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Visiting The Palace of Westminster, London

Enter the heart of British Politics with a visit to the Palace of Westminster in London. Understand the workings of the UK government and learn how and why the Parliament and Big Ben were constructed. There is so much to admire about this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its unique structure, beautiful façade and inspiring monuments and statues. Big Ben, the landmark clock tower that defines London’s skyline stands tall as a true icon and symbol of Britain. The Palace of Westminster is located in the Buckingham Palace neighbourhood of London and can be easily reached via Westminster tube station.

There are a few guided tours of Parliament that are offered on selected dates throughout the year. Make sure to book early as these tickets will sell out fast

History of the Houses of Parliament and big ben:

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster is the location of the two parliamentary houses of the United Kingdom: The House of Lords and the House of Commons. Its clock tower, Big Ben, is one of the most recognizable structures in the world.

Since the year 1265, the Houses of Parliament has operated at this location, making it one of the world’s oldest parliaments. The Palace of Westminster stood for hundreds of years until a fire destroyed it in 1834. It took over thirty years to rebuild, but in 1870, a new complex in a neo-Gothic style was completed, which incorporated the buildings that survived the fire. It includes the Clock Tower (Big Ben), House of Commons, House of Lords, Westminster Hall, Victoria House and the Lobbies.

Designed by the architect Charles Barry, the most famous part is the elegant clock tower. Originally named St. Stephen’s Tower, it soon became known as Big Ben after the tower’s largest bell.

Highlights:

Westminster Hall is the oldest hall of the Houses of Parliament. Dating all the way back to 1097, it stands today as one of Europe’s largest unsupported medieval halls. See the astonishing hammer-beam roof and magnificent architecture and learn the how the hall operated as the legal and administrative centre of government.

Central Lobby

A place where Members of Parliament meet one another and their constituents, it comprises of a magnificent mosaic-covered vault and a beautiful tiled floor. The Central Tower is built over the Central Lobby, and it is here that the corridors from the Lords, Commons, and Westminster Halls meet.

The Lords Chamber

The Lords Chamber is the most extravagantly decorated room in the Palace of Westminster, London. It is predominantly decorated with furnishings in red and it is where three elements of Parliament (the Sovereign, the Lords and the Commons) meet. Stain glass windows show the coats of arms of peers and six mural paintings represent the spirits of Justice, Chivalry and Religion.

The Commons Chamber

Bombed and subsequently rebuilt after World War Two, the Commons Chamber looks very different to the Lords. It is a more moderate in style, furnished in a traditional green color. It is here that elected members of parliament meet.

St Stephen’s Hall

St Stephen’s Hall was used by the House of Commons from 1945 to 1950 during the rebuilding of the bombed Commons Chamber. It is a wonderful decorative hall that houses on either side of the room statues of famous parliamentarians as well as statues of early Kings and Queens of England. Ten stained glass windows show the arms of various parliamentary cities, and paintings on the walls depict famous events in British history.

Works of art in the Palace

The Palace of Westminster was designed to include statues, frescoes, murals and paintings to show the important events that have taken place at Parliament and depict its most famous members.

The King’s robing room is a glorious space, with wonderful gilded ceilings, an impressive fireplace and beautiful decorations. It is used officially on one day of the year, where the King puts on the state robes and Imperial Crown before officially opening Parliament

Royal Gallery

This room houses enormous works of art depicting the battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar as well as royal portraits.

How to get to the palace of Westminster

**hop on hop off bus tour**.

The London sightseeing bus tour is a hassle-free way of traveling around London to explore some of the most famous landmarks. This convenient hop-on hop-off service has three different routes, providing excellent means to visit the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as well as other major attractions such as Buckingham Palace and St Paul’s Cathedral.

by Public transport

The nearest underground stop is Westminster Station which visitors can get to using the District, Circle or Jubilee lines. It’s literally right next to the Palace of Westminster, you can’t miss it as you exit the tube station! Just remember that this station tends to get packed full of people, so know where you are going. There are also loads of buses that stop in around the Palace of Westminster, we recommend you download the CityMapper app which will tell you the fastest route of getting to the site.

