This is by far the best $8 or so ticket in London, if you're into historic sites. Westminster Abbey is the final, royal resting place of many prominent figures in English history and crypts, chapels, knooks and crannies of this awesome gothic structure will instantly take you back to the Middle Ages. It is difficult to describe the feeling that a visitor gets while quietly walking among the full-sized, sculpted likenesses of so many famous people; hands praying and looking up to the heavens in hopes that their maker will not be vengeful at the last. It is at once fascinating and perhaps even a little on the eerie side. Do not miss Westminster Abbey -- if I could only visit one site in London, this would most certainly be the place. In addition to being a fantastic destination in its own right, getting there will put you right in the midst of the stately Parliament buildings and in the shadow of Big Ben. This is the part of London that many people dream of seeing and it will not disappoint you. Hot tip: don't go on an empty stomach -- you're likely to do better in the dining department by going to an area without the tremendous volume of official and tourist traffic that is concentrated in this relatively small area. Work it in relatively early and then enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Thames, leaving the crowd behind.

I was awestruck with Westminster Abbey. There is so much history buried within this structure, and so much more that took place in and around the abbey. I found it amazing to run my hand over worn-down stone that was thousands of years old. Also, having been an English major in college, I found it fascinating to visit Poet's Corner, where many of my literary heroes are either buried or acknowledged in stone.

The lines and large crowds are other aspects of Westminster Abbey that can be pretty unbelievable, but have patience. It is worth the wait.

Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous and historic churches in the world. It is gorgeous and very impressive! There has been a church at this site since at least the 6th Century and is where British Monarchs have been coroneted since 1066. Most of the building today dates from the 13 and 14th centuries and the twin, west towers were built in the 18th century. Edward the Confessor was the first King to be buried here. Since then many rulers and members of the Royal family have also been buried here. The Nave, near the West entrance, is breathtaking with French Gothic style vaulting, painted and gilded structures and crystal chandeliers. The choir is in Victorian Gothic style. Here men and boys sing the daily services - which are open to the public, I recommend the Evensong, at approx. 6:60 pm. Line (cue) up early to make sure you have a place to sit during the summer months, it is considerably less crowded in the winter. Along with visiting the numerous tombs for past monarchs, make sure you see Poet's Corner where many poets and writers have either been buried or honored with a memorial. A few names to be found here are Chaucer, Shakespeare, Jane Austin, the Bronte sisters, T.S. Eliot and Burns, just to name a few. Westminster is across the street from Big Ben and Westminster Hall (parliament) and a very short walk from St James Park. Most of the abbey and church are free, some rooms/halls request a small donation. There is of course a gift/book shop.

The most famous church in London, the Abbey attracts crowds of tourists to view its distinctive architecture as well as the graves of a number of England's royals. The best part for me was the Poet's Corner, where plaques honor the masters of English literature.