inside uk parliament free guided tours

Rebecca Harris

Inside uk parliament free guided tours.

Explore the House of Commons, House of Lords and Westminster Hall during an Inside UK Parliament tour, led by expert tour guides. You’ll get a sneak peek behind the scenes at Westminster, in what is not only a stunning historical site but also a fast-paced modern workplace.

UK Parliament is open to visitors again, and Castle Point residents can book a free 'Inside UK Parliament' guided tour by contacting Rebecca Harris.

What does the tour cover.

During this 75-minute tour, your guide will:

• explain the work of the UK Parliament and its relevance today
• outline how the working spaces you visit on the tour are used
• set out ways you can get involved and engage with the democratic process
• highlight some of the dramatic history of the Palace of Westminster

You will get to see:

• Westminster Hall, the ancient hall at the heart of the Palace where Parliament first sat and where many historic events have taken place
• The House of Commons, including the Speaker's Chair and the famous green benches and the 'lobbies' where MPs actually vote
• The House of Lords, including the Royal Throne
• The Queen's Robing Room, Royal Gallery and many other fascinating parts of the Palace of Westminster

When can I go on a tour?

During parliamentary sessions  Find out what's on when UK Parliament is sitting

• Monday: 9.00am to 12.00 noon
• Tuesday & Wednesday : 9.00am to 10.00am, 10.15am to 12 noon*
• Friday: 3.30pm to 5.00pm
• These free guided tours are not available on Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

*Slightly shorter tours which include the House of Lords, Central Lobby, St Stephen’s Hall and Westminster Hall, but not the House of Commons.

• During Recess:  Tuesday: 10.30 am to 5.00 pm ( Find out dates when UK Parliament is in recess )

How to Book

Please note that tours are very popular and places are limited so generally have to be booked in advance.

If you are interested in arranging a tour of the Houses of Parliament,  and live in Castle Point , please contact Rebecca by emailing:  [email protected]  

If you are unsure if Rebecca is your local MP, please check here: FIND MY MP . If you don't live in Castle Point, you can email your own local MP and they will arrange a tour for you.

You will need to provide:

• Your Full Name
• Your Castle Point Address 
• The Number of Visitors (how many are children & how many are adults)
• Which dates/times you'd like to visit (it's always helpful to give a couple of options.

Other Guided Tours

Tour prices online for:  Guided tours of the Palace of Westminster / Multimedia tours of the Palace of Westminster  - Available to all visitors. Go at your own pace using a multimedia guide, discover the history and heritage of the building, and find out about the work of UK Parliament.

You can book  online , by telephone or via the ticket office. 

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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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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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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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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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UK Parliament Free Guided Tours

• Westminster News

UK residents can book a free 'Inside UK Parliament' guided tour by contacting their Member of Parliament directly.

During this 75-minute tour, your guide will:

explain the work of UK Parliament and its relevance today

outline how the working spaces you visit on the tour are used

set out ways you can get involved and engage with the democratic process

highlight some of the dramatic history of the Palace of Westminster

Please drop me an email to find out more - [email protected]

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In Parliament

This page contains all of Dean's appearances in the House of Commons and various other events that happen at Parliament.

School Visits

Every year, MPs welcome hundreds of schoolchildren to Parliament and I always try to meet visitors from the constituency to talk about the politics and history of Westminster, the work of an MP and local issues.

Local MP meets with Watford Women's Centre new CEO

Dean paid another visit to the Watford Women’s Centre, this time to meet withnew CEO Lucy to discuss the key services Watford Women’s Centre Plus offersuch as Training, Domestic Abuse support, and Counselling services.

Inside Westminster Abbey & Houses of Parliament Panoramic Tour

Quick Details

• Globe Region: Europe
• Map Marker Location: London , United Kingdom
• Hour Glass Duration: 4 hours
• Tag Tour Type: Shared Tour
• Checkered Flag Meeting Point: Westminster Abbey Shop, Official Souvenirs Shop of Westminster Abbey

Discover Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben! See the major icons of London on this adventure with Amigo Tours UK. On this tour of London, you find out interesting information relating to the role and function of MPs, Lords, and key officers across parliament. You also discover how and why the Elizabeth Tower, the Great Clock, and the Great Bell, Big Ben, were built.

