uk houses of parliament tours

Posted on 14th June 2023 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

Want to Visit the Houses of Parliament on a Tour? Here’s How…

Love This? Save and Share!

Planning to visit the Houses of Parliament and not sure where to start? Check out this step by step guide to the types of tours, ticket prices and what to expect before you go. 

The Houses of Parliament are more than just an iconic London landmark. They function as the heart of British power. 

Set in the Palace of Westminster, a Victorian Neo-Gothic affair on the banks of the Thames, the 1000+ rooms of the palace count among them two of the most important locations in UK politics – the House of Commons and House of Lords. 

Little wonder then that visiting the Houses of Parliament is one of the first things that people think of when visiting London. 

Who wouldn’t want to take a peek at the innards of authority, the place where decisions that shape the lives of British citizens are made on a daily basis? We certainly did for sure. 

Having taken a Houses of Parliament tour previously, we can honestly say that it is one of the most fascinating things we’ve done in London full stop. This coming from a team that spends a lot of time researching and writing about London, and who’s as reticent to give out high praise as Scrooge was to give out money before his Christmas Carol transformation. 

In other words – you should totally go. 

The difficult thing is knowing where to start. That’s why we’ve written this guide to walk you through the options for visiting with and without a tour, the different kinds of Houses of Parliament tours available, where to get tickets and what to expect when you do. 

Do I Have to Book a Tour to Visit the Houses of Parliament? 

Usually, no. But it’s best to book in advance or you risk being turned away. 

There are several ways that you can usually visit the Houses of Parliament without booking a tour – the main ones are: 

• Watch a debate or a committee

Watch Prime Minister’s Questions 

• Watch Minister’s Question Times in the House of Commons or House of Lords 
• Book onto one of Parliament’s special events or talks.

You do not have to book tickets for the first three, although it is advisable to book tickets for Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) as it is very popular and you are not guaranteed entry without a ticket. 

We will go into more detail on each of these in the section “Visiting the Houses of Parliament Without a Tour” below if you want to know more info but we thought it was worth dealing with the tours first as this is what we’ve been asked most questions about.

Choosing Which Houses of Parliament Tour to Book 

There are several different types of Houses of Parliament tour that you could go on – we’ve given you a breakdown of each of them as well as options for how to get your hands on tickets and (where relevant) lead times for each.

Houses of Parliament Guided Tour

This is a 90-minute guided tour of the Houses of Parliament for which you have to pay. 

The tours are usually held on weekdays when Parliament is not in session and most Saturdays throughout the year. They go at a slow pace, allowing you to soak in the architecture and history of the buildings. 

These tours also held in French, Spanish, German and Italian on selected dates.

Cost: £32 for adults, £16 for kids, £26 for concessions, Disabled visitors are charged as per the above but an essential companion is free. 

How to Get Tickets: For the latest information on when these tours will return, click here .

Rather take things at your own pace instead of going on a group tour but still want to explore the Palace of Westminster? You should consider an audio tour. 

The 90-minute audio tour provides a wealth of information about the buildings and the politics that happen within Parliament’s walls – in audio and video formats. 

It’s also available in a much wider range of languages than the guided tours and there are different versions for children and adults. 

Cost: £25 for adults, £9 for kids, £18.00 for concessions, under 5s free. Disabled visitors are charged as per the above but an essential companion is free. 

How to Get Tickets: Get your tickets for Parliament before they sell out here .

Private Guided Tours 

Want to explore in a private group? Book a private guided tour. 

On the face of it, the £500 fee looks pretty steep but when you consider that it covers up to 10 people for a completely tailored tour, it doesn’t actually look so bad after all.

You’ll have to enquire about this privately as you can’t book online, but the tours generally begin first thing in the morning (Monday to Wednesday) and last around 75 minutes. 

Cost: Starts from £500 per group of up to 10 people 

How to Book: For bookings of 10 people or more, contact [email protected]

How to Take a Tour of the Houses of Parliament for Free

Did you know that UK residents can visit the Houses of Parliament for Free?

Scrap that, if you’re a UK resident, you can take a Democratic Access Tour of the Houses of Parliament for Free. 

We’ve taken one of these tours and it was riveting – 75 minutes of sights and information that had every single person fixed on every word our tour guide Sean had to say. 

The locations you cover during the tour depend on what’s happening on the day  – we were lucky enough to visit both houses (we literally squeaked into the House of Lords just in time). 

The tour is informative and educational, walking you through the daily business of MPs while they’re in the houses, the procedures that govern them and showcases the highlights of the Palace of Westminster along the way. 

We cannot recommend this enough – if you’re a UK resident and capable of getting to London, do it. 

The decisions that are made here influence every aspect of your life – not in an obscure and difficult to define fashion, but directly and with significant impact. Taking the time to understand how it works is never going to be a bad idea. 