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…

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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 

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Westminster Hall

In 2022, more than 250,000 people paid their respects to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, lying in state in Westminster Hall. Part of the Palace of Westminster, the Hall was built for William II in 1097-99 and has played a major role in the history of the nation since then…

Jessica Brain

Westminster Hall in all its historic grandeur has throughout several centuries played host to some of the most significant moments in British history, most recently the lying-in-state of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II .

Lying at the seat of power in London, it is the oldest building on the parliamentary estate, encapsulating the spirit of Westminster which for so long has been an epicentre of authority in the British Isles.

Flanked by law courts, parliament itself and government offices, the history of Westminster Hall is a history of Britain; of monarchs, past and present, administration, tradition and so much more.

The origins of the building itself can be traced back to the time of King William II , the son of William the Conqueror who commissioned Westminster Hall in 1097.

Completed in just two years, it was the largest hall in England, as well as the being the biggest in Europe at the time. Such a significant structure in size and scale was designed to reflect the king’s power and might, as well as to impress upon his subjects his ultimate authority.

The structure itself measures 73 by 20 metres and was so significant in size that the royal household would often dine in a smaller hall close to the main one.

Of particular architectural significance was the impressive design of the roof, which has become a prominent feature of this impressive historical building that still evokes awe from visitors today.

Richard II ’s commission for the roof would make it the largest medieval timber roof of its kind in Northern Europe.

The hammer-beam roof had been undertaken by the chief mason Henry Yevele and supported by the work of carpenter Hugh Herland.

Under the watchful eye of Yevele, who already had significant building project success under his belt including the Tower of London , Westminster Abbey and Canterbury Cathedral, the dangerous work of construction would begin.

Whilst the roof was thought to have originally been supported by pillars, during this new period of construction under Richard II the royal carpenter and mason created a hammer-beam roof.

The sheer scale of the project required oak collected from several woods belonging to the royal household, transported across the country to Westminster for assembly.

The vast, clear span roof would measure around 21m by 73m; no longer sectioned into three, the roof was not only huge in scale but also in grandeur and sophisticated in design, making it a crowning glory of medieval timber architecture.

In addition to the impressive architectural centrepiece of the roof design, the hall was also adorned with life-size statues each depicting a king and made from Reigate stone, starting with Edward the Confessor and ending with Richard II, who oversaw this commission. Such emblems proved to be unprecedented at the time and would reflect the prestige and significance of the building itself, becoming symbolic of the seat of power and emanating authority in its design, form and structure.

Since its conception in 1097, Westminster Hall was not only a place steeped in symbolic power but was in fact a functioning setting for the royal household, playing host to ceremony both judicial and monarchical.

Since the time of Henry II, it had been established as a place for a fixed sitting of judges whilst in the time of the Magna Carta , the courts would regularly convene in the Hall. Throughout the tumultuous history of the British Isles, Westminster Hall became a venue for some major historical events, including state trials such as that of King Charles I , marking the end of the English Civil War, as well as prominent figures such as Thomas More , Cardinal John Fisher and the infamous Guy Fawkes .

For centuries Westminster Hall was the place for the highest courts in the land to convene, including the Court of King’s Bench, the Court of Common Pleas and the Court of Chancery. It was not until the late 1800s that the setting for the courts would move to a new Royal Courts of Justice building.

Meanwhile, as the Hall regularly played host to a variety of administrative processes throughout British history, simultaneously it would also host some of the most significant ceremonial processions and events in royal history.

For successive generation of kings and queens , Westminster Hall has been the setting for a coronation banquet, the last of which was held in 1821 for King George IV .

With hundreds of years of history to uncover, recent restorative work has discovered fragments of the King’s Table which was thought to have been used by seventeen monarchs over a three century period and became a symbol of their reigning power.

After the coronation ceremony had taken place, a breakfast would be served at the table with seated at the head, a newly reigning monarch whose power has just been cemented not only by ceremony but the symbolism displayed around them.

Whilst due to growing expenditure concerns, the last banquet of such a kind ended with King George IV. The Hall has in more recent centuries become a location for other royal ceremonial functions both celebratory and solemn in tone.

Westminster Hall was used for jubilant royal celebrations such as the Addresses to the Crown for Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 and subsequently both the Golden and Diamond Jubilee . Moreover, a 1500 piece stained glass window was designed to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee in the north window of Westminster Hall, providing a permanent architectural reminder of the historical value of this ceremonial building which is a piece of history in itself.

