Westminster Abbey vs Windsor Castle: Which Should Top Your List?

London’s royal showdown—find out whether the Abbey or Castle is your perfect match!

Published: June 1, 2026
Westminster Abbey

You only get so many days in London, and this city is bursting at the seams with bucket-list-worthy wonders. But when it comes to headline royal attractions, two really stand out: the solemn perfection of Westminster Abbey and the storybook splendor of Windsor Castle. Which should you make a priority? Can you fit both in a day? Or should you just pick your favourite royal haunt and linger like a monarch at tea? We’re doing a deep dive into regal chapels, turreted towers, secret gardens, and where to find the best cake nearby, so you can plan a day that fits your mood, your crew, and your camera roll. 

The lowdown 

Westminster Abbey:

  • Majestic 700-year-old Gothic abbey in the heart of London.
  • Site of every British coronation since 1066, plus 16 royal weddings. 
  • Final resting place for kings, queens, poets and scientists galore (hello, Newton and Darwin). 
  • Instantly recognizable for those dramatic, impossibly tall arches and stained glass.
  • Big Ben and Parliament just steps away.

Windsor Castle:

  • The world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle—with over 1,000 years of royal history.
  • Official residence of the monarch—yes, the King really stays here!
  • Changing of the Guard is pure royal pageantry.
  • Perched atop a hill in charming Windsor, surrounded by luscious parkland and the River Thames.

Sounds good, tell me more... 

Westminster Abbey

Ceiling of Westminster Abbey

Stepping inside Westminster Abbey is a truly unforgettable experience. With its soaring Gothic architecture, golden details and centuries of history, it has been at the heart of British royal tradition since the time of William the Conqueror. Every coronation has taken place here for nearly 1,000 years, allowing visitors to stand in the very spot where generations of monarchs have been crowned. Throughout the abbey, royal tombs and memorials honour figures such as Elizabeth I, Mary, Queen of Scots and Charles Dickens, creating a powerful connection to Britain’s past.

Beyond its famous landmarks, the abbey rewards visitors with quieter moments of discovery. Poets' Corner and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior are among its most moving spaces, while the breathtaking Lady Chapel is renowned for its intricate fan-vaulted ceiling and remarkable craftsmanship. Outside, the abbey’s peaceful gardens offer a welcome escape from the crowds and a chance to reflect on one of London’s most historic sites.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle

Few places capture the romance of royal Britain quite like Windsor Castle. With its towers, battlements and sweeping grounds, it feels every bit the storybook fortress. A walk along the iconic The Long Walk provides a spectacular approach before visitors step inside to explore the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle. The magnificent State Apartments are filled with priceless artworks, historic treasures and impressive displays of royal armour, while the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony adds an extra touch of pageantry.

Within the castle grounds, St George's Chapel is a highlight in its own right, celebrated for its stunning Gothic architecture and royal connections, including the wedding of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Beyond the castle walls, the charming town of Windsor offers riverside walks, independent shops and traditional pubs, making it easy to turn a castle visit into a full day of exploration.

Okay, so which one is most impressive? 

Big question! Westminster Abbey bowls you over with its history—you’re standing inside the ultimate royal church, full of kings, queens, poets and remarkable Brits who shaped the nation’s story. The atmosphere is all about pageantry, tradition, and awe-inspiring Gothic details. The stained glass alone gives you enough rainbow-hued photo ops to fill your feed. 

On the other hand, Windsor Castle feels undeniably grand and alive; you’re walking in a real working palace (with rooms that look straight out of a royal Netflix series). The vast gardens, historic grandeur, and regular buzz of state visits make it more than a frozen museum piece—it feels like you’re stepping into modern royal life. 

Which one is more fun? 

For anyone traveling with little ones (or young-at-heart adults), Windsor Castle edges ahead. Kids love the castle ramparts, the Guards’ parades, and all that wide-open lawn for running, rolling and picnic planning. Fancy dressing up as a knight or princess? There are often costumes and history hunts for families to join. 