How to Get Tickets: 

You have to be a UK resident to book one of the Houses of Parliament free tours. You’ll need to book through your local MP or a Member of the House of Lords to book up to six months in advance. 

There are often last-minute Houses of Parliament tickets available (within the next seven days) – you can email Parliament to book a space on one of them, or pop into the Ticket Office in front of Portcullis House. 

More information can be found here

Behind the Scenes Houses of Parliament Guided Tour 

This tour isn’t run by Parliament itself and is significantly more expensive than the standard guided tours we included above. 

So why are we listing it? Because it’s a much more in-depth and intimate tour that allows you to really immerse yourself in the world of Parliament past and present. 

In the course of two hours, you explore sections of the Palace of Westminster – including several places that aren’t covered by the other tours. 

This is really a tour for those who want to get down to the nitty gritty of the history and architecture of the Houses of Parliament and want to do it as part of a smaller group. 

Cost: £65 Adults, £59 Children (4-12), Infants three and under are free. 

How to get Tickets: Book online on Get Your Guide

Take a Virtual Tour

Can’t make your way to Parliament right now? Don’t stress. You can take a virtual tour of the buildings online. You’ll walk your virtual self through the corridors of power. It’s not the same as being there in person, but at least you don’t have to get off the sofa. 

Cost: Absolutely free. Hurrah.

How to get Tickets: Book online here.

Visiting the Houses of Parliament Without a Tour

Now you’ve got a good grasp of the kinds of tours that you can take of the Houses of Parliament, We’re going to walk you through the ways that you can usually visit Parliament without a tour. 

It’s probably worth noting that you’re not allowed to just walk around the Palace of Westminster unguided (unless you’re doing an audio tour), so if you want to look around the buildings and learn about their history, a guided or audio tour are the only ways to do it. 

Watch a Debate or Committee 

MPs in the House of Commons and Peers in the House of Lords debate issues and proposed legislation on a daily basis – all of which anyone is able to view from the public galleries of the respective houses. 

In addition to this, both houses also hold committee meetings examine issues in detail on subjects large and small – all of which are open to the public. 

Though the waiting times vary dependent on the popularity / contentiousness of the subject, you are normally able to just turn up and hop into the queue for both debates and committee meetings.

The visitor attendants can give you a good idea of how long you can expect to wait when you arrive. 

How to Get Tickets: Not ticketed, just turn up and queue . 

Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) happens every Wednesday at 12pm when Parliament is in session.

Even before the explosive events of the past few years, PMQs has always been the most popular event at Parliament, which is why it’s a ticketed event. 

How to Get Tickets: Contact your local MP to request a ticket. If you’re not a UK resident or you haven’t booked a ticket in advance you can turn up on the day and try your luck but the pool of seats available is small. Not currently running but keep your eyes peeled on the website.

Watch Minister’s Question Time

This happens in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords – generally at the beginning of the day Monday to Thursday and you can go and watch it from the public galleries of the respective houses. 

Cost: Free 

How to Get Tickets: You can contact your local MP to request a ticket or turn up on the day. Minister’s Question Time can be popular, but it’s generally OK to turn up on the day. Not currently running but check the website for updates.

Book a Special Event or Talk

There’s so much going on at Parliament – they really take their role of educating the public about aspects of life in Parliament, the history of the buildings and issues we face as a country.

The only problem is… only a select number of people know about them, buried as they are in an obscure section of Parliament’s website. 

Now,  you know that we’re full-on geeky (we’ve learnt to embrace it), but the subject range is fascinating. These are the kinds of talks that if you put them on TED Talks millions of people would be watching them, but when it’s Parliament… they’re hardly the talk of the town.

Don’t get us wrong – they still sell out but when’s the last time you saw them on a list of interesting things to do in London this week. It’s a shame – we want to thoroughly encourage you to go and check out the calendar and book onto any that interest you. 

At the moment, these talks are all virtual. Current ones on the calendar include The Elizabeth Tower’s Conservation and How UK Parliament Works – a great place to start if you’re looking to learn more about Parliament.

Cost: Varies – most are free

How to Get Tickets: Check the Calendar of Upcoming Events and book tickets (mostly free) online.

Houses of Parliament and the Palace of Westminster: Frequently Asked Questions

They actually refer to the same place. The Palace of Westminster, where the Houses of Parliament are based today, actually used to be a royal palace: Henry VIII was the last monarch to use it as such.  These days, it’s no longer a royal palace and serves as a meeting place for the House of Commons and House of Lords, together: the Houses of Parliament.

Yes, you can go into the Houses of Parliament – either on a tour, to go and see a debate or committee, to watch Prime Minister’s Questions or Minister’s Questions, to attend a talk or event or to go and petition your MP.  You can’t, however, just walk around and see the inside of the Palace of Westminster unguided. 

Yes, you can visit the Houses of Parliament for free by going to watch a debate, Prime Minister’s Questions or Ministers Questions in the appropriate house. You can also book a spot on one of the free Democratic Access Tours run by Parliament on a frequent basis. 

