Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament London | Everything You Need to Know

On the banks of the Thames, flanked by Big Ben on one side and Westminster Abbey on the other, the Houses of Parliament make one of the most dramatic statements in British architecture. This vast Gothic Revival palace — officially the Palace of Westminster — is home to the House of Commons and the House of Lords, where the laws of the United Kingdom have been debated and passed for centuries. From Parliament Square it commands the skyline; from inside, it reveals a labyrinth of over 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and two miles of corridors, all steeped in centuries of constitutional drama.

For most visitors the exterior and its famous towers are the draw, but the interior is extraordinary too — Westminster Hall alone, built in 1097, is one of the finest surviving medieval buildings in Europe. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Britain’s most recognisable landmarks, it is both a working seat of government and one of the most fascinating places in London to explore. This guide covers everything you need to know before you go.

Where Are the Houses of Parliament?

The Houses of Parliament — the Palace of Westminster — are located at Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, on the north bank of the River Thames. Westminster Abbey stands just a few minutes’ walk away, and the building sits directly beside Big Ben (the Elizabeth Tower). Across the river, the London Eye faces the riverside terrace.

Its position at the heart of historic Westminster makes it a natural centrepiece for a day exploring the area. For navigation, any map app will bring you to Parliament Square.

Opening Hours

The Houses of Parliament are a working seat of government, so public access is structured around the parliamentary schedule.

External viewing is available 24 hours a day, free of charge — Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge offer magnificent views at any time.

Guided tours are available primarily on Saturdays year-round and throughout the parliamentary recess periods (typically summer, Easter and Christmas), when the building is not in session. Tour times generally run from around 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. As the schedule varies with parliamentary business, it’s essential to check the official UK Parliament visiting page for the latest availability before booking.

How to Get to the Houses of Parliament

The Palace of Westminster sits at the centre of London’s public transport network.

By Underground. Westminster station (Circle, District and Jubilee lines) is a five-minute walk away — the simplest option. St James’s Park (Circle and District lines) is around ten minutes.

By bus. Many routes stop near Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge, including the 3, 11, 12, 24, 88, 148, 159 and 211.

By rail. Waterloo and Charing Cross stations are both close, with a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk or a quick Tube hop.

By riverboat. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers stops at Westminster Pier, a five-minute walk from the building.

By bike. Santander Cycles docking stations are on Millbank and Great College Street, with a scenic route along the Thames.

By car. Parking is limited and expensive in central Westminster. Public transport is strongly recommended.

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The Best Time to Visit

For external viewing and photography, early mornings and late evenings are the quietest, and particularly striking after dark when the palace’s facade and Elizabeth Tower are illuminated. The off-peak months of November and March offer the thinnest crowds, while summer and school holidays are busier.

For guided tours, advance booking is essential as slots are limited and popular. It’s worth checking the parliamentary calendar before you visit, as tours run on Saturdays and during recesses — summer (typically late July to early September) offers the most consistent tour availability.

Tickets and Costs

External viewing of the Houses of Parliament is completely free. Guided and multimedia tours carry a charge.

Ticket Type	Price
External Viewing	Free
Adult Guided Tour (16+)	~£33
Child Guided Tour (5–15)	~£14
Child (under 5)	Free
Adult Multimedia Tour	~£26
Child Multimedia Tour	~£11

An important note: guided tours are primarily for UK residents with a UK address due to security protocols, though international visitors can access certain tours during parliamentary recesses. Multimedia tours tend to be more accessible to all visitors. As pricing and availability change, always check the official UK Parliament website for current details before booking.

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What to Expect

The Houses of Parliament offer two very different experiences — a magnificent exterior for all visitors, and an extraordinary interior for those who tour.

From the outside, the 300-metre Gothic Revival façade is a spectacle in its own right — the 323-foot Victoria Tower, the intricate stone carvings, the riverside terrace and, of course, the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) at the north end. Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge offer the best viewpoints.

Inside on a guided tour (90 minutes), you’ll pass through spaces that have shaped British history. Westminster Hall, dating to 1097, is the oldest surviving part of the palace and one of the great medieval buildings of Europe, with the largest hammer-beam timber roof of its kind on the continent. The House of Commons is where MPs debate legislation, the House of Lords where peers gather in magnificent gilded splendour, and the Central Lobby — with its extraordinary mosaics — is the heart of the building where constituents once came to lobby their representatives. The Royal Gallery is hung with vast portraits of monarchs and battles.

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Multimedia tours offer a self-paced alternative with audio commentary in multiple languages including French, Spanish and German. A typical external visit takes fifteen to thirty minutes; a full tour lasts around one and a half to two hours.