But don’t count out Westminster Abbey! The special trails for families, and the interactive guides, help younger visitors see the magic in every medieval corner. Little detectives can hunt for the animals carved into choir stalls, or spot the hidden statues in corners nobody but locals seem to notice. 

Which is more beautiful? 

Pure aesthetics? It depends on your taste. Westminster Abbey impresses with its tall stone arches, intricate tilework, and kaleidoscope of stained-glass windows. Golden light pours into that ancient nave and every step feels like a photo opportunity—the kind of place where even bad weather looks dramatic. 

Windsor Castle, on the other hand, boasts vast stone towers, sweeping green lawns, and gardens that look especially dreamlike on a summer’s day. Climb to the top of the mound and you get photogenic views for miles. 

Which has the better view? 

Westminster Abbey sits in the beating heart of London, just a selfie-stick’s throw from Big Ben. Step outside and you’re rewarded with classic riverside panoramas, gothic spires, and throngs of red buses gliding by. Snap the Abbey with double-decker buses in the foreground for the ultimate London postcard. 

Windsor Castle, though, commands the landscape from the top of a ridge. Head to the Long Walk for a spectacular, seemingly endless avenue flanked by ancient trees. The view from the Castle’s North Terrace sweeps out across Eton and the Thames Valley—on a clear day, you feel like you’re looking out as far as London itself. 

How do I get there? 

Westminster Abbey: 

You couldn’t ask for an easier spot—simply hop off the Tube at Westminster station (Circle, District, or Jubilee lines) and the Abbey is just across the road. Expect a five-minute walk from the station to those imposing doors. Buses also criss-cross this area, and you’re a short stroll from major sights like the London Eye or Trafalgar Square if you’re stacking sightseeing. 

Windsor Castle: 

You’ll catch a fast, comfortable train from London Paddington or Waterloo (average journey time: 30–50 minutes). Alight at Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside. From there, it’s a pleasant ten-minute walk, often past musicians, fudge stands, and ice cream shops. If you’re lucky, you may catch sight of the Guards jogging to or from changing duties as you arrive! 

Which is the best choice for families, couples or friends? 

Families: Windsor Castle is a playground of ramparts, towers, and history-themed fun. There are regular children’s activities, family trails, and that sense of adventure as you explore. Plenty of open space means fidgety feet can let off steam, especially outside the Castle walls. 

Couples: Westminster Abbey is atmospheric and grand—perfect for those who love dramatic history and contemplative walks through secret chapels. It’s ideal for history-loving pairs who want to soak in centuries of stories together, then wander to a nearby riverside restaurant for a celebratory afternoon tea. 

Friends: Both work well, but Westminster means you’re right in the heart of the city—step outside and you’ve got cool pubs, galleries and all of London’s buzz on your doorstep. Windsor has more relaxed river walks, cute streets to explore, and plenty of spots for a celebratory tipple. 

I’ve got fidgety kids to entertain – which has more ‘hands on’ activities? 

When it comes to keeping little minds busy, Windsor Castle really rolls out the red carpet. The castle regularly offers family-friendly activity trails, “Knight School” events, crafty workshops, and dress-up zones where you can try out a tabard or tiara. Kids can even get hands-on with activity booklets as they explore the castle. Watching the Changing of the Guard is always a crowd-pleaser, and the wide lawns are perfect for post-tour cartwheeling. 

Westminster Abbey doesn’t skimp on surprises either. Head to the Abbey’s visitor centre for family trails and themed activity packs (think treasure hunts and spot-the-gargoyle challenges). Open days for families are brilliantly interactive, offering storytelling, quick crafts inspired by the Abbey’s hidden creatures, and “meet a monk” sessions if you time it right. 

What’s the accessibility like? 

Both attractions put real effort into welcoming every visitor. 

At Westminster Abbey, step-free routes allow wheelchair users entry via the North Door. Most main areas are accessible, including the Nave and Poet’s Corner. There are lifts for some chapels and tactile activities for those with visual impairments. Accessible toilets and quiet spaces are available, and free admission is offered for carers. Audio guides come in a range of languages and accessibility options, including BSL. 

