Royal Weddings and Famous Tombs? Visit Westminster Abbey in London!

Updated on July 30th, 2026

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One of London’s most famous landmarks, the Westminster Abbey is a must-see when you visit the capital city of England! Throughout the years, the 700-year-old church has held burials of many historical figures, as well as royal coronations and even weddings. Most recently, it was the site of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s royal wedding on 19 April 2011!

History

A church was first established on the site of present-day Westminster Abbey as early as the 10th century by Benedictine monks. The magnificent Abbey seen today began construction in 1245 under King Henry III and was designed in the Gothic style, with soaring arches, intricate stone carving, and breathtaking stained-glass windows that continue to impress visitors centuries later.  

The striking architecture as well as the historical importance of the Westminster Abbey ensured it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Since 1066, every English and later British monarch has been crowned at Westminster Abbey, making it one of the nation’s most significant ceremonial landmarks. The Abbey is also the final resting place of 17 monarchs and countless influential figures who shaped British history. When renowned writer Geoffrey Chaucer was buried there in 1400, it marked the beginning of the Abbey’s famous Poets’ Corner, which has since become the resting place and memorial site for many of Britain’s greatest literacy icons.

Around Chaucer’s grave, writers and poets were either buried or memorialized. The Poets’ Corner includes names such as Charles Dickens, T.S. Eliot, William Wordsworth, John Milton, Alexander Pope and William Shakespeare.

Inside Westminster Abbey

Besides the Poets’ Corner, there are several other things to see in Westminster Abbey such as the church houses the Coronation Chair, or King Edward’s Chair. This ancient throne was commissioned by King Edward in 1296, and contains the Stone of Scone, which was the Scottish coronation stone. Almost every sovereign of England and later Great Britain has been crowned on this wooden throne. The last occasion it was used was Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. Today, the Chair is heavily guarded, as many visitors over the centuries have tried to carve their names into the wood.

Coronations are not the only occasions the Royal Family visits Westminster Abbey. In fact, the Royal Family has had ties with the Abbey for centuries. The Abbey has seen sixteen royal weddings so far, of which the most recent was the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. For their wedding, the Abbey was completely transformed. Almost 30,000 flowers adorned the interior of the Abbey, and there were even eight real trees placed alongside the main isle. The ceremony was attended by many members of the Royal Family, as well as by members of foreign royal families, politicians and celebrities such as Sir Elton John, David Beckham, Guy Ritchie, Joss Stone and many more.

When you’re walking through the nave of the Abbey, where the Royal Wedding was held, you’ll notice that there’s only one grave you are not allowed to step on. This is the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. The tomb contains an unidentified British soldier who was killed during the First World War. The grave represents all the fallen soldiers of the war. In France, a similar grave can be found at the Arc de Triomphe, also containing the bones of an unidentified soldier.

The Grounds of Westminster Abbey

Beyond its historic architecture and royal significance, Westminster Abbey is also home to four peaceful gardens: the Garth, the Little Cloister, College Garden, and St. Catherine’s Garden. The Abbey’s Cloisters surround the Garth, a tranquil square of green space that once provided a quiet place for reflection. The Little Cloister was originally used by those recovering from illness and still features a charming fountain and fragrant plants. Nearby, College Garden, believed to be one of England’s oldest gardens, served as the Abbey’s  infirmary garden and continues to grow many medical herbs today. St. Catherine’s Garden occupies part of the former monastery grounds, where visitors can still see remnants of the medieval monastery.

Visiting Info

Current visitor hours are: 

• Monday-Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (some Saturdays may have different hours, so it’s worth checking before visiting)
• Sunday: Open for worship and services only; sightseeing is not available 

Admission tickets can be purchased online or at the Abbey. Standard adult admission is typically £31, with discounted rates available for students, seniors, and children. Children aged 5 and under receive free entry, while special family tickets are also available. Ticket prices may vary throughout the year, so it’s best to check the official Westminster Abbey website before your visit. 

If you’d like to experience the Abbey without purchasing a sightseeing ticket, you can attend one of its daily worship services free of charge. On Sunday, Westminster Abbey is open for worship only, welcoming visitors to services such as Holy Communion, Choral Evensong, and Evening Prayer. For the latest service schedule and visitor information, be sure to visit the official Westminster Abbey website before your trip. 

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How to Get There

Westminster Abbey is located at the south side of Parliament Square, west of Westminster Palace. You can get there by taking the London Underground to St. James’s Park (District and Circle lines) or to Westminster (Jubilee, District & Circle lines). If you’re visiting the Abbey in the morning or early afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to also stop by the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben afterwards.

If you fancy staying in an apartment of your own during your visit, we have many London vacation rentals available in the area around Westminster Abbey as well as in other neighborhoods!

Whether you’re fascinated by royal history, stunning Gothic architecture, or centuries of British tradition, Westminster Abbey is a must-visit landmark that offers an unforgettable glimpse into London’s past. Start your unforgettable experience in one of New York Habitat’s London vacation rentals. Enjoy the easy access to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the House of Parliament, and many of the city’s most iconic landmarks. For your short city break or longer unwinding vacation, you’ll find the perfect accommodations in some of London’s most desirable neighborhoods, making it easy to explore everything the capital has to offer.

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