It depends on which tour you book. The free tours of the Houses of Parliament are around 75 minutes while the paid guided tours last for 90 minutes. They also recommend allowing at least 90 minutes for the self-guided audio tour. 

No, there is no formal dress code for visiting Parliament… but it is illegal to enter Parliament wearing a suit of armour, just in case you were thinking of doing that. 

You can take photos in Westminster Hall and St Stephen’s Hall in the Houses of Parliament if you’re visiting but no, you can’t take photos in the rest of the Palace of Westminster.

Yes, the buildings are old but they’ve been updated to make them accessible to everyone. From ramps to information in sign language and tours specially tailored to people that need a little more help than others, it’s all there for you.  What’s more, for the tours and such, essential companions can go free. 

You can find more information about parliament’s accessibility here

Yes, you can! Parliament’s Jubilee Cafe is open from 9:00am to 5:45pm Monday to Wednesday and 10:00am to 5:45pm Thursday to Saturday. They do a selection of refreshments, sandwiches and such in case you’re peckish.  Alternatively check out our guide to Westminster for some good food nearby.

Unlikely, but possible. Obviously whoever the Tories have chosen as our leader for the month that you happen to visit will be present at PMQs – if you can get a ticket to that – but most of the time they will be working from No. 10, around the corner – or off in a foreign country doing important diplomatic work. 

Map of the Houses of Parliament, London 

Visit Westminster + Central London Guides

• Unmissable Things to do in London
• A Guide to Trafalgar Square
• 2 Day London Itinerary

LET'S GET SOCIAL!

London x London is the insider’s guide to discovering the best of London.

We delve into the cool, interesting and quirky spots that make London such a dynamic city, telling you the best things to do, eat and drink along the way. 

Tired of the same old dull suggestions? Want to know where to find London’s secret bars, tastiest eats and weirdest finds? We provide practical guides that help you do just that.

Find Out More

Recently Published

• Eltham Palace: Discovering South London’s Gorgeous Art Deco Secret
• Staying At: The Laslett, Notting Hill Review
• Carreras Cigarette Factory: A Curious Reminder of London’s Egyptian Art Deco Craze

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

How To Visit the U.K. Parliament in 2024: Tickets, Hours, and Tours

Eddie Saint-Jean Last Updated: October 26, 2023

The U.K. Parliament in London has a fascinating history dating back to 1215 when disgruntled barons made King John sign the Magna Carta making him subject to the rule of law. This paved the way for the beginnings of Parliament in 1265 under Simon De Montfort. Getting into the Houses of Parliament is not straightforward, so we’ve put together this guide to help you plan. Here’s how to visit the U.K. Parliament.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  guide to London  for more planning resources, our  top London tours  for a memorable trip, and the  top things to do in London .

Visiting the U.K. Parliament: What We’ll Cover

The U.K. Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, has a long history with many interesting traditions that are still maintained today. The popular Guy Fawkes Day originates from events that took place here in 1605 when the Catholic zealot Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

While it is possible to visit the Houses of Parliament, you cannot simply walk in and wander around due to strict security. In this guide, discover what you need to know to visit the U.K. Parliament. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Opening hours and tickets
• How much time to budget for your visit
• What to see at the U.K. Parliament
• Facts and history of the U.K. Parliament
• Places to eat nearby

U.K. Parliament Opening Hours and Tickets

Despite its high-profile politicians and tight security, visitors are allowed inside Parliament for specific purposes: guided tours, certainly, as well as Committee Room events, parliamentary debates, or Prime Minister’s Questions. But its high security means you cannot just wander around unguided or without a specific invite or ticket.

Opening Hours:

The U.K. Parliament or Palace of Westminster is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

You have a choice of guided tours and multimedia tours. Multimedia tours allow you up to 90 minutes inside Parliament buildings using their audio guides. The guided tours last 75 minutes. All tours mostly take place on weekdays and Saturdays.

Also, access is more likely during Easter, summer, and Christmas, when Parliament is not in session. Still, visits are allowed at selected times even when Parliament is in session. You can book time slots for either multimedia or guided tours as long as they are between 9 am and 4:15 pm.

Contact the ticket offices at Portcullis House, Victoria Embankment for further information on guided tours in French, Spanish, Italian, and German, all of which are available on selected dates. 

Visits Without Tours:

There are three options. Firstly, you can watch the Prime Minister’s Questions or Minister’s Questions without a guide. These take place in the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Secondly, you can see a parliamentary debate or a committee at work. Thirdly, there are parliamentary talks, events, petitions, and Private Members’ Bills where visitors are permitted.

The guided tour costs £32 for Adults, while Young Adults (16 – 18 years old) pay £26. Concessions (Over-6os, students, and U.K. Armed Forces) are £26. Children (5 – 15 years old), £16; Children under 5 get in free.

