kimberlyb

We are visiting London the first week of July and I went to book advanced tickets to Westminster Abbey on Tuesday, July 4 and they are closed. They are also closed Wednesday, July 5. I don't see anything on the website as to why. We already have some ticketed commitments to other places later in the week, so this throws a big wrench in our plans and before I try to cancel some things and rearrange our entire itinerary, does anyone happen to know why they are closed these 2 days?

janisj

It does close for events now and then throughout the year . . . like for memorial services and such.

lavandula

Westminster Abbey is also a working cathedral (as well as a major tourist attraction).

Lavandula

bilboburgler

If they are not shouting about it then I assume someone important is coming for a service and they have tight security in place. Or they are trialling new security systems. The place is a security nightmare. 4th July is pretty famous for lots of things but most famously Bastille Day so maybe the French will be here. ;-)

PatrickLondon

Erm... 4 July is some other country's independence day. I don't know if anyone here is planning a special service of thanksgiving.

bilboburgler

yep, the Philipines won independence on the 4th

more likely the NHS started on the 5th and we need the 4th for the backlog

annhig

Despite my best endeavours I was unable to discover why it's shut on 4th and 5th July.

If you are available on Sunday 2nd or 9th July you could attend a service which is free.

SusanP

bilboburgler, I'm pretty sure Bastille Day is 14 July, not the 4th! 😀

kimberlyb

Thank you! I will plan around that, and appreciate the insight.

bilboburgler

oh no, don't let it be so...

Philipines, is correct though ;-)

nonconformist2

@bilboburglar has it.

They're doing a big service for the NHS's 75th anniversary on the 5th: NHS England » Events and news

They'll be doing all the set up on the 4th.

annhig

Thanks Nonconformist, Got it now. I thought that bilbo was just having a laff.

jan47ete

Going to be closed from now until May 8, so try to juggle. I was there a few weeks ago and mornings are EXTREMELY crowded, so to make it a bit more pleasant I would book as soon as you can for a PM visit.They do show how many tickets are left which may help.

kimberlyb

yes, I am aware they are closed for the coronation. Thank you. We don't arrive in London until July and they are closed 3 days during that month, which is what I was inquiring about.

bilboburgler

moi?