Our tour commences at the entrance of Westminster Abbey, where you hear from your expert local guide. We continue to the Parliament, where your guide shares information and provides an explanation outside the monument.

Don’t forget your camera on this guided tour of the Houses of Parliament as the ostentatious facade of the building offers a picturesque view, while the golden spires and statues of kings are reflected in the river. The palace is flanked by the Victoria Tower. Find out about the history of the Elizabeth Tower, from the first medieval clock tower built in the old Palace of Westminster to the design and construction of the present Elizabeth Tower.

Big Ben has become one of the most famous images of London, and one of the main symbols of the city and the structure of the Palace of Westminster was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. Explore these incredible landmarks on a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben!

Highlights:

• Views of Westminster and Parliament
• See London’s most famous symbol: Big Ben
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Entrance to Westminster Abbey
• Professional guide inside Westminster
• Panoramic guided tour outside Parliament

Not included:

• Entrance to Parliament
• Transportation
• Drinks and food

Related Tours

• Tag Shared Tour
• Hour Glass 4 hours
• Map Marker London , United Kingdom

Houses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey Guided Tour

You can’t come to London without visiting Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the famous Big Ben!

• Hour Glass 1 hour 15 minutes

Ticket and Audio Guided Tour to the Houses of Parliament

If you are visiting London, you can not miss the Houses of Parliament, the most important building in the UK. Discover this place on your own time with this audio-guided tour!

Palace of Westminster inside the Houses of Parliament

“Why haven’t we been inside the Houses of Parliament?” enquired the Junior CW’s.  Fair enough question and one to which I didn’t have a good answer.  A few clicks later we had tickets for the whole family .  Palace of Westminster, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Parliament; the seat of British government goes by many different names, we were lucky enough to have a perfectly sunny day for our visit.

Table of Contents

Inside the Houses of Parliament

Security checks are thorough, as you would expect, and once past them cameras are strictly forbidden but you do get an excellent audio guide.   The first space that you enter is vast, Westminster Hall is a jaw droppingly large place now, goodness only knows how awe-inspiring it must have been seen through medieval eyes.  The wood timber roof is the largest hammer-beam roof in the world.  In this room Charles I was tried, Nelson Mandela addressed both Houses of Parliament and monarchs have laid in state here.  Brass plaques dot the floor indicating where momentous events took place.

Westminster Hall

Westminster Hall was the only part of the medieval palace of Westminster to survive a fire in 1834.  The rest of the  familiar building is a Victorian creation.  What you don’t see on television is just how much gold there is everywhere.  No surface seems to go undecorated with at least some glitter.  The windows are filled with stained glass, colour is everywhere. 

House of Lords

The tour takes you into the House of Lords, it is so much smaller that you would expect and Queen’s throne so much more golden.  You get a sense that it is a chamber in which discussion is possible rather than the exchange of ranting speeches.

House of Commons

After the Lords you follow the route that Black Rod takes when he goes to summon the Commons to hear the Queen’s speech.  Nobody slams the doors of the House of Commons in your face, you get walk straight in.  Once again it is so much smaller than it appears to be on television, you can see that heated debate is likely as opponents on the front benches are so close that they could almost touch.

Women have not always enjoyed equal status in the House of Commons, women finally got the vote in 1918. A light sculpture by Mary Branson has been installed to mark the centenary of votes for women. New Dawn, takes its inspiration from the vellum scrolls that contain the laws of the land and continually changes.

Tours of the Houses of Parliament

You can tour the Houses of Parliament when the house in recess or not sitting. That means most school holidays. There are various types of tour, whichever one you opt for you will need to book ahead.

Guided Tour of the Houses of Parliament

Exactly as it sounds you have a real live person taking you round the building, telling the stories and giving their insight. You get to see Westminster Hall, the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Multi-media Tour of the Houses of Parliament

Instead of a real live guide you get a multi media headset and controller. You are in charge of how quickly you make your way around the building.

Free Inside UK Parliament Tours

If you are a UK resident you can have a free tour of Parliament . You need to book this via your MP or a member of the House of Lords. Or you can book online. These tours are available only when Parliament is sitting. You get to see how Parliament works and find out how you can engage in with the democratic process.