For the multimedia tour: Adults pay £25, Young Adults (16 – 18 years old) pay £18, Children (5 – 15 years old) pay £8, and Children Under 5 get in free. Concessions are £18.

Note: U.K. residents can book both these tours for free.

Address: Palace of Westminster

Our Best Day Trips from London

Top-Rated Tour

The Magic of Harry Potter: Warner Bros Studios & Walking Tour of London

On this full-day Harry Potter experience, immerse yourself in the world of witchcraft and wizardry. With your expert, Harry Potter loving guide, explore the filming sights in London before heading to Warner Bros Studios by Private Coach. See the real Hogwarts, Sorting Hat and more on this memorable experience.

Starting at €149

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip from London

Join this full-day trip from London for the ultimate day through British history and culture with an expert guide. At Windsor Castle, skip the lines and see how the English Royals live. At Stonehenge, immerse yourself in the mystery of the 4000-year-old Neolithic structures. Lastly in Bath, take in the Roman Baths from the first century AD, the best symbol of Roman Britain.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out the best London tours to take and why .

How Long To Spend at the U.K. Parliament

Short answer: 75 minutes for a guided tour; 90 minutes for the multimedia tour.

Your tour includes visits to the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and Westminster Hall. This talk covers the history of the building, the creation of Parliament, and the democratic and legislative processes within Parliament today. Since both tours are for set times, you’re unlikely to run over.

However, if you’re attending a separate ticketed parliamentary event, it all depends on the times for the event itself.

What To See in and Near the U.K. Parliament 

• Commons Chamber: Prime Minister’s Question Time, Parliamentary debates
• The Lords Chamber: Question Time, Debates, and Legislation Work
• The House of Lords Committee Rooms: Select Committee work
• The Parliamentary Archives 
• The Churchill Arch
• Statues in the Palace
• The Speaker’s Chair
• The Royal Gallery
• Central Lobby
• The Cloisters
• Parliament Square (includes statues of Nelson Mandela, Ghandi, and Winston Churchill)
• Auguste Rodin’s sculpture The Burghers of Calais (in Victoria Tower Gardens, next to Parliament)

Facts and History of the U.K. Parliament

• The Houses of Parliament are also known as the Palace of Westminster. 
• Westminster Hall was built in 1097 by William II, son of William the Conqueror. It was the biggest and grandest hall in Europe at that time. It’s the oldest building in the Houses of Parliament.
• The first English Parliament was held in 1265, when French nobleman Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, led a group of rebellious barons seeking representational democracy and the curbing of Henry III’s absolute power. 
• The medieval parliament burned down in 1834. The fire destroyed most of the Palace of Westminster. 
• Oliver Cromwell was sworn in as Lord Protector in Westminster Hall. He was anti-royal but was sworn in wearing regal-looking robes. 
• In 1605, a zealot Catholic called Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament. He was caught in the House of Lords basement with barrels of gunpowder.
• The Queen is banned from the House of Commons. This convention was introduced in 1642 after King Charles I entered the Commons with soldiers to try and arrest five MPs for treason.
• A parliamentary official with the title Black Rod has the Commons door ceremoniously slammed in his face before the Queen’s Speech. After this ritual, he bangs on the door three times with his rod. This traditional act occurs when he summons MPs from the Commons Chambers to hear the Queen’s Speech. The slamming of the door represents the independence of the Commons.

Places To Eat Nearby

There’s a café in the Palace of Westminster. But you’re just as likely to find healthy, filling snacks and meals—and perhaps rub shoulders with politicians—in the nearby cafés and restaurants. For more options, check out the full list of best restaurants nearby .

Jubilee Café : £££ | Coffee Shop —This café in Westminster Hall has a selection of snacks, paninis, and sandwiches, plus pastries, sweets, and cakes. The quaint English Jubilee cream tea is a visitor favourite, but there’s also barista coffee and other beverages.

Riverside Café : ££ | River Views —This is a short but soul-lifting walk through parklands known as Victory Tower Gardens, and then over Lambeth Bridge. The café has the best views of Parliament and the Thames river compared to other eateries in the area. It serves a full English Breakfast, of course, as well as pizza, burgers, baguettes, salads, and hot and cold beverages.

The Cinnamon Club : £££+ | Former Victorian Library —There’s an elegant and exclusive atmosphere to this classy Indian restaurant. The curry, seafood, and soup dishes have a gourmet touch. Traditional English game such as venison is served in an artisanal Indian culinary style. There are a few menu surprises, too, like snake!

Find the best places to stay

Where To Stay in London

Deciding where to stay at a great hotel in London can take some effort since it’s a massive city. Make your decision easier with our list of the best neighborhoods and hotels in London.

Reader Interactions

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Travel Guide
• In The Press

POLICY & TERMS

• Cancellation Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

• Français
• Español

16-24s go free on available tours up until 11th December - choose your tour and book your free ticket now!

