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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 06 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Sarah Barrell

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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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.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Westminster Abbey Tour and optional visit to Houses of Parliament in London

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Get to grips with Britain’s royal and political history on this tour of Westminster Abbey and if you select the option, to the Houses of Par...

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Westminster Abbey tour & Big Ben

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Skip the Line into Houses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey Fully-Guided Tour

Skip the Line into Houses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey Fully-Guided Tour

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Step into the heart of the British democracy with the only fully-guided visit through Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. With a...

£109 | Rating 4.61 / 5 [59 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Marriott County Hall

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Get a front-row seat for the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and a sparkling stretch of the River Thames, at this Grade-II listed Westminster waterfront address. Right in the city center, it’s walking distance to the major sites.

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The Resident Covent Garden

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Low prices without sacrificing style or comfort are the order of the day at The Resident’s smart Covent Garden address.

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The Hub Covent Garden

London, United Kingdom (UK)

A super-affordable, tech-savvy stay in very centre of the capital between The Strand and Covent Garden, with a buzzy café, popular with locals.

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The Savoy Hotel

London, United Kingdom (UK)

This opulent Art Deco hotel, right in the buzzing West End, is discreet, elegant, and full of A-list stories.

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