London is celebrating the Platinum Jubilee with Westminster Abbey rooftop tours and superblooms
Apr 27, 2022 鈥 4 min read
Westminster Abbey is hosting rooftop tours in honor of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee 漏 Heritage Images via Getty Images
A few lucky souls will get the opportunity to see the Gothic roof of Westminster Abbey up close during a 90-minute tour offered as one of the events honoring Queen Elizabeth II鈥檚 Platinum Jubilee.
It鈥檚 the first time the rooftop, which also offers sweeping views of London including landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Whitehall, Big Ben and the London Eye.
The rare tours, which are led by the Abbey鈥檚 Clerk of Works and the Head of Visitor Experience, are only offered on select weekends from June through August and are limited to just 10 people.
After years under wraps, Big Ben鈥檚 new face is finally unveiled
Tickets were snapped up almost as quickly as they went online. On its website, the Abbey said despite the extraordinary demand, it was not considering offering additional dates at this time.
If you missed out on getting one of these rare tickets, this is just one of several unique events happening around the UK in honor of the Queen鈥檚 historic reign
Here are some other experiences you might consider if you plan to visit London this summer.
What is the Platinum Jubilee?
A Jubilee is arking the reign of a King or Queen. A Silver jubilee takes place after 25 years, Gold after 50 years, Diamond after 60 years, and Sapphire after 65 years.
In February, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee of 70 years on the throne.
The takes place June 2-5, 2022, with an extended bank holiday weekend for UK citizens but there are many other celebrations happening over the course of the summer.
Other unique events honoring the Queen鈥檚 Platinum Jubilee
The opening of Westminster Abbey鈥檚 rooftop isn鈥檛 the only unique event honoring the Queen鈥檚 historic reign this summer. Check out this in honor of the Platinum Jubilee.
However, here are a few notable ones to keep in mind if you鈥檙e headed to London.
The Queen鈥檚 Birthday Parade
On June 2, a parade of more than 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will honor the Queen. According to the , the parade will start at Buckingham Palace and move down The Mall to Horse Guard's Parade where it will be joined by Members of the Royal Family on horseback and in carriages. The event closes with the traditional Royal Air Force fly-past, which The Queen and members of the Royal Family will watch from the Buckingham Palace balcony.
The Queen & her Abbey tour
Aside from the rooftop tour, Westminster Abbey is offering during the month of June exploring the milestones the Queen has celebrated there. Tour guides will lead visitors through parts of the Abbey traditionally off limits to visitors including St George鈥檚 Chapel, the location of the Coronation Chair. Tickets are 拢10 and must be purchased along with a general admission ticket which is 拢25.00 for an adult. Make sure to make reservations in advance and, if you want to make a day of it, reserve a spot for one of the Abbey鈥檚 or
Superbloom at Tower of London
This spring, in preparation for the Jubilee, gardeners sowed more than 20 million seeds in the moat of the historic Tower of London. That means from June to September, the moat will, according to the Tower, 鈥渆rupt into new colours and patterns creating a dramatic and engaging experience.鈥
also enjoy a sound installation and sculptures in a display that celebrates nature and is designed to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
The display will last from June 1 until mid-September. There are a variety of ticket options starting from 拢12.00 for an adult ticket.
Tour the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace
The State Rooms of the Queen鈥檚 palace are open for visitors for just 10 weeks during the summer between July 22 and October 2. . During your visit, you can take in a which features portraits taken by Dorothy Wilding as well as several tiaras gifted to the Royal Family.
Queen Elizabeth II's coronation dress at Windsor Castle
from July 7 through September 26, Windsor Castle will display the Coronation Dress and Robe of Estate that Queen Elizabeth II wore during her coronation on June 2, 1953.
The robe of purple silk velvet features the Queen鈥檚 monogram and ears of wheat. According to the Royal Collection Trust, it took 12 embroideresses using 18 different types of gold thread gold thread more than 3,500 hours to complete it between March 1952 and May 1953.
Meanwhile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse will host an exhibition featuring outfits worn by Queen Elizabeth II during her Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees.
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