Houses Of Parliament - English Guided Tour Tickets and Dates

Guided tours.

Sorry, there are no shows for Houses Of Parliament - English Guided Tour right now.

More Information about Houses Of Parliament - English Guided Tour

Adding afternoon tea to your tour.

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Visit The Houses of Parliament

This post is about how to take a tour of the Houses of Parliament, as well as attend public debates. It covers security, dress codes, and other important tips.

And be sure to take one of our walking tours that cover the palace.

• Where is the Palace of Westminster?
• Public Tours
• Attending Public Debates
• Security and Dress Code
• Things to Do in London
• Other Royal Palaces
• Big Ben Tours

HOW TO GET TO THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Be sure to check out our tour of Westminster and read how to get into Westminster Abbey for free .

The Houses of Parliament is located entirely within the Palace of Westminster, in the City of Westminster on the western bank of the River Thames.

We recommend using this Google map for directions to the palace from anywhere in London.

Due to its central location, it is within walking distance to many popular London attractions (see green circles above).

The closest Underground station is Westminster, which is served by the Jubilee, Circle and District lines.

It is also near the Embankment station, which is also serviced by the Bakerloo and Northern lines.

Be sure to read our post on navigating the London Underground and choosing the right travel pass .

If you are considering using one of the hop-on-hop-off buses while you are in London, note that all have stops at the Palace of Westminster.

We have a post that compares all of the various bus tour options in London.

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT TOUR

One of the ways is to take a paid guided tour offered through the Houses of Parliament.

Reviews for this tour are mostly favorable, with an average of  4.5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor.

Some guests say that without a guided tour, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information that is on display. Many people note that the guides are very friendly and easy to understand.

Here is the information you need to know to plan your visit:

• You can pre-book tickets online or purchase them on the same day from the Ticket Office in front of Portcullis House on Victoria Embankment. The Ticket Office is open on Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturday from 8.45 am to 4.45 pm.
• Guided tours run Saturdays until 28 October 2023 and also Monday to Friday between 24 July and 1 September 2023.
• Guided tours in English start every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day between 10:15 am and 3:45 pm.
• Guided tours in French, German, Italian, and Spanish are offered every tour day but at set times.
• Tours run about 1 hour and 30 minutes

Guided Tour Prices -

• Adults: £32
• Concessions (over 60s, students, members of the UK Armed Forces): £26
• Children (5-15 years): £16
• Children (under 5): Free, but will require a ticket for admission. ( Note : This tour is not recommended for young children due to the length of the tour and the amount of walking)
• Disabled visitors: Standard prices as listed above (escorts have free entry but will require a ticket for admission)
• Note: Residents of the UK can visit for free by writing to your MP to request a free tour which will be delivered by an ‘in-house’ Parliament guide.

For any other information visit the official  guided tour page for more information .

In addition to the guided tour provided by the Houses of Parliament, this company also offers exclusive access to the site on two separate tours.

Their main outing includes a tour of both the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, allowing you to see and learn about both landmarks at the same time with special access to each.

Alternatively, you may also want to consider their after-hours Houses of Parliament tour which makes it easy to avoid the crowds.

Houses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey Tour ( affiliate disclosure )

Note: The tour is currently unavailable as of March 2024.

• £89/Adults, Students | £84/Children
• Duration: 3 ½ – 4 hours
• Hours: 9 am, 1:30 pm
• Includes Westminster Abbey admission.
• Includes Houses of Parliament admission.

Behind the Scenes After Hours Parliament Tour ( affiliate disclosure )

• £59/Adults, Students | £55/Children
• Duration: 2 hours
• Hours: 4 pm
• Includes after-hours Houses of Parliament admission.
• Includes tour of the House of Commons.
• Includes tour of the House of Lords.

Reviews for Take Walks are generally very positive, with most customers indicating they offer top-of-the-line tours.

Many guests feel that their guides are very knowledgeable and friendly, willing to answer any and all questions you may have.

Self-Guided Audio Tours

After years of offering guided tours of the palace, there is now an  audio tour available to the public .

Guests are provided with headphones and guided along the line route whilst listening to the history and current politics of the Houses of Parliament.

Important figures in Parliament help provide some of the commentaries on the audio guide so guests will get to listen to people such as Black Rod and the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Reviews on TripAdvisor indicate that these self-guided audio tours are pretty darn good.

Guests who enjoyed this tour suggest that it is the best option for those who wish to experience the Houses of Parliament at their own pace which is nice if you’re hoping to take your time.

• Audio tours follow the same schedule as the guided tours above.
• Audio tours last 75 minutes and are available in many languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin and Brazilian Portuguese, and Welsh.
• There is also a separate audio guide aimed at children aged 7 - 12.