Free Online Tour

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays you can join a free guided online tour but you do need to book. You can see inside the UK Parliament buildings in 360˚ splendour, a presenter takes you on a 45 minute tour and there is time for questions afterwards.

Watch House of Commons debates

Anyone can watch the House of Commons in action from the public gallery. You do need to be organised though and taking children is tricky as Parliamentary terms tend to coincide with school terms, meaning that debates happen when children are at school. The public galleries are open Monday – Thursday when Parliament is sitting. Access is free, you just need to turn up. Admittance is on a strict first come, first served basis, just join the queue at the Cromwell Green entrance. Tickets are required for Prime Minister’s Questions and Ministerial Question Time.

When you leave the Palace of Westminster take a look at the statues of the great and good that line Parliament Square or pop along Whitehall to see Banqueting House , the place where Parliament took control and beheaded Charles I

Visiting the Palace of Westminster need to know

• Palace of Westminster, Parliament Square, SW1A 0AA
• Open: Saturdays and weekdays during parliamentary recesses
• Admission: Guided Tour Adult £29, Multimedia Tour Adult £22.50
• Book in advance via UK Parliament website

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It’s a great place to visit!

I’d love to visit the Houses of Parliament. They are on my London bucket list when we’re finally able to visit. #weekendwanderlust

One of those places that is so much more beautiful in the flesh

I would love to visit – we unfortunately never got round to tbwhen we lived in London #citytripping

I’d love to do a tour sometimes:) #citytripping

I think it’s symbolic that the people of this country have the right to access the House of Lords and Commons. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting, though it was several years ago now. #citytripping

When I was a teen we went inside Westminister Abbey, but I dont think we did Parliament. I wish we had! We wanted to back in 2015 but its sooo expensive to do the tour, so we passed. #CityTripping

I visited there last December. It’s a great tour. #citytripping

We took this tour during our last London visit and loved it! Such a beautiful building it was awe inspiring. The only thing I might have done differently is we would have liked to have tea there as I hear its pretty good! #citytripping

I agree, we had the last slot of the day so Mr CW could bunk off work to join us.

My parents have visited the House of Parliament before, I would love to do the same. I will be in London for a 9-hour layover in mid-Sept, am figuring what are the things I can do in London for a couple of hours. So many places to see but so little time, it’s tough to decide! Perhaps a visit to the Palace of Westminster and the Parliament 🙂 #citytripping

Sounds good!

I’ve never visited and really must go. Thank you for raising this up my London list! What age children would you say it’s best for, mine are 9, should I wait till they are a bit older? #CityTripping

I love wandering around outside but have never bene in, it looks so incredible x

It is so much more beautiful inside than out

The interior looks as amazing as the exterior! You should go back again when there is a debate going on. Back when I was a teacher, I once brought my students on an excursion to our Parliament House to observe a Parliament Sitting. A rather unorthodox excursion but I’m glad I did it. #CityTripping

That is a brilliant school outing, every school should do it!

I visited once as part of a gothic art study day with Tate Britain, it felt such a privilege to go inside. I’d love to go back with the teen – and treat ourselves to an afternoon tea! I’m also interested in climbing the clock tower. We’ll have to wait until the next parliament I suppose. #CityTripping

The tours are when Parliament is in recess, so there a bonus extra few weeks because of the election!

I went as a teen with a school trip and then we did get to see a debate. Don’t think we had a tour too though, which was clearly a istake. I wonder why I’ve never thought of going again – very interesting for sure!

I really want to,see a debate, so a bit jealous of your school trip

Loved our tour there late last year. Such an iconic and historic place with so much symbolism in the interior – how about the gallery dedicated to defeating the French.. so British! Thanks for joining #FarawayFiles

I was thinking of booking when we are in London, but we live outside the city and have already a fait few things planned so it will have to wait unfortunately. I would love to go though…#farawayfiles

Wow, how cool! I never actually went inside, but visited lots of times anyway. So does the Queen actually attend parliament? Considering she’s got such an ornate-looking crown?

She goes to the State Opening of Parliament, when she reads a speech, wears a crown and rides in a golden carriage!

