Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament are open to UK residents and overseas visitors. You can take a guided tour of the Lords and Commons most Saturdays year round and on weekdays during the summer opening period. When Parliament is sitting you can attend debates and watch committee hearings.

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  • Phone

    +44 20 7219 3000

  • Website

    parliament.uk

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    ukparliament

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  • Type

    Capitol Building

Address

Parliament Sq London Greater London SW1A 0AA United Kingdom

Comments / 92


Keywords:

tours lords architecture select committee scenic views trivia Big Ben books outdoor seating events tourism palaces bridge well dinner historic buildings bar river lunch knowledgeable staff
Adam Flanagan

This historic building is a must for anyone visiting London. The tour was brilliant and reasonably priced. The combination of imposing Gothic architecture and rich history make it one of my favourites

Diego Urdiales

Brace yourself as the guided tour is 1h40 with few chances to sit, and it is expensive . But it is super interesting, with lots of trivia and important things to learn - and amazing architecture

PILAR PRENDES

If you want to understand England politics you mess to visit and have the tour ! It is. A lot of learning and a beautiful place to be

George X

You will have the chance to wander around the parliament's halls (House of Lords and House of Commons) and see the place where all decisions for country 's future are taken!

Fluying ✅

Visiting is free except when Parliament is recessed, and on Saturdays year-round, but you can still visit by paying for a guided tour or audioguide. In fact, recess is the best time for touring .

New York Habitat

A tour of the Houses of Parliament should be on everyone’s to-do list. It takes just over an hour and really gives you a witty insight into the British Government system, art , and history as well .

Rhammel Afflick

Some very memorable events in this building for me. My most recently leading on the social media and press coverage for the UK Youth Parliament's House of Commons Sitting from this very spot:

izi.TRAVEL

The Houses of Parliament consist of the House of Commons and the House of Lords . Their debates can be visited for free and seen from the public galleries referred to as the Strangers Galleries . Read more

Giacomo Mason

The guided tour was a nice experience. You can see both Lords and Commons, and receive some rudimentary basics about the functioning of the (very peculiar) British parliamentary system

Carl Griffin

Probably the most recognisable parliament building in the world. Stunning Gothic architecture . Best viewed from Westminster bridge .

Jimmy Murphy

When in session, you can enter through the Cromwell gate and watch the houses in action, very cool. Definitely check out the House of Lords , gorgeous room and entryway!

Turkish Airlines

Did you know that Big Ben isn't actually the name of the tower in London’s Houses of Parliament, but the nickname for the clock’s bell?

Fluying ✅

While most of the current building looks medieval with its prickly flamboyant spires, it was actually reconstructed in the “Neo-Gothic” style after an 1834 fire destroyed the palace .

Yuuuuuu F

You can observe both the room of lower and upper house. It is the very space of politics where debate and decision is done about UK’s future.

c0uP

I've walked past this place at least 20 times, and I'll never get tired of how beautiful it is, in natural light , or how wonderfully lit it is at night.

HISTORY UK

The stretch of the Thames alongside the Houses of Parliament is the only restricted area of the river , due to obvious security concerns. River traffic must keep to the east bank .

Lama

Visiting the house of commons was just amazing. Seeing where the PMQs take place was an incredible experience. Highly recommend.

Tara Evans

The most magical tour of the Parliament and House of Lords . The bar is just a bit if an old man dive but the surroundings are spectacular.

Sebastiaan Wolzak

Walk down towards the next bridge in the south to take pictures. Way better than the Westminster bridge at the BigBen

Tee

Must see- get tix for amazing tour of parliament. Incredible architecture and history. Wonderful guide Liz- you are amazing in knowledge shared!

Dennis Murray

Great tour . One of our favorite guided tours in London.

Pamela T

Parliament normally in session (Lords/Commons) late on Monday pm, visitors allowed. See London Walks & take the "Westminster By Gaslight" tour--no standing the queue to get in with your group!

Richard Gregory

Make sure you're correctly dressed when you visit as it is illegal to enter the Houses of Parliament when wearing a Suit of Armour. It is also illegal to die in here, so don't do that either. Have fun Read more

John Murphy

Select committee experience is great for AS politics students. www.parliament.uk Tour guide was exuberant.

João Gonçalves

The real House of Cards was born here. And lots of important real life events also happened here.

Britannica

A royal palace was said to have existed at the site under King Canute. The building, spoken of by W.Fitzstephen as an “incomparable structure ,” was built for Edward the Confessor in the 11th century

Alasdair Bain

If you die here it's convention you receive a state funeral . Make sure you have a doctor with you to declare it otherwise the guards will simply drag you outside and declare it thereCheap bastar....

L K

Take the guided tour . Incredible history, far beyond anything I thought. Plus the tour goes where audio tour doesn't.

Ksenia

A must-see place in London. Take the guided tour and enjoy.

Rhammified Media

We were at Parliament once again, this time to create live content of the British Youth Council's Annual Parliamentary Reception in December 2012.

Gary Hor

A trip to London wouldn't be complete without a photo op against the House of Parliament (and Big Ben )!

Express 4 Law, Human Rights & Freedoms o/

Find out latest legal updates concerning national & international law, diplomacy, international politics etc. Join <aclass="entity url"rel="nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/Express4HumanRights"target="_blank" data-sig="VNM35pWUJRgXDRBmP5xIMpmZAMk=" onmousedown="fourSq.ui.OutgoingLink.mousedown($(this), event)" data-source="tip-text">https://www.facebook.com/Express4HumanRights</a>

British Youth Council

BYC, supported by the House of Commons, launched the Youth Select Committee here on 17th April 2012 - a new body which mirrors the UK Parliament Select Committee . Read more

Merve Altıntaş

Seeing the house of common checked from the list! Serious must do in London!

Londonist

Ask the tour guides about the graffiti under the books in the House of Commons.

Gabi Bulumac

No animals are allowed into Parliament ???????????? Power,scandals,history....you can feel it, see it, smell it !

Peter Bailey

Fantastic evening at the House of Lords with Enactus UK

Rashid Khan

You can get a nice view from the bridge beside the building. It's a classic piece of architecture

Humanist Heritage

A number of prominent humanists and secularists have sat in each houses. One of them – Charles Bradlaugh – was the last person to be imprisoned in a cell in the Palace’s Clock Tower Read more

Alastair Sellick

A truly historic and imposing place #Westminster #England #UnitedKingdom #GreatBritain ????????????????????????????????????

Michal

I've been here many times but everytime amazed. Love the Tower clock and the walk in sorrounded park .

Olga Sidorova

Beautiful historical place!

Christopher Fryer

The building and architecture are amazing.

Leila Rigatos

Incredible architecture ! It's amazing and a must see in London.

Steve Boswell

Contact your local MP. Most of them will happily give their constituents a tour if requested.

Morgans Hotel Group Manager

Order, order! Here lies the seat of British politics, the spiky neo-Gothic Palace of Westminster (aka the Houses of Parliament). Read more

Kevin McCulley

Everyone should visit the seat of government at least once

Otel.com

Anyone who would die here is entitled to a state funeral , and it's forbidden. If they notice you looking a bit sick, they carry you out of the building immediately.

Sony Xperia™ Football

For any fan of history this is a must do - why not arrange a tour ?

Chris 

Magnificent! Especially during the night!

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