London 3-day Itinerary
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in London to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
Last updated: 06 November, 2022
There has been a Palace at Westminster since at least the 10th century, but the neo-Gothic buildings that comprise the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben were built over a period of 23 years, between 1837-60. Designed by Sir Charles Barry and AWN Pugin, the building is set on a huge concrete plate on the banks of the Thames to keep the building stable. There are over 1,000 rooms, 100 staircases and three miles of passageways over four floors.
Today this is where the British Government meets, and although many visitors see these distinctive buildings as simply part of London’s historic skyline, it’s well worth venturing beyond the elegant facades to have a look inside.
Sit in on ‘Prime Minister’s Questions’ in the House of Commons or take a guided tour focusing on the decorative splendour of the House of Lords. You can also climb the Elizabeth Tower, which holds the clock famously known as Big Ben.
Did you know?
Britons can arrange to sit in on debates in the Lords and Commons (mornings, Monday-Thursday), though they can be pretty soporific. The possible exception to this is Prime Minister’s Question Time (usually 12pm Wednesdays), viewed from the public gallery. Book tickets via your local MP.
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Overview >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The nearest Underground station is Westminster (Circle, District and Jubilee Lines).
Visitors can take pre-booked Saturday guided tours of the Commons and Lords Chambers, Queen’s Robing Room, Royal Gallery and Westminster Hall; tickets are available only via the Parliament website. Pre-booked or same-day tickets are also available for Commons and Lords debating sessions.
The website also sometimes lists specialist guided tours, covering themes such as House of Lords art and architecture. For refreshments, the Jubilee Cafe is just off Westminster Hall, and there’s a gift shop onsite, too. Visitors have to undergo a security screening before entry. Similar to the procedure at an airport.
When to do it
It’s open all year round, Monday to Thursday and select Fridays, when the houses are in session. Guided tours tend to run on Saturdays.
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