We have three choices.
#1 visit WA for evening song -Cost free/ limited access??
#2 visit the church -cost about $15 for two
#3 the whole tour -cost $43 two
I understand the tombs in the chapel area are interesting..so I guess my question is " is it worth it"
Of course bear in mind I will had to hear partner complain about "$43 to see a church?"

#4 visit during day for free, use guidebook or buy guidebook there for lower cost.
Note that not all of the markers are tombstones, some are just memorials.

You don't have to pay anyone to guide you through Westminster Abbey. Though the Verger tours offered by Abbey staff are terrific.

Don't know what Michael means by vist it for free - there is a charge to enter the Abbey, except for worship. W/ his screen name perhaps he was thinking of Notre Dame

Evensong is wonderful- but you will not be able to see much of the Abbey.

Your #2 is by far the best if you want to see the place rather than simply attend services.

The Abbey is much more than just a church--it's a repository of British history. The only thing you'll need to pay for is the area with the royal tombs and the Chapel of Henry VII, which is worth whatever it costs to see the fan-vaulted ceiling and the rest. Look for the little round piece of clear glass that marks where a bomb hit during the Blitz.

Evensong is free; get there about half an hour before the service begins so as to get a seat up in the choir stalls.

Before visiting the Abbey, stop at the gift shop and buy the excellent paperback guide. That's all you'll need. Then enter the Abbey, sit down, and look around. Read a bit in the guide, then begin walking around. Sit again and read, then continue your tour.

Busted..Oops, take back my free comment Last time I was there...

My thoughts on this are...I'm at one of the most historical sites in the world, so I want to be able to say that I not only 'did it', but that I saw the highlites and heard about its fascinating history. So I would either get a guidebook, or, in a more timely and entertaining manner to see the place,take the tour. It transforms it from "another big church with nice stained glass" into the ground upon which history was made...
I've done the tours and visits, well worth it.

Sorry the cost is about 30 US...

I have read that if you tell them you are praying they will let you in. Will anyone admit to that? I thought not.

So Im still debating on the Vergers Tour as my partner is a decendant of ED Longshanks I (yes I know alot of people are)

Consider taking a "London Walks" afternoon tour of the Abbey. Very informative and ends shortly before evening song. Evening song is inspiring regardless of your religous affiliation.

Can someone add more info about Evensong? Is this a nightly event? What time? It would be a nice experience to sit in the choir stalls, can anyone do that? Thanks in advance.

For margo:

http://www.westminster-abbey.org

Well duh - maybe a little effort on my part would have been helpful?

Thank you Patrick, I appreciate the info!