Windsor Castle also makes accessibility a priority. There are plenty of lifts, accessible toilets, and a dedicated Access Pass Desk. The castle provides wheelchairs (subject to availability; booking ahead is a smart move), portable induction loops for the hard-of-hearing, and even large-print guides. The wide paths in the grounds are generally smooth and ramp-friendly, and helpful stewards are never far away. 

Best lunch spots nearby? 

Westminster Abbey:

  • Cellarium Café & Terrace (Inside the Abbey Grounds): Dine where monks once stored their wine and food—now it’s all about scones and hearty British lunches in a cozy vaulted space, or on the sunny terrace in summer. Their coronation chicken sandwich is a nod to royal traditions, and there’s always an irresistible cake selection. 
  • The Red Lion (Parliament Street): A classic wood-panelled pub just a stone’s throw from the Abbey. Grab a pie and mash, sip an ale, and soak up the cheerful, parliamentary banter. 
  • The Wesley’s Café (Methodist Central Hall): Friendly and budget-friendly, Wesley’s Café offers hot soup, sandwiches and fair-trade coffee in a relaxed, light-filled atrium. 

Windsor Castle:

  • The Ivy Royal Windsor: This beautiful spot delivers casual glamour with vintage leather banquettes and glitzy chandeliers. The shepherd’s pie is legendary. Don’t miss their passion fruit and vanilla cheesecake. 
  • The Horse & Groom: Overlooking the castle gates, it’s a proper British pub with great local ales, crispy fish and chips, and front-row seats for castle people-watching. 
  • Windsor Royal Station (Food Market): This lively converted railway station is packed with food stalls—burgers, pastas, and pastries. Perfect for grabbing a bite before your train back to London. 

Where are the best photo opportunities? 

Westminster Abbey:

  • Inside the Nave: Capture soaring arches and colourful stained glass—set your camera to wide angle to fit it all in! 
  • The Cloisters: Peaceful, atmospheric and surprisingly empty compared to the main Abbey—all moody columns and dramatic shadows. 
  • Poet’s Corner: Sneak a creative selfie next to Shakespeare’s plaque for a true literary nod. 

Windsor Castle:

  • The Long Walk: Snap that fairytale shot of the castle framed by a line of ancient trees. 
  • Castle Gardens and North Terrace: Panoramic views sweep across Windsor town and the Thames Valley—clear days equal great shots. 
  • St George’s Chapel: Surreal Gothic beauty and the place for royal wedding super-fans. 

We’re finished and thirsty – is there a decent bar in the area? 

Westminster Abbey:

  • The Coral Room (Bloomsbury): A splash of 1920s glamour—think velvet chairs, stunning cocktails, and those ‘Is this a Wes Anderson film?’ vibes. Order the ‘English Garden’ gin fizz for a classic London treat. 
  • St Stephen’s Tavern (Parliament Square): This Victorian pub hosts politicians and sightseers alike. Try the house bitter and sit by the windows to watch London hustle by. Pints are friendly on the wallet. 

Windsor Castle:

  • The Boatman: Set right on the Thames, the Boatman pairs riverside views with a stellar gin collection—grab a Windsor Castle Gin & Tonic for a local twist. 
  • The Duchess of Cambridge: A lively spot just off Peascod Street with classic cocktails (try the Windsor Mule) and plenty of buzz. Great spot for end-of-day people-watching and budget friendly too. 

Any other good stuff nearby? 

Westminster Abbey:

  • Houses of Parliament & Big Ben: Only a minute’s stroll—snap a classic London shot or take a walking tour. 
  • St James’s Park: A postcard-perfect swan-filled oasis, lovely for a takeaway picnic or chill-out after the Abbey’s drama. 

Windsor Castle:

  • Eton College: Cross the bridge and discover the beautiful, historic school that schooled kings and prime ministers—sometimes open for guided tours. 
  • Windsor Great Park: Royal deer, ancient oaks, and sweeping meadows—it’s a slice of the countryside right on the castle’s doorstep. 