Audio Guide Tour Prices

• Adults: £25
• Concessions (over 60s, students, members of the UK Armed Forces): £18
• Children (5-15 years): One child is free with each paying adult, but will require a ticket for admission, £8 for each additional child
• Children (under 5): Free, but will require a ticket for admission
• Click  here to book your tour of the Houses of Parliament!

If you can't make it to Parliament for a tour, then view the video clips below.

They cover tours of the House of Commons, and the House of Lords as well as parts of the Palace of Westminster, such as Westminster Hall.

Visit the Public Galleries for the Houses of Common and Lords For Free

For visitors who are interested in witnessing the world's oldest democratic body in action without the cost of a public tour, it is possible to do so by sitting in one or both of the public galleries.

All the legislative work of the Houses of Parliament takes place in either the House of Commons or the House of Lords - and both of these chambers have sections that are open to the public.

Video tour of the House of Commons.  Click here for a tour of the House of Lords .

The House of Commons Public Gallery is located behind bullet-proof glass and visitors are escorted up the back stairs of the House of Commons to sit on the balcony and observe the debates.

The House of Lords Public Gallery is also up a set of back stairs but this Gallery has no glass which means guests are actually sitting on a balcony inside the House of Lords itself.

Throughout both chambers, there are microphones built into the benches to bring the sound of the MPs and Lords working into the Galleries.

Sitting in the Galleries of both the Commons and the Lords is entirely free. In fact, taking in the debates is #3 on our list of top 10 free things to do in London .

Access is only accessible when either House is in session.

When Parliament is not sitting, the Galleries are closed to the public and whenever Parliament is in session (even as late as 11:00 pm) guests are allowed inside.

Occasionally you may find that there is a queue to get in, and visitors are put into a first-come-first-serve system inside the Palace.

This is particularly true for Wednesday mornings when the Prime Minister addresses the House of Commons.

Visitor access to the galleries, while the Prime Minister is speaking, is limited to ticket holders only, who obtain their tickets by contacting their Member of Parliament.

For this reason, it's advisable for most to avoid visiting the galleries at this time.

To gain access, go to the main entrance at Cromwell Green (see map link and the image below) and speak to the Visitor Assistants (wearing gold and blue) outside, who will let you know if the Houses are in session, what they are debating, and how long the wait may be.

To find out which days Parliament will be sitting, simply visit their website to plan your trip: www.Parliament.uk

Also note: Children under 5 are not allowed into the Public Gallery and older children can be denied access if the doorkeepers feel this necessary.

SECURITY AND DRESS CODE

The visitor entry point to the Palace of Westminster is located at 3 St. Margaret's Street ( map ), just across from St. Margaret's Church.

The closest Underground Station is Westminster, which services the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines.

Visitors coming to the Houses of Parliament - either for the tours or to attend the debates - are subject to tight security screening.

Described as "airport-style security" guests must pass through metal detectors and have all bags x-rayed and searched.

Guests will then have their photographs taken and issued a temporary pass which must be worn at all times and marks them out as visitors.

Certain items are restricted when visiting the Houses of Parliament and visitors should be aware that possession of these materials may see them prevented from entering.

In general, most lists of banned items on airplanes match with the list of banned items in Parliament. So sharp objects like scissors or blades of any sort are forbidden as are some aerosol sprays.

You can get more information on what's prohibited here.

Guests will also need to leave their belongings at the Doorkeepers before entering any of the Public Galleries as mobile phones, cameras, and any other personal effects are banned in the Galleries.

There is no dress code for the tour through the Palace of Westminster. Although we do recommend choosing inoffensive attire, you are pretty much free to wear whatever is comfortable.

Big Ben and Other Nearby Attractions

There is a lot to see in the area. We have a useful post on things to do in Westminster , but below are some of the highlights.

• Trafalgar Square
• Changing of the Guard
• Buckingham Palace
• 10 Downing Street
• Westminster Abbey
• The Churchill War Rooms
• The Horse Guards
• St. James's Palace

OUR TOURS THAT COVER THE PALACE

**Tip:   Come along on one of our  Westminster Tours !

The tour finishes at the Palace of Westminster and your guide will show you the facade of the Palace during your walk and will point you in the right direction for your visit to Parliament once the tour has finished.

On Saturdays, you can buy a ticket for a guided tour of the Palace.

During the week, your tour will finish in the perfect time for you to get a space in the Public Gallery.

Also, check out how to get into Westminster Abbey for free .

When it comes to ratings and reviews on TripAdvisor , it’s clear that a lot of guests have enjoyed our Westminster tour. Our London service rated 5 out of 5 stars.  

Reviewers mention that our guides are very friendly and informative, which is definitely an experience we strive to provide. One word keeps popping up more than any other among these reviews: historic.

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

North America

United kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

404 Not found

• Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament tours and tickets

• Lowest price
• Highest price

Westminster Abbey tickets with audio guide

Buy these Westminster Abbey tickets now to explore the gothic architecture for yourself and walk through the halls where monarchs have been crowned.

en,  it,  fr,  es,  de,  +4  pt, ru, ja, zh

London top sights guided walking tour

Book this 5-hour walking tour of London! Discover the history, culture, and legends of London and see more than 30 top sights!

