Discover the lesser-known stories of Westminster Abbey this autumn

Westminster Abbey invites visitors to discover its stories, people and hidden spaces this autumn.

Westminster Abbey invites visitors to discover its stories, people and hidden spaces this autumn

London, 14 October 2026 - Westminster Abbey is familiar to millions of people around the world, from royal weddings and coronations to state occasions and national commemorations. Yet beyond these landmark moments lies a building filled with quieter stories, hidden spaces and traditions that continue to shape life at the Abbey today.

This autumn, a programme of special tours, talks and late events will offer visitors new ways to explore more than 1,000 years of history, from the Abbey’s Benedictine origins to the people and ideas that have shaped its place at the heart of British life.

Tours exploring medieval beginnings and unusual tales

Explore the Abbey’s medieval beginnings

A Medieval Monastery tour, running on selected dates in October, offers an opportunity to explore Westminster Abbey through its Benedictine past, following the story of the monks who lived and worshipped here before the monastery was dissolved under Henry VIII.

The 90-minute tour takes visitors into some of the Abbey’s oldest spaces, including the Cloisters, Chapter House, Jerusalem Chamber and Pyx Chamber, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the medieval community that helped shape the Abbey we know today.

Discover some of the Abbey’s more unusual stories

For families visiting during October half term, Souls, Saints and Stories takes a closer look at some of the more unusual stories found within the Abbey.

The tour explores saints, kings, queens, unexpected deaths and unusual burials, introducing younger visitors to the people and stories behind the names and memorials they encounter throughout the building. Designed for children aged five and over, the experience offers a story-led introduction to the Abbey’s history.

Discover a place of national memory

A Memorials and Memory tour, running on selected dates throughout the autumn, explores the Abbey as a place of national commemoration.

With more than 3,000 people buried and remembered at Westminster Abbey, each memorial stone, window and statue tells a story about who we choose to remember and why. The 75-minute guided tour takes in a mix of famous and lesser-known memorials spanning the last 1,000 years.

More ways to experience the Abbey

The autumn programme also includes experiences designed to make the Abbey’s history accessible to all.

A British Sign Language tour and an audio-described tour, both running on 21 November, will explore 1,000 years of Abbey history, following in the footsteps of monks and monarchs and exploring the building and the lives and legacies of those buried and remembered here.

Evening events, talks and after-hours access

Discover new perspectives

The programme also brings high-profile speakers into the Abbey to explore some of the people and ideas connected to its history.

Historian Kate Williams will explore women and power at a talk in the Lady Chapel on 14 October, while author Greg Jenner will examine how celebrity, fame and posthumous glory have shaped who we choose to remember at an evening event in the Nave on 12 November.

On 19 November, historians Matthew Payne and Thomas Penn will tell the story of William Caxton’s print revolution, 500 years after he set up his printing press by Westminster Abbey.

A series of lunchtime talks in St Margaret’s Church will explore The Hidden Stories of England’s Churches on 14 October, Remembering the Battle of Britain on 11 November and The Origin of Carols on 9 December.

Explore the Abbey after hours

Visitors at special evening events will have the chance to explore the Abbey’s history in more depth as the sun sets.

There will be a rare chance to draw at an art workshop in St Margaret’s Church on 23 October, when participants can take in the beauty of the historic Tudor church. The evening is open to artists of all abilities, with an expert tutor on hand to offer advice.

A Lates event in the Abbey’s Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries on 5 November will include a programme of short talks on some of the treasures on display. Set high above the Abbey floor in the medieval triforium, the Galleries offer spectacular views down into the church below.

More than a landmark

This autumn’s programme brings together stories of medieval life, national memory, family history, art, music and the people who have shaped Britain, offering visitors the opportunity to explore parts of the Abbey they may not have encountered before.

The full autumn events programme, including dates, availability and booking information, is available at Westminster Abbey Events.