 

Every visit to Westminster Abbey or Windsor Castle hands you a fresh royal memory, a better understanding of Britain’s monarchs, and some ‘look where I am!’ moments to send home. The secret? With Go City, you can include both of these must-sees in your adventures, while saving serious pounds and skipping the faff!  

Enjoyed this? Check out Westminster Abbey vs. St Paul’s Cathedral or Windsor Castle vs. Kensington Palace 

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Best walks in London

“To walk alone in London is the greatest rest,” proclaimed Virginia Woolf in her 1927 essay Street Haunting. It’s hard to disagree: a stroll through London’s streets nourishes the soul. Here you’ll find all the familiar landmarks, and there unexpected marvels: parks that materialize as if from nowhere, quirky museums, hidden alleyways that lead... where? Ask a local to recommend the best walk in London and you’ll get a different answer every time, such are the endless possibilities of this great city. Here, though, are four of our favorites. Soho stroll It doesn’t get much more London than a saunter through the streets of Soho. Once the epicenter of London’s – shall we say – seamier entertainments, the district has shaken off much of its reputation to re-emerge as a bohemian mini metropolis, awash with cute cafés, independent stores and sizzling street food. Arriving at Leicester Square station, take the Charing Cross Road East exit to emerge opposite this thoroughfare’s venerable second-hand bookstores, their Harry Potter-esque shopfronts stacked high with dusty leather-bound tomes, colorful pulp novels and weighty reference books. Pause for a selfie, then follow your nose to Chinatown. Here, red-and-gold lanterns sway above the street and tantalizing aromas of hoi-sin duck, plump dim sum and crispy chili beef provide a feast for the senses. One block north of Chinatown brings you to Shaftesbury Avenue, a broad and bustling boulevard at the very heart of London’s west end, where acting legends tread the boards at theaters including (deep breath) the Lyric, the Gielgud, the Sondheim, the Apollo and the Palace. Wander up Dean Street to enter Soho proper and pause for un petit verre at The French House. This diminutive gallic stalwart has been here since the late 19th-century, lubricating art-and-literature aristocracy including Dylan Thomas, Salvador Dali and Francis Bacon down the years. Swing right onto Old Compton Street then left at the Prince Edward Theatre to join Greek Street. Keep your eyes peeled for blue plaques that commemorate some of the street’s most celebrated former residents, from Thomas de Quincy to Peter Cook. Greek Street is also home to Maison Bertaux – at over 150 years old, quite probably the longest-established French patisserie in London – as well as whisky store Milroy’s. Intrepid visitors to this Scotch specialist should seek out the cocktail bar in the cellar, its entrance cunningly concealed behind a bookcase at the back of the shop. Take the weight off for a moment in Soho Square, a small public garden with a statue of Charles II and an eye-catching mini mock-tudor building at its center, before heading a couple of blocks west to Berwick Street. Packed with vinyl record stores, clothes boutiques, haberdashers and traditional London boozers, it’s perhaps most famous for its centuries-old street market (now a foodie mecca) and for featuring on an Oasis record sleeve in the 90s. Linger awhile to soak up the boho atmosphere then disappear into the surrounding streets... Regent’s Park With pristine white stucco terraces, manicured gardens galore, an ornamental lake and much more spread across its 400 acres, Regent’s Park has plenty to keep even the most seasoned stroller happy for hours. Enter by Regent’s Park station, and bear left towards the superb boating lake, where you can hire small row boats and pedalos from spring through fall. The banks make an ideal spot for picnicking, but expect some attention from the resident ducks, swans and geese. Look out for the vast copper dome of the Central London Mosque on the opposite bank. Follow the path to the bandstand and into the Inner Circle to seek out Queen Mary’s Gardens, the park’s finest. Pause to smell the roses (take your time: there are thousands!) and linger in the tranquility of the Japanese-style garden with its babbling brooks, miniature waterfalls and weeping willows. At the top of the