Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, are home to the House of Commons and the House of Lords and the famous clock tower Big Ben.
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| Opening times: | For times and dates of entry when Parliament is in session, see website. Guided tours are available during summer opening - 31st July to 29th September 2007, The clock tower “Big Ben” does not form part of the tour. |
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| Catering | Food shop |
| Accessibility | Ramp/level access |
review of Houses of Parliament

Brimming with more history (and tourists) than any other London icon phone in advance for tours of the chambers. Dig that parliament vibe.
Latest 5 reviews of Houses of Parliament
Well worth a visit
I was able to access Parliament during a Monday night session as part of a "London Walks" tour of the surrounding area. Our small group sat in on a session of the House of Lords while they debated an obscure welfare bill. (Everyone fell asleep just like in American politics;) We were allowed to stay as long as we wanted and politely ushered in and out at our request.
I would strongly suggest access via this evening tour for anyone interested in politics or world events. We were also given an explanation of the buliding of the Houses of Parliament in full view from across the river; an iconic London sight if there ever was one.
Worth a visit!
We arranged passes thorough our MP before we travelled. Our tour was slightly shorter than usual due to Prime Minister's Question Time and we could not enter the Commons, but the tour was interesting and the guide was very knowledgeable. The architecture was fabulous - particularly the House of Lords. We were able to access the public gallery and listen to the debate after PM Q's. Tea/coffee is reasonably priced in the Jubilee Cafe.
Thoroughly enjoyable even for those in our party not particularly interested in politics.
Great Tour if You're able to see during Summer Break
Toured in September, 2008. Since I'm not from the UK, to see Parliament I needed to go on the group tour and I'm glad I did because it was excellent. You get tickets from the Jewel Tower building (I believe that's its name) located across the street from Parliament(on Westminster Abbey side). There's a Parliament sign. There is a small fee (not included in a London pass card if you have). I believe these tours are only open to international visitors in the months of August and September.
Parliament is located on the Thames River and is a huge gothic styled complex of buildings and the base of the British legislative body. The tour of Parliament was about 90 minutes long. You see rooms affiliated with the House of Lords as well as the House of Commons. The British Parliament is divided into these two houses with a third being that of the British Monarch who still plays a significant role. The House of Commons is elected by the people while the House of Lords retains British history somewhat by being made up of British religious leaders and appointments due to the heredity of British titles. Our tour guide (Hugh) was very good and had a great sense of humor about British history, politics and royalty. We were not allowed to take photos inside Parliament except for the Westminster Hall which is all that is remaining from the original Parliament building which was devastated by the London fire. The Hall has an incredible wood roof that is the largest in northern Europe. This is also the Hall where most heads of state and royalty lie after their passing. Parliament was also hit during World War II and extensive renovations had to be conducted as a result but Westminster Hall remained somewhat untouched overall.
During the tour, we saw the rooms were the Queen prepares to open each session. She has a ceremonial role in opening sessions and no bill becomes law without her signature. However, it is purely a ceremonial role at this point of history. This is explained on the tour. We also saw the small rooms where the House of Commons and the House of Lords meet. If you’ve ever watched PBS, you will know what I’m talking about. Those rooms where they are crammed in on top of each other arguing and debating. The Brits like it to be close because they feel it leads to better interaction and debate. There are also viewing platforms located above the rooms for the general public if they want to watch the debate live. Our tour was one dazzling room after another with the Lords side being a bit more royal looking with painted and guilded ceilings and the Commons side being a bit more “plain” with heavy use of wood paneling and single color ceilings. Both very pretty but in completely different ways. The House of Lords side is heavy in the color of red while the Commons side is heavy in the use of green. Both have their own meeting rooms. The Lords side meeting room has a number of portraits of former British kings and queens while the Commons side has statues of Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, etc. You can see pictures (that I couldn’t take) at: http://www.parliament.uk/about/images/interior.cfm
Parliament is also home of the famous Big Ben. It also has some nice grounds which are open to the public and run along the Thames River. It was a very informative tour and I’m so glad I was able to do.
Stunning Place
Just back from a weekend away in London and have to say that one of the highlights was a visit to the house of Parliament.
To arrange a visit you contact your local MP who will set it up for you. You received a permit throught the post allowing you entry which is free.
After going though security you are allocated a tour guide who takes you around the various rooms. Once inside the building can only be described as stunning. Our tour guide was brilliant, very funny and had lots of history to tell us about the place. You are also taken into the houses of commons and Lords which was amazing to see. The tour takes around an hour and afterwards there is a little shop to buy merchandise and a well priced cafe.
If your going to London do yourself a favour and arrange this trip in advance. It is well worth it. Even better if you go on a wednesday and can get into see Prime ministers questions.
I like politics, world issues, democracy & accidentally bumping into free stuff
... so the HP was great.
The main hall is an architecturally interesting building with a number of brass plaques noting historically significant events.
We arrived early enough to witness the entry of the Speaker to the Commons which had some drama. The session was questions on notice to the Ministers responsible for Defence related Departments and covered some topical.
A great afternoon. Well worth your effort.
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State Opening of Parliament Special event
3 Dec 2008
The annual state Opening of Parliament is a grand affair. Come and watch as the Queen, usually accompanied by Prince Philip, travels in the state coach from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament to open the new session of Parliament. This spectacular event is a wonderful opportunity to see royalty and tradition in London.
Prices and Booking for Houses of Parliament
Prices:
| Adult: | From £12.00 full price |
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| Child (5-15): | From £5.00 child |
| Student & Seniors: | From £8.00 concession |
Location Information Houses of Parliament
| Address: | 2 Abbey Gardens, House Of Commons, London London SW1P 3SE |
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| Telephone: | 0870 9063773 |
| Fax: | +44 (0)20 7219 5603 |
| Email: | mcdonaldm@parliament.uk |
| Website: | www.parliament.uk |
| Public transport: | Westminster Tube |
| By road: | Tube: Westminster;Bus: 3,11,12,24,53,77A,88,109,159,184,511 |
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© Collins Bartholomew 2008