Westminster Abbey 2026 Guide: Tickets, History & Royal Secrets

TLDR: Westminster Abbey is the UK’s royal coronation church, a Gothic masterpiece, and the burial site of over 3,300 famous figures. It is an Anglican church (not Catholic) and is closed to tourists on Sundays. For 2026, adult entry is £31, and we recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance to secure your timed entry.

For over 1,000 years, Westminster Abbey has served as the stage for Britain’s most historic moments - from every royal coronation since 1066 to the weddings of Prince William and Queen Elizabeth II.

This guide answers the most common traveler questions: How does it differ from Westminster Cathedral? Is it free to enter? And whose famous faces (and secrets) are hidden within its walls? Whether you are a history buff or a first-time visitor, here is everything you need to know for your 2026 visit.

What is the story behind Westminster Abbey?

You can't talk about London without mentioning Westminster Abbey. This isn’t just a church - it’s a stage where Britain’s most dramatic moments have played out.

Founded by Edward the Confessor in 1045 (yes, that old), the Abbey was built on an ancient sacred site. What you see today, though, is mainly the result of Henry III’s 13th-century Gothic makeover - he wanted something to rival the French cathedrals and leave a royal legacy. And he succeeded.

Since William the Conqueror’s coronation in 1066, every British monarch (except Edward V and Edward VIII) has been crowned here. That’s a streak longer than most dynasties. And coronations are just the start: over 3,300 people are buried here, from kings to scientists, poets to politicians.

And it’s not all dry history. There’s plenty of royal intrigue (looking at you, Henry VIII), scandal, romance, and even a dash of ghost lore if you listen closely.

What to see inside Westminster Abbey?

Here are the top 5 highlights you can't miss:

• The Coronation Chair: Used for nearly every British monarch for the last 700 years.
• Poets' Corner: The final resting place of literary giants like Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, and Rudyard Kipling.
• Lady Chapel: Featuring one of the most magnificent vaulted ceilings in the world.
• The Unknown Warrior: A poignant WWI memorial where royal brides traditionally lay their bouquets.
• The Oldest Door: A 900-year-old oak door located in the cloisters—the only one of its kind in Britain.

Is anyone buried under the floor at Westminster Abbey?

Oh yes, lots of people. And not just under the floor, but all around you.

The Abbey is basically a who's who of British history. In fact, if you ever wondered, “Who is buried at Westminster Abbey?”, the answer is: probably someone you studied in school.

Here are a few names:

• Isaac Newton – Yes, the apple guy. Buried beneath a grand monument in the nave.
• Charles Darwin – Just a few steps away from Newton. Evolution meets gravity.
• Elizabeth I & Mary Queen of Scots – Fierce rivals, but resting not too far apart.
• Geoffrey Chaucer – The first poet in Poets’ Corner, where you’ll also find memorials to Shakespeare, Dickens, and more.
• Stephen Hawking – Buried near Newton. Science keeps good company here.

Some of the tombstones are so worn down, you’ll walk over them without noticing - but you’re walking across history. Literally.

Curious about the eerie elegance of the Abbey's burial traditions? The StoryHunt tour brings that aspect to life with audio narration that’s both reverent and riveting.

Was Princess Diana married at Westminster Abbey?

Actually, no. While the Abbey is the traditional site for most royal weddings (including Prince William and Kate Middleton), Princess Diana was married at St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1981.

However, the Abbey holds a deep connection to her memory as it was the location of her funeral service in 1997. In that way, the Abbey became forever linked to her story - especially if you follow the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk nearby.

Can anyone walk into Westminster Abbey?

Yes - and no.

Visitors are welcome, but unlike a typical cathedral, Westminster Abbey isn’t free to enter unless you’re attending a service (which is open to the public).

Here’s what you need to know:

• Tickets cost around £30 for adults (check the official Abbey site for current pricing).
• Opening hours vary and may close for special events or royal occasions.
• Early morning and late afternoon tend to be quieter if you want to beat the crowds.
• You can attend Evensong or Sunday services for free, but sightseeing during these services isn’t allowed.

Trust me, it’s worth paying the entry. And for a more memorable visit, pair your entrance with the StoryHunt audio tour of Westminster - you’ll walk in like a tourist, but leave feeling like a time traveller.

What are the prices and opening hours of Westminster Abbey?

To visit for sightseeing, you must purchase a timed ticket. As of 2026, standard adult entry is £31.

• Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed for sightseeing (Open for worship only).

Pro Tip: Entry is free if you attend a service (like Evensong), but you will not be allowed to tour the royal tombs or the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries during this time.

What is the difference between Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral?

This is the most common mistake travelers make.

• ‍Westminster Abbey is a Gothic, Anglican (Church of England) church famous for royal coronations and burials.
• ‍Westminster Cathedral, located just 15 minutes away, is a much younger Roman Catholic church built in the 1900s with distinctive red-and-white striped brickwork and Byzantine mosaics.

If you want royal history and "The Crown" vibes, you want the Abbey.

Is it worth seeing Westminster Abbey?

Absolutely. If you only visit one church in London, make it this one.

Here’s why I always recommend it:

• Rich history that’s both academic and emotional.
• Incredible architecture - stained glass, vaulted ceilings, and the Henry VII Lady Chapel will have your jaw on the floor.
• Famous tombs that give you goosebumps just being near them.
• Royal connection - where else can you walk in the same aisle kings, queens, and prime ministers have?

What else is nearby Westminster Abbey?

Westminster isn’t just a historical pit stop - it’s a launchpad into London’s greatest hits. Here’s what’s around the corner (and featured in the same audio walk by StoryHunt):

• Houses of Parliament & Big Ben: Stand beneath the Gothic spires and listen for Big Ben’s iconic chime (technically the bell inside the tower, not the tower itself!). A British icon that never gets old.
• Westminster Bridge: A perfect photo op with views of the London Eye and the Thames. Bonus points if you time it at sunset.
• Churchill War Rooms: Underground and intense - this was Churchill’s WWII bunker. A must for history buffs. Book in advance via the Imperial War Museums site.
• Trafalgar Square & The National Gallery: An easy 10-minute walk to admire Nelson’s Column, meet the lions, and pop into the National Gallery - home to Van Gogh, Turner, and da Vinci, for free.

Don’t rush Westminster Abbey. Come with curiosity, a good pair of shoes, and maybe headphones tuned to StoryHunt. Because some stories deserve to be walked, not just read.