Guided Tours of the Houses of Parliament

Take a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament and discover 1,000 years of British history.

Houses of Parliament Tours

Houses of Parliament tours offer an exclusive insight into UK politics and the building's 1,000-year history.

Hosted by professional Blue Badge Tourist Guides, the tours take you into the centre of the House, including areas such as:

• Lords and Commons Chambers
• Westminster Hall
• Queen's Robing Room
• Royal Gallery
• Peers' Lobby
• Central Lobby
• Members' Lobby
• St Stephen's Hall

Art and Architecture in Parliament Tours

The Houses of Parliament are home to some of the nation's greatest works of arts and architectural designs from the Victorian period up to the present day.

Two new Art and Architecture in Parliament guided tours are now available on specific dates: 

• Royalty and Splendour in the House of Lords
• Contemporary Portraiture in Portcullis House

During Summer 2012 you will also have the chance to view Arts in Parliament, a programme of free events bringing a broad mix of cultural exhibitions and activities into the Houses of Parliament. For full details of what's on during your visit, and to book free tickets, visit the website.

About the Houses of Parliament

Also known as the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament were once the official residence of the English Royal family.

The oldest part of the building, Westminster Hall, was completed in 1097 and has played an important part in British history ever since.

The majority of the original palace was destroyed by fire in 1834. The current building, designed by Sir Charles Barry, was completed in 1870.