine (the most sacred part of the Abbey and home to the Canada Chairs) and The Quire and High Altar (the site of the annual Commonwealth service).
Explore Westminster Abbey after hours
Experience Westminster Abbey at its most serene, contemplative and atmospheric — once general visiting hours have ended. On 11 March, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries stay open late so you can explore them away from the daytime crowds. Head high above the Abbey floor to explore many of the Abbey’s greatest treasures in the grand setting of the 13th century triforium, all while soaking up unique views of the empty Abbey below. These objects span 1,000 years of history, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about them in a programme of talks.
Enjoy talks in the Lady Chapel…
Take a seat beneath a spectacular fan-vaulted ceiling and dive into topics as diverse as Stuart monarchs and English saints. Westminster Abbey’s programme of talks features top historians, authors and artists — taking place in various locations across this World Heritage site — although we have a soft spot for the late medieval drama of the Lady Chapel.
… and elsewhere!
Westminster Abbey also hosts regular talks in St Margaret’s, a 12th century church on Parliament Square. Work in the area? Every second Wednesday of the month the church hosts a £5 lunchtime talk in which an expert speaker explores a different aspect of Westminster Abbey’s rich history — the March edition will focus on pilgrimage.
Soak up incredible music
Another way to liven up your lunchtime? Treat yourself to an hour-long concert in St Margaret’s Church. Coming up, there’s a celebration of the piano on 25 March and an uplifting Easter concert on 29 April.
Evening concerts are also available. Hear the Choir of Westminster Abbey and leading orchestra The English Concert perform Bach’s St Matthew Passion on 31 March, or Alexander’s Feast by Handel on 16 June.
In case you hadn’t realised it yet, there really is something for everyone at Westminster Abbey. That includes events for families (storytelling sessions, festival days), BSL tours and Dementia-friendly garden visits — all part of the Abbey’s mission to be accessible to all.
Dive into the full event programme here.