circle, you’ll find an open-air theater with performances of Shakespeare plays, kids’ shows and more during the summer months. The distant sound of shrieking gibbons and roaring lions draws you northwards to ZSL London Zoo. Established nearly two centuries ago, it’s the world’s oldest and now houses over 750 species and nearly 20,000 critters, from tigers to tarantulas, okapis to otters. From here, cross the canal footbridge to climb Primrose Hill for far-reaching views of London’s skyline, or follow the meandering towpath west to Little Venice, where cute barges (including the UK’s only floating puppet theater!) bob gently in the lagoon. The East End Perhaps best known for its darker associations with Jack The Ripper, London’s East End has ushered in the modern while retaining the best of its Victorian character. Exit Liverpool Street station, head along Bishopsgate and right onto Folgate Street, where Dennis Severs’ House, a mesmerizing throwback to a bygone era, is worth an hour of anyone's time. Continue to Commercial Street, past sprawling Spitalfields Market, and pause for refreshment at the Ten Bells. This cozy pub stands in the shadow of Christ Church – an imposing 18th-century Hawksmoor masterpiece – and was once frequented by victims of Jack The Ripper. A couple of blocks east is Brick Lane, where Bangladeshi and Jewish influences still happily prevail in spite of the area’s ongoing gentrification. It’s here you’ll find the finest bagels and curries in all of London. Try both: you won’t regret it. Brick Lane is also home to the landmark Truman Brewery building. Once a beer-making powerhouse, now an office block, it retains a convivial cobbled courtyard with a bar and live music in summer. This is also the place to cram shopping bags full of vintage fashions, vinyl records and, of course, fresh spices and exotic fruits – no trip to Brick Lane would be complete without a visit to the legendary Taj Stores. Finish your tour at the bottom of the street where modern art exhibitions and installations are free to enter at the wonderful Whitechapel Gallery. South Bank to the Tower Stretch your legs a little on this three-mile route that takes in bustling markets, Shakespearean theaters, royal palaces, and some of the finest river views you’re likely to encounter in London. Emerging at Embankment station, climb the stairs onto the Hungerford footbridge. Buskers perform for your entertainment as you cross, but they’re fighting a losing battle against the captivating views: St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Big Ben, the London Eye... to name just a few. Stroll through the South Bank’s cultural heart, home to the Royal Festival Hall and National Film Theatre. Beneath these fantastic examples of brutalist architecture, kids show off their moves in the graffiti’d skatepark and a cavalcade of street entertainers vie for your attention (and cash). Follow the river past the landmark Oxo Tower to the Tate Modern and onwards to the Globe Theater, a stunning replica of the Elizabethan playhouse for which Shakespeare wrote his plays. Completed in the mid-1990s, this authentic timber-framed reconstruction boasts the only thatched roof permitted in London since the Great Fire of 1666. Your walk continues east to the atmospheric cobbled lanes around Southwark and London Bridge, where you’ll encounter the infamous Clink Prison and a faithful reproduction of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind galleon. Railway bridges rumble overhead as you follow your nose into Borough Market, where restaurant-quality fast food will fortify you for the final leg of your adventure. Here, every palate is catered for. Grab a halloumi burger or smoked salmon bagel, try melt-in-the-mouth confit duck or make a mess with delicious, oozing cheese raclette. The leafy grounds of medieval Southwark Cathedral, right next to the market, provide a tranquil setting to savor your meal and watch the world go by. We challenge you not to hum the famous nursery rhyme as you cross London Bridge and join the Thames Path east to the Tower of London: awe-inspiring fortress, royal palace, notorious prison, and home of the Crown Jewels. It’s here, among the resident ravens and the Yeoman Guards in their smart red-and navy livery, that your journey concludes. Save on things to do in London Save on admission to London attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Where to stay in London