As the Hall resonates with such great value in British royal and political life, it has also served as the venue for foreign leaders to enter the British history books, when they were bestowed with the privilege of giving an address to both Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall. Most significantly, this honour has been reserved for only a select few such as the South African President Nelson Mandela in 1996, Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 and Barack Obama in 2011, the first US President to be invited to speak in Westminster Hall.

President Obama speaking in Westminster Hall

Sadly, the Hall has also played host to much more solemn occasions such as state funerals and the lying-in-state of members of the royal family. One such example includes the state funeral of Winston Churchill in 1965, one of a select few non-royal to be bestowed with such an honour. In 2002, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother’s lying-in-state took place in the hall and most recently, Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

From Wednesday 14th September until the morning of Monday 19th September 2022, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was lying-in-state at Westminster Hall allowing thousands of mourners to file pass her coffin to pay their respects and say a final goodbye.

Since its conception in 1097, Westminster Hall has become a nucleus of royal activity, inextricably tied to the political, monarchical and cultural scene of Britain throughout the centuries.

Westminster Hall’s symbolic strength as a location for the very highest seat of power in the land, representing the legacy of British monarchy, the emergence of British democracy and the tradition of pomp and ceremony, remains the undeniable power of such a building which will continue to serve and play host to the most significant moments of British history for years to come.

Jessica Brain is a freelance writer specialising in history. Based in Kent and a lover of all things historical.

Published: 20th October 2022

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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

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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!

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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.

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Explore the Houses of Parliament's medieval Westminster Hall

Westminster, greater london.

Explore 1,000 years of British history on a tour of the Houses of Parliament, from the Westminster Palace to the Commons Chamber.

The Houses of Parliament is one of the most iconic and important buildings in London, where political debates take place, laws are passed and history made. During the summer (while parliament is in recess) and on Saturdays throughout the year, the Houses of Parliament opens up to the public for guided tours. Led by expert Blue Badge Guides, the tour takes in famous sites including The Queen's Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, the Lords Chamber and the Commons Chamber, where members of parliament hold their lively debates. Another highlight is Westminster Hall, which was begun in 907 and survived the catastrophic fire of 1834. It is also the location for many historic events, from the trials of King Charles I and Guy Fawkes to speeches by Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama.

Content provided by Visitlondon.com / London & Partners

• Find out more about the Houses of Parliament and plan your visit
• Find more hertiage attractions in London

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Seven Details In The Magnificent Westminster Hall

For sheer scale and the incredibly significant events that have taken place within its walls, Westminster Hall is one of the most astonishing spaces in London. 

I recently went on a preview tour of the Elizabeth Tower and afterwards had a wander around Westminster Hall.

A Very Brief History Of The Palace of Westminster

The first Palace of Westminster was constructed for Edward the Confessor in the 1040s and 50s. It was rebuilt and added to over the course of the medieval period and onwards.

The Palace of Westminster was the primary royal residence until 1512 when a fire destroyed much of the residential part of the palace. It later became home to the two Houses of Parliament: the Commons and the Lords.

Most of the palace was destroyed again in another huge fire in 1834 and rebuilt to the designs of Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin.

Remarkably, due to a change in wind direction and the heroic efforts of the firefighters, Westminster Hall managed to survive the fire. It is the oldest part of palace today.

Click here for my blog post on the Jewel Tower, another surviving part of the medieval Palace. 

A Hall Fit For A King

Westminster Hall was built from 1097-99 in the reign of William II, son of William the Conqueror.

Measuring 240ft by 67 ft, it was, most likely, the largest hall in Europe at the time of its construction, designed to impress the King’s subjects. The stone walls are 6ft thick and curve, meaning that it is about 2.5ft wider in the middle. 

The hall has been the scene for some of the most extraordinary events in the country’s history, including the first English Parliament in 1265, the show trial of William Wallace in 1305 and the trial of King Charles I in 1649.

From 1189-1821 it was also the location for the coronation banquet, directly after the crowning of the monarch.

Here are seven details to look out for if you visit, with details at the bottom of how you can.

1. The Mind-blowing Hammer-beam Roof

The first sight that will grab your attention when you enter the hall is the incredible hammer-beam roof. Commissioned in 1393 by King Richard II when he remodelled the hall, it is the largest medieval timber roof in Northern Europe.

