Visit St Margaret's
St Margaret's is open for visiting, free of charge.
General information
General opening times
Monday - Friday: 10.30am - 3.30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Open for services
Photography
You are welcome to take personal photographs in St Margaret's during visiting hours. Video recording, flash photography, extra lighting, selfie sticks and tripods are not permitted, and photography of children and young people is prohibited without consent of the accompanying adult. Professional photography is only permitted on the approval of our Press Office.
Accessibility
St Margaret’s has a ramp for wheelchair users.
We also provide a hearing loop for those who need it.
Facilities
While you’re visiting St Margaret’s, you can enjoy the Abbey’s Cellarium Café, browse in the shop and use the toilets.
For your safety
We carry out security checks every day.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
Sir Walter Raleigh
Buried near the high altar is the dashing explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. His life is commemorated in the west window.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
Blanche Parry
A moving memorial to Blanche Parry, initially nurse-maid, and later the personal maid of Queen Elizabeth I.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
The Speaker’s Pew and Portcullis Motif
Since 1681, the Speaker of the House of Commons has had the sole use of the front pew opposite the lectern. The Portcullis is the symbol of the Commons, and is found throughout the church.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
The East Window
Marvel at the magnificent 16th century east window, made to commemorate the marriage of King Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
Winston Churchill
See where the war-time Prime Minister was married, and where he brought the House of Commons to pray with thanksgiving for the end of the Second World War.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
The Piper windows
The strikingly abstract stained windows in the south aisle were designed by John Piper, and replaced those damaged during the Second World War.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
Olaudah Equiano
Early abolitionists had strong ties with St Margaret’s. Olaudah Equiano was baptised in the church’s font in 1759.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
Cornelius van Dun
Served as a Yeoman of the Guard under four Tudor monarchs. His brightly painted memorial bust, recording his philanthropy, is meant to inspire generosity to the needy.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
John Milton
Renowned poet John Milton married his second wife in the church in 1656. Look at the window in the north aisle showing scenes from his life and poetry.
Top ten things to see and do at St Margaret’s
Samuel Pepys
Married in St Margaret’s in 1655, Samuel Pepys’ diaries record that when he attended church, Pepys slept ‘til sermon was done’.
History of St Margaret's
It may seem surprising to find another large church standing so close to the might and magnificence of Westminster Abbey.