Ticket and audio-guided tour to the Houses of Parliament

Book your Ticket and audio-guided tour to the Houses of Parliament and enjoy Parliament's magnificent art and architecture with audio commentary

en,  it,  fr,  es,  de,  +3  pt, ru, zh

Guided tour inside Westminster Abbey and outside the Houses of Parliament

Experience the pillar of Central London with this tour of Westminster Abbey. Here you'll learn the story behind Big Ben and understand how the Parliament works.

London's Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament day tour

Experience the pillars of Central London with these tours of Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster. Here you'll learn the story behind Big Ben.

Westminster famous sites self-guided audio walking tour

On this self-guided audio walking tour, you'll listen to historian Harvey and local journalist Claudia to discover Westminster and the history behind Britain's monarch and the seat of power.

Top attractions in London

You might also like

Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus: priority seating with meal

Film and TV Locations walking tour at the Old Royal Naval College

Book your Film and TV Locations walking tour at the Old Royal Naval College. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Old Royal Naval College and be guided through over 60 years of filming!

Hard Rock Cafe London priority seating with meal

Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner, try the authentic American cuisine and explore the Rock 'n' Roll memorabilia collection.

en,  it,  fr,  es,  de,  +3  pt, nl, da

Thames Rockets Break the Barrier speedboat ride

Blast your way along the River Thames and see the iconic London sights such as the O2 arena and Tower Bridge on an adrenaline-packed speedboat ride.

Up at The O2 twilight climb

Come along on an exhilarating 90-minute climb over the roof of the world's most popular entertainment venue The O2 at twilight!

Thames Rockets Ultimate London Speedboat Experience

Blast your way from the iconic London Eye Pier for 50 minutes that will stay with you forever. Instant booking now with Musement!

The Stadium Tour and Museum

Tower of London and private audience with Beefeater guard

Book your Tower of London private tour with a Beefeater to get early access to the Jewel House and discover one of the country's most iconic landmarks.

Official National Gallery highlights 1-hour guided tour

Book your tickets for a National Gallery guided tour and National Gallery entrance tickets

Best of London: Tower of London, Thames River Ride & Changing of the Guards

Book this Royal London tour now and skip the general access lines to the Tower of London. Enjoy a cruise up the Thames and a Westminster walking tour.

London Eye tickets

Enjoy your London Eye and marvel at the best panoramic views of this iconic city.

National Gallery must-sees guided tour and traditional afternoon tea

Discover the incredible collection of the National Gallery with an expert guide. Head to the stylish Ochre restaurant to tuck into a selection of sandwiches, seasonal pastries, cakes and fresh scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam served with either barista-made coffee or your choice of Good & Proper Tea.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter tickets with transport

Book the Warner Bros Studios London tour with transfer included, and enter the magical world of the Harry Potter films and sample the legendary Butterbeer!

Jack the Ripper walking tour

Experience the stories behind the Whitechapel Murders in London with our Jack the Ripper walking tour - if you think you're brave enough.

London Eye fast track tickets

Book these tickets now for fast track access to the London Eye to enjoy the best panoramic view of the city and its most loved attractions.

The inside story

On the banks of the River Thames, mesmerising gothic architecture reflects in the water of London’s most iconic landmarks – the Houses of Parliament. Also known as the Palace of Westminster, a former royal palace used last by Henry VIII, the building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its most striking features are the Victoria Tower, the largest of the building, and Big Ben. This four-faced clock was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark Elizabeth II’s diamond jubilee.

More than just a tourist hotspot, The Houses of Parliament is now the meeting place for the House of Commons and House of Lords – the heart of British politics that shapes the lives of British citizens. Guided tours take visitors around the opulent rooms, catching MPs in their daily lives. Look out for opulent red seats, carpets and the mesmerisingly golden Monarch’s Throne in the House of Lords. Some tours will also show you the Division Lobbies – content or not-content – and Westminster Hall. It’s also possible to book to watch live debates, special talks and even Prime Minister’s Questions.

Across the river from the London Eye, a short walk away from Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament is a worthwhile stop to add to any London trip.