It was framed near Farnham in Surrey and then all 660 tons of it was transported on wagons and barges to Westminster to be assembled. 

On the ends of each beam you can see carved angels, holding shields displaying the royal coat of arms of that period. It depicts the fleur de lys of France and the 3 royal lions of England. 

2. Royal Symbols 

All around the hall also look out for the personal emblem of Richard II: the white hart. 

You will also see the white harts on the staircase in the centre as well.

Rather unfortunately for Richard II, after all this remodelling the first major event to take place in his newly designed hall was his own deposition in 1399. 

3. Six Medieval Statues

One of the other changes that Richard II made was to commission 13 statues, made of Reigate stone, of all the kings of England from Edward the Confessor to himself.

You can see six surviving statues today on the South wall of the hall today, in niches.

4. The Plaques On The Floor

On the floor are a number of easily-missed brass plaques, commemorating events that have taken place in the hall.

There is a plaque, for example, to the fact that it was here, on the 1st July 1535, that Sir Thomas More was condemned to death. 

There are also plaques to show where various monarchs and figures bodies lay in state. George VI and the Queen Mother, Sir Winston Churchill and, of course, Queen Elizabeth II. 

5. A Green Bench

There is a section of green bench so that you can pretend you’re an MP (should you want to…)!

6. The War Memorial

At the far end of the hall there is a memorial to members of both houses, or their staff, who died in World War One and above a stained glass window to those that died in World War Two. 

7. St Stephen’s Hall

Ok this is not inside Westminster Hall, but it is absolutely also worth looking inside St Stephen’s Hall, that leads from Westminster Hall to the chambers of the Houses of Parliament. 

St Stephen’s Hall is part of the Palace that was rebuilt after the devastating fire of 1834. It was conceived as a ‘National Valhalla’; lined with statues of famous Parliamentarians and paintings of dramatic events from Britain’s history. 

How To Visit

Anyone can visit Westminster Hall when Parliament is sitting. You can watch debates in the chambers, PMQ’s on Wednesdays or book onto one of their guided tours. Find out more about visiting here .

Thank you for reading! More of London’s amazing historical sights below…

Five London Streets Named After Inspirational People

St Mary Woolnoth: One Of The City’s Most Striking Churches

If Walls Could Talk… A Look Inside The Old War Office

My Top Ten Historic Churches In London

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i AM SO HAPPY TO SEE YOUR EMAIL ARRIVE!!!!!!! IT IS FANTASTIC IN EVERY WAY. I AM LEARNING SO MUCH. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. SINCERELY, PATSY

Thanks for your great article — I have a tour booked for 1 July to inspect the above and am very much looking forward to it. Heading over from Australia for a visit and very annoyed at myself for not booking fast enough for your walks on 2 July. Next best thing though, I have your lovely book and will be doing the self-guided walks as well as keeping my eyes peeled for all the amazing sights you document. Thank you for your enthusiasm in sharing your town and its history with us.

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Westminster Hall: The colourful history of the 900-year-old building

It has been the location for celebrations and times of mourning., article bookmarked.

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The King described Westminster Hall as a “great hall” which holds “reminders of medieval predecessors of the office to which I have been called” during a speech given to MPs and peers in Parliament.

Charles’s address is the latest speech to take place in the hall, a location which has been used to mark momentous moments in British history.

It dates back more than 900 years and has witnessed the trials of Guy Fawkes and King Charles I, and the lying in state of William Gladstone, Sir Winston Churchill , King George VI and his wife, the Queen Mother.

Westminster Hall was built in 1097 under William II (Rufus), the son of William the Conqueror, and was completed two years later.

According to the UK Parliament website, the hall was created to impress William II’s new subjects with his power and the majesty of his authority.

It holds the title of Europe’s largest unsupported medieval roof and, despite a fire which destroyed the original Palace of Westminster and the dropping of a dozen German bombs in 1941, the hall still stands as a proud reminder of British history.

It measures 240ft (73.2m) long, 68ft (20.7m) wide and 92ft (28m) high.

The roof was originally supported by two rows of pillars but in 1399 Richard II wanted to make the hall more impressive by making it unsupported.

It was a challenge met by carpenter Hugh Herland and architect Henry Yevele by building huge hammer-shaped oak beams and strengthening the walls.