London is increasingly becoming a 24-7 city. With the advent of the Night Tube and museums that don’t close on Mondays like in much of Europe, there’s always somewhere new to explore. At the same time, it’s a big place – with over 30 boroughs (neighborhoods). Each can then be subdivided into smaller districts, many packed with hotels and Airbnbs, making it even harder to decide where to stay in London. If you’re wondering which neighborhoods in London are popular to stay in, stay tuned for the only guide you’ll ever need! Best areas to stay in London If money’s no object, staying centrally can save a lot of travelling time, meaning greater opportunities to see and do all the things London is famous for – from its museums and historic palaces to its restaurants and nightlife. You probably haven’t come to London to listen to ‘mind the gap’ announcements on rotation on the Tube. The area around Covent Garden and the West End is the obvious pick, although there are a growing number of choices in Westminster, the South Bank and London Bridge too. That said, London’s mix of underground, trains, buses, black cabs, rental cycles, Ubers, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and trams means you’re never going to be short of ways to get from attraction to attraction. A stay in east London’s Shoreditch and Hoxton neighborhoods will have you mixing with the capital’s trendsetters in no time. Look further afield if value is your main concern. Outer areas, particularly south of the River Thames such as Crystal Palace, are still only 20 minutes or so from the center of the city by train but are much kinder on the wallet. Top areas to stay for tourists in London For visitors keen to place themselves right at the heart of quintessential London scenes – red double decker buses, policemen with unnecessarily tall helmets and Union flags gently fluttering in the breeze – you can do a lot worse than Westminster. Stays here tend to be set back from the river by a block or two, and you’ll find more homestay-style apartments than hotels. But the trade off is your proximity to one of London’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Houses of Parliament – as well as Westminster Abbey, the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square and the riverside, with views across to the London Eye. Another smattering of attractions and even better transport links makes London Bridge and Bankside other options. Hotels span the spectrum, from the Premier Inn London Southwark to the Shangri-La a few stories below The View from The Shard. Nearby attractions range from the gourmet stalls of Borough Market to HMS Belfast and the Tower of London. Places to stay in London for a long weekend For a two or three day stay in London, Covent Garden and the West End have all you’re going to want and need. As well as being home to the big theaters of Drury Lane and Shaftesbury Avenue, there are also enough restaurants and bars to keep you entertained for every weekend of the year. On top of that, staying in Covent Garden puts you within a radius of a couple of kilometers of the British Museum, shopping on Oxford Street and the nightlife of Soho. There can also be some great deals in the hotels of Canary Wharf on the weekend, since most who stay here are on business, leaving hotels scrambling for guests on Friday and Saturday nights. The area is connected to central London by the swish Jubilee Line extension to the Underground network as well as the DLR. Cool places to stay in London If you’re not quite ready for the opera, east London has an edgier feel and some of the coolest spots in the city. The painfully trendy-not-trendy residents of the apartments around Old Street do their best to look unimpressed and nonchalant about the street art and themed bars which define Shoreditch and Hoxton. But they secretly know how great a place it is to live – and that’s much of the pleasure of staying in Shoreditch. You get to rub shoulders with real Londoners with real lives. Despite its local vibe, it’s a very welcoming neighborhood. Indeed, it’s one of the best neighborhoods for those who feel they don’t conform. Plus, there’s been plenty of money spent making the area’s hotels as attractive to stay in as those in Covent Garden and Westminster. The best place to stay in London for nightlife is probably Soho however. This is where you’ll find many of the big name clubs, including G-A-Y and Borderline, whilst Chinatown is just down the road for an authentic taste of the east. Places to stay in London with kids If Kensington is good enough for the latest generation of royals, you can bet your bottom dollar it’s good enough for your family too. Comprising quiet, traffic-free streets, Kensington has a suburban feel whilst being within a few Tube stops of Buckingham Palace and Covent Garden. And let’s face it, children are going to love the expanse of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens together with three of the best museums in the country – the Natural History, Science and Victoria and Albert museums. Named after the Great Exhibition of 1851, which moved from Hyde Park to a permanent home on Sydenham Hill, Crystal Palace has become orientated towards families with children. There’s a slew of cafés where you won’t be afraid of your kids becoming too noisy, a large park home to the earliest modern representations of dinosaurs in the world. It has some of London’s cheapest accommodation too. Discover London with Go City You now know where to stay in London. The next thing to consider is what to see and do in a city with more attractions than some countries. Travel with Go City and there’s incredible savings to be had on admission to many of London’s biggest attractions, leaving you cash to spend on, well, whatever you like!
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