How to get there

The Houses of Parliament & London Main Sights Tour

• Entry into the Houses of Parliament & Audio Guide
• Guided tour of London
• See 30+ Top London Sights
• Watch the Changing of the Guard
• Small Group Tour, Fun Local Guide!
• Entry/Admission - Houses of Parliament
• Snacks & Drinks
• Please bring a prepaid topped up Oyster Card / Travel Card / Debit or...
• Travel to and from your hotel
• Entry/Admission - Westminster Abbey
• The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR, UK - We meet outside of the Ritz hotel (Address: 150 Piccadilly) - Next to 2 red telephone boxes & 2 souvenir stands, underneath one of the Ritz signs. - Nearest tube station is Green Park Underground station
• London SW1A 0AA, UK Houses of Parliament
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Houses of Parliament

Similar experiences

• You'll start at The Ritz London 150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR, UK - We meet outside of the Ritz hotel (Address: 150 Piccadilly) - Next to 2 red telephone boxes & 2 souvenir stands, underneath one of the Ritz signs. - Nearest tube station is Green Park Underground station See address & details
• 1 Westminster Abbey Stop: 3 hours - Admission excluded See details
• 2 Houses of Parliament Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
• You'll end at SW1A 0AA London SW1A 0AA, UK Houses of Parliament See address & details

• 691victoiret 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Friendly guide with thorough explanations Benedict is a very friendly and knowledgeable guide from London. He showed us all the amazing destinations near buckinghum palace and answered all my boring questions. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• michaelcN6781ZS 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles London walking tour John was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable and personable and accommodating to all requests. The tour was well organized and easy to manage. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• Miffyspike 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour guide, 4 hours would have sufficed First time in London, figured we should get an overview of the sights and some info. Luckily, the two of us got assigned to a small group which ended up being 5 total, and Nicholas was very knowledgeable and friendly. One star deducted for the scheduled route (not the tour guide) — we got lots of palaces and history and were generally concentrated in one greater location, but I was hoping we would learn about different neighborhoods such as Soho and Covent Garden. I guess it’s all detailed in the tour info, but you don’t know what you don’t know. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• aditio676 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience. I had an amazing time on the tour. The guide Cleo was amazing and made the entire experience more immersive and amazing. Would highly recommend it for anyone visiting London. Read more Written April 5, 2024
• D6897PPkent 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good deal! John B was very knowledgeable and entertaining. AAA+++ for him. The tour had many stops and we received quite the history lesson. Bravo! Read more Written April 5, 2024
• PauloD85 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Day with London and Harry Potter Lupe was amazing, made it very fun and added great insights related to the tour. She is very knowledgeable, had great questions for us HP lovers... Read more Written April 5, 2024
• angelikan919 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles entertaining We really had a great time with Ari, she knows everything and talks about british history in a very exctiting way. Enjoyed a lot Read more Written April 5, 2024
• popsandnansc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Well worth the price!! Adrienne was a great guide, very engaging and full of information. He was kind and patient with the group and helpful with extra information is asked questions by the group or individually while walking from site to site. Read more Written April 5, 2024
• Z4607OKlisah 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour - covered a lot of ground. Cleo was amazing! It was Easter week and we had a big group but she kept us all together, answered all our questions, and managed to still have a voice when she was done. Very knowledgeable and I really enjoyed the tour. Thank you! Read more Written April 5, 2024
• davidfR2157OB 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Kings Guard, History and The Clink, So Much More! We arrived at the Ritz, we met our Guide, Adrian, our group was friendly and we set off on time. Adrian is very knowledgeable and gave us information on all the places we visited and time to capture photos. Adrian is very charismatic, putting on voice character of the different Kings of history. We had the opportunity to take a break to use the bathroom and have a drink. We covered all the major sights and learnt a lot of history. Adrian is a very knowledgeable and friendly Host. We would definitely recommend this Tour to anyone wanting to see London on foot with a Guide. Read more Written April 4, 2024
• abigalek2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Terrific experience that highlights the history of London Terrific experience from the start. Everything was organized perfectly. We had Brandon who was an amazing wealth of knowledge. What was great about him is that he’s actually an American that moved here to the UK. So he was great in connecting our two histories together. We went to Buckingham Palace and saw the changing of the guards, St James Palace, Westminster and various other places that we would have normally just passed by without knowing their significance. All around great experience and I highly recommend this tour company. 10/10 for Brandon! Read more Written April 4, 2024
• T6763CLmelissaw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Loved Harry Potter walking tour We loved it. It was a great way to see London and hear history of Harry Potter and the city. Ben was so knowledgeable, friendly and personable. We walked to iconic places in London and he knew so much. He also held great conversation with a lot of fun facts. Read more Written April 4, 2024
• F9742UQjessicas 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour! Great tour with a very knowledgeable guide! The tour took you to the various crime locations but also gave you a better idea of daily life for these people at the time. Read more Written April 4, 2024
• U7668KRgeorgeg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Value! We had a great time! Mike was an excellent tour guide for us. Really enjoyed our tour. We would do this tour again in a heartbeat. Read more Written April 4, 2024
• 85tapass 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Cleo the best Cleo is an amazing individual. She took all the pain to show us several distinctive places in London on a rainy day. She told us several stories along the way, and we all enjoyed them. I am satisfied to get an overview of London through Cleo. I wish her all the best. Read more Written April 4, 2024

More to explore in London

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Buy it with

The Houses of Parliament & London Main Sights Tour provided by London Top Sights Tours