In the 14th century the hall became a centre of London life, housing the law courts and selling a host of legal paraphernalia including wigs, pens and books.

It was also the scene of the trial of Guy Fawkes and his fellow Gunpowder Plot conspirators in 1606, and King Charles I, who was tried for treason and beheaded in the 17th century.

During its use, Westminster Hall has twice escaped destruction, following the fire of 1834, caused by a stove overheating and which razed the rest of the Palace of Westminster to the ground, and during the Second World War when German bombers dropped a dozen bombs on the neighbouring House of Commons chamber in 1941.

It is reported in Brewer’s Politics that Tory MP Colonel Walter Elliot broke down the hall’s oak door after the bombing with an axe, shouting: “Let the pseudo-Gothic go. We must save the Hall!”

The historic roof and the hall were saved although Elliot could simply have opened the side door kept unlocked for emergencies.

Despite the hall being used as the location for several royals and former prime ministers to lie in state, the Queen’s husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, did not follow suit after his death in 2021.

In accordance with his wishes, the duke did not lie in state, however his death also took place during the Covid-19 crisis and at that point such mass gatherings were against the law.

The hall has also been used for celebrations to mark important moments in British history, such as the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, Golden Jubilee in 2002 and Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

To mark her Diamond Jubilee, a stained glass window was installed in the hall.

On Wednesday, the Queen will return to the hall for one final time.

A ceremonial procession is due to take place, which will see the Queen’s coffin travel from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster for the lying in state.

Her coffin will be closed and will rest on a raised platform, called a catafalque, in the hall and will be draped in the Royal Standard with the Orb and Sceptre placed on top.

It will be guarded around the clock by a vigil of units from the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, the Household Division, or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London.

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Upcoming Events

Lunch Under the Pipes

Thursday, May 2, 2024 beginning at Noon

Artist Spotlight | Director Airi Yoshioka and the UMBC Chamber Players

Westminster Preservation Trust, Inc. (Westminster Hall) is the proud sponsor of "Lunch Under the Pipes (LUP)," a free lunchtime concert series featuring Westminster Hall's beautifully restored 1882 Johnson Pipe organ.  The concert series is open to the University of Maryland, Baltimore faculty, staff and students and the surrounding community.  Guests are encouraged to bring their lunch; seating is provided. 

For additional questions on Lunch Under the Pipes or for a list of upcoming performers and dates email [email protected] .

______________________________________________________________________________________

Public Tours 1st Saturday of each month , weather permitting.

Tours are offered the 1st Saturday of each month at 11:00am and 1:00pm. Tours last approximately 1 hour.  Participants should enter the Burying Ground at the corner of Fayette and Greene Street. Please dress appropriately; a portion of the tour is held outside. Tours include the Burying Ground and Catacombs.

Fees are $5.00 for adults, children 4 and under FREE. Please bring exact change. If your group has more than 10 individuals please contact us for arrangements. For tour information and date confirmations, contact 410-706-2072 or email  [email protected] . If a tour is canceled, it will be posted on our website.

Baltimore Heritage Tours

Westminster Hall partners with Baltimore Heritage to bring additional tours of the Catacombs. Baltimore Heritage is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving historic buildings and revitalizing neighborhoods. Baltimore Heritage and its partners celebrate the historic places that tell the stories of families, neighborhoods and Baltimore City as a whole. 

Registration for Baltimore Heritage Tours are made through Baltimore Heritage. 

Bromo Arts District

After you are finished visiting Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, be sure to tour the Bromo Arts District.  The Bromo Arts District was established in 2012 to encourage and support a thriving downtown arts neighborhood. With a continually growing art scene, their  117 acre district is home to over 30 galleries, music venues, theaters, unique retail and city-wide street festivals. 

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http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/

Just in case you are also considering visiting the Banqueting House in Whitehall, which makes for an excellent experience with the Ruben's ceiling etc. Here is that link.

http://www.hrp.org.uk/banqueting-house/

When either the Commons or Lords is in session, you can visit the Hall by coming to observe the debate (in reality you don't actually have to do this, but I'd recommend it if the queue isn't too long).

You may also be able to get tours etc, details of which will be found on the website already posted.

If you do visit security is similar to that at airports, so no sharp items etc:

http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/access/security/

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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