Westminster Abbey is one of London's most famous buildings and attracts over a million visitors a year. This working church is a treasure trove of paintings, stained glass, pavements, textiles, tombs, and other artefacts, and it contains the medieval shrine of an Anglo-Saxon saint.
Since 1066, Westminster Abbey has been the official coronation church where the kings and queens of England are crowned. Between Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament lies St. Margaret's Church, known as the parish church of the House of Commons, and since 1681 a pew has been reserved for the Speaker of the House.
Westminster Abbey is sometimes referred to as the Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster. Its history dates back to 616 AD when a shrine was created on the site after a fisherman had a vision of St. Peter. King Henry III began construction of the present Westminster Abbey buildings in 1245, and you can see his tomb and those of many other monarchs in the Abbey.
Westminster Abbey is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday with a range of multilingual audio and guided tours available. You can attend mass in the Abbey or hear the famous choir of St. Margaret's. The nearest tube stations for Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's are Westminster and St. James's Park.
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Radisson Edwardian hotels in this area
If you're looking for a Radisson Edwardian hotel in London that's close to Westminster Abbey, you'll be spoilt for choice.
The Mayfair is a 5 star hotel located in Stratton Street in London's exclusive Mayfair. This historic building, opened by King George V in 1927, recently underwent a £70 million refurbishment. The result is an oasis of contemporary chic, with sofas and chairs by Fendi, chandeliers by Baccarat, and paintings from St Petersburg. The May Fair is superbly located for the sights of London and is close to Green Park tube station. It also has its own attractions in the form of the award-winning Amba Bar and Grill, the May Fair Bar and the Palm Beach Casino. The Mayfair is equipped with a luxury spa, complimentary wireless broadband and a 24 hour business centre, so whether you're planning a trip for business or pleasure, this hotel is sure to please.
The Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel is a 5 star hotel in Leicester Square, the heart of London's theatreland. It offers grandeur and comfort, with mahogany-panelled walls, classic art, and bedrooms decorated with English fabrics and marble. The Hampshire's location, on the corner of Leicester Square, makes it an excellent base for exploring London, and it has a lively bar and restaurant serving the finest modern British and Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel has complimentary wireless Internet access, a 24 hour business centre and a fitness centre, so whether you're in London to work or to play, the Hampshire makes the perfect place to stay.
The Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is a new 4 star hotel in St. Martin's Street, just off Leicester Square. Tucked away in a quiet backstreet, this intimate boutique hotel offers all the benefits of a central location just off London's theatreland. Its luxurious rooms offer sleek black slate bathrooms, Bang & Olufsen plasma TVs, and beautiful Baccarat lighting. The hotel has a bar and restaurant, a fitness centre, a 24 hour business centre, 24 hour room service and complimentary wireless internet access. If you're looking for a relaxing hideaway in a central location, the Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is the one for you.
The Radisson Edwardian Mountbatten Hotel is a 4 star hotel in Seven Dials, Covent Garden. This discreet, boutique hotel is a byword for understated elegance, and its public areas feature silk chenille fabrics, 'leopard' hide chairs, Phillipe Hurel chocolate leather sofas and a collection of framed Japanese artefacts. The Mountbatten has a business centre, fitness centre and complimentary wireless access. The hotel's deluxe facilities and prime location make it the perfect London base for the business or leisure traveller.