We loved our tour of the Houses of Parliament last summer. It is such a thrill to stand in the House of Commons and on the plaque where King Charles I was tried. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles

I haven’t done this tour for so many years. Its something `i must do again. I remember being amazed that we were allowed to see so much. A great idea of something to do with our nieces and nephews. #FarawayFiles

I would have loved to have done this -but Rex wouldn’t have! x

Afternoon tea at the Palace of Western when he is older!

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FREE Guided Tour Houses of Parliament Westminster

Democratic access tours sponsored by a Member of Parliament (MP) or a Member of the House of Lords are available to UK residents, free of charge.

What does the tour cover?

An expert guide will accompany you on this 75 minute tour that recounts the history of the Palace of Westminster and describes how the business and traditions of both Houses contribute to the day to day workings of the UK Parliament .

When the Houses are sitting, the full tour route may not always be available and can be subject to last minute changes or cancellation due to parliamentary business.

Times and availability of Tour Houses of Parliament Westminster

These tours can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Since demand can be high, early booking is recommended although not always essential.

Tours start between the following times:

During parliamentary sessions

• Monday:  9.00am-12noon (full tour)
• Tuesday and Wednesday:  9.00am-9.55am (full tour)
• Tuesday and Wednesday:  10.00am-12noon (partial tour; House of Lords only)
• Thursday:  no tours
• Sitting Fridays:  3.30pm-5.15pm (full tour)
• Non-Sitting Fridays:  9.30am-5.15pm (full tour)

During parliamentary recesses

• Summer recess:  Monday morning 9.30am-12.30pm (except Bank Holidays)
• Short November recess:  9.30am-5.15pm
• All other recesses:  Monday 9.30am-5.15pm (except Bank Holidays when an alternative day will be made available)

Democratic access tours are not available on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

• Confirmed parliamentary recess dates

How to book

UK residents should contact their local MP or a Member of the House of Lords to arrange a tour. There is no charge for tours booked in this way.

• Arrange a tour through your MP
• Members of the House of Lords

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UK Parliament: Self-guided audio tour Dates and Times

Self-guided audio tour of the palace of westminster.

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Houses of Parliament Guided Tour

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• Google Calendar (online)

The Houses of Parliament opens its doors and invites you to peer inside on a guided tour of how UK Parliament works now, and find out more of its history. During the 90-minute tour, you’ll get to step inside (though sitting is not permitted) the Commons Chamber, the Lords Chamber, walk past ornate frescoes and statues that have plenty of stories to tell from some of the most signficant moments in British politics.

You can only take photos in Westminster Hall, but other highlights include the Queen’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, Central Lobby, and St. Stephen’s Hall. Tours run on select Saturdays throughout the year and on some weekdays during recesses.

Upcoming tour dates

February: 24th March: 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th--> April: 13th, 20th, 27th May: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th June: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th July: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th August: September: October: November: December: -->

( Becky Lima-Matthews )

• Adults: Advance sales: £33.00
• Children: Advance sales: £17.00
• Students: Advance sales: £27.00
• 24 m from Westminster District Line Circle Line Jubilee Line
• 0.6 km from St. James's Park District Line Circle Line
• 0.7 km from Embankment District Line Circle Line Bakerloo Line Northern Line

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Inside UK Parliament Tours for Residents

• Westminster News

Part of my role as Member of Parliament, and something residents may not be aware of, is being able to organise free ‘Inside UK Parliament’ guided tours for constituents.

I have had the pleasure of organising tours for constituents in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, as well as for larger groups, including schools, Residents’ Associations and, most recently, Ukrainians who have resettled in the constituency and their hosts.

I have received some fantastic feedback from satisfied residents, who have been thrilled to be able to see inside Parliament, and to hear the history explained by knowledgeable tour guides. 

Tours can be booked up to 6 months in advance. For further information on when they run and what is covered in the tours can be found on the UK Parliament website here . I would encourage residents to get in contact with my office if you would like to book a tour.

Schools may wish to book directly through the Education Centre. Further information on tours and workshops for children aged 7-18 can be found here .

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My statement on the situation in Gaza

April 7 marked six months since the atrocities of October 7 and the humanitarian crisis that has since unfolded in Gaza.