Photograph of different coloured birds within a stained-glass window representing animals within Westminster Abbey

Animals and nature

From mice to elephants and dragons to unicorns, the Abbey is an ark of exciting animals. Popping up on memorials, knight helmets, flags and candlesticks, animals have acted as symbols of power, loyalty and courage and captured our imagination in terrific tales for hundreds of years. Choose your animal counterpart and explore the Abbey's marvellous menagerie.

Photograph of an animal crown in the shape of a lion, a craft activity from Westminster Abbey

Animal Crown

Discover some examples of the wild world on the Abbey's walls. Create an amazing animal crown and transform into a roar-some Abbey lion.

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Photograph of sheep holding a cross, representing Christian animals from Westminster Abbey

Christian Animals

Join Tricia, one of the Canons of Westminster Abbey, to explore three key Christian animals. Find out about some animals which are significant to Christians, how they tell us about the story of Jesus' life and where you can spot them in the Abbey.

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Illustration of father and son interacting
Photograph of pink flowers in front of a view of Westminster Abbey

England's Oldest Garden

Have you heard about England’s Oldest Garden, hidden behind medieval walls in central London? Where can you find it? What is grown there? And just how old is it?

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Visiting the Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a brilliant place for families to visit. There are animals to spot and stories to discover as you walk round. With over 3,000 people buried and remembered in the Abbey, there really is something for everyone to get excited about.

We run family activities on a variety of themes on Saturdays throughout the year and during local school holidays too. Explore the Abbey and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries with help from our exciting family trails.

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