Safety and Accessibility

Security. The Houses of Parliament have a strong security presence befitting a working government building. Security checks are mandatory for all tours, and visitors should carry ID. Bag restrictions apply, so travel light.

Accessibility. The exterior is fully accessible with level pathways around Parliament Square. Most tour routes involve stairs, but accessible tours using lifts are available for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs — these must be booked in advance via the UK Parliament access page. Assistance dogs are welcome, BSL tours are available, and hearing loops are installed at key points including Westminster Hall.

Families. External viewing suits all ages. Tours are best suited for children aged 5 and over given the historical content and stairs, with family-friendly tour options available during recesses.

Where to Stay Near the Houses of Parliament

Staying near the Houses of Parliament places you in the historic heart of Westminster — within walking distance of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Churchill War Rooms and St James’s Park, and superbly connected to the rest of London. It’s a prestigious, central base with centuries of history in every direction.

A few areas worth considering:

• Westminster & Victoria — the most convenient option, with the Palace and the Abbey all within walking distance, and Victoria’s transport links just along the road.
• Southbank & Waterloo — just across Westminster Bridge, with fine views back towards the palace and often better value than the Westminster side.
• St James’s & Mayfair — a short walk through St James’s Park, elegant and refined, with good dining and a calmer atmosphere in the evenings.

Central London accommodation fills quickly around major events and in summer, so booking ahead is strongly advisable.

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A Brief History of the Houses of Parliament

The Palace of Westminster has served as the home of English and British parliamentary life for nearly a thousand years. It began as a royal residence under Edward the Confessor in the 11th century and remained the primary home of English kings until a fire in 1512. A far more devastating fire in 1834 destroyed most of the original structure, leaving only Westminster Hall and the Jewel Tower standing.

The replacement — the magnificent Gothic Revival palace we see today — was designed by Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin and completed in 1870. Spanning 8 acres with over 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 2 miles of corridors, it is one of the greatest Victorian buildings in the world. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Westminster Hall has witnessed some of the most dramatic moments in British history — among them the trial of Charles I in 1649 and the lying-in-state of monarchs and Prime Ministers for centuries. And in 1605, it was the cellars beneath the palace that Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators attempted to blow up in the Gunpowder Plot — an event still commemorated every 5 November.

Nearby Attractions

The Houses of Parliament sit at the centre of one of London’s most historically rich areas, with major sights in every direction.

Attraction	Why Visit	Distance
Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)	The iconic clock tower, part of the same palace	Adjacent
Westminster Abbey	The Gothic coronation church, over 1,000 years of royal history	~5-min walk
Churchill War Rooms	The secret WWII bunker beneath Whitehall	~5-min walk
London Eye	Panoramic views over the Thames from across the river	~10-min walk
Buckingham Palace	The monarch’s official London residence	~20-min walk

A natural day out: explore the Houses of Parliament, walk to Westminster Abbey, pause at the Churchill War Rooms, then cross Westminster Bridge for a ride on the London Eye — a full day of British history right in the heart of the capital.

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Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Book tours early. Tour slots are limited and sell out, especially during recesses — reserve well ahead via the UK Parliament website.
• Check the parliamentary calendar. Tours depend on the parliamentary schedule; confirm availability before booking.
• Overseas visitor? The UK uses Type G plugs — a UK travel adapter is essential for charging your devices.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes. Westminster rewards walking, and tours cover considerable ground.
• Bring a compact travel umbrella. London weather is unpredictable and much of your time here will be outside.
• Travel light. Large bags are not permitted on tours, and storage is limited.
• Best exterior photo spot. Westminster Bridge and the South Bank offer the best full-building views, especially at night when the façade is illuminated.
• Maintain decorum. As a working government building, staff instructions and security guidelines must be followed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours of the Houses of Parliament London?

External viewing is available 24/7 and free of charge. Guided tours run on Saturdays and during parliamentary recesses, typically from around 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Check the official UK Parliament website for the current schedule, as it depends on the parliamentary calendar.

How much does it cost to visit the Houses of Parliament London?

External viewing is free. Guided tours cost around £33 for adults and £14 for children aged 5–15. Multimedia tours are approximately £26 for adults and £11 for children. Under-5s enter free. As prices can change, check the official website.

Are the Houses of Parliament suitable for children?

External viewing is suitable for all ages. Tours are recommended for children aged 5 and over, with family-friendly options available during parliamentary recesses.

Are there any discounts available for the Houses of Parliament London?

Concessions may be available for students, seniors and groups. Check the UK Parliament website for the latest details and group booking options.

How long does a visit to the Houses of Parliament take?

External viewing takes around fifteen to thirty minutes. Guided and multimedia tours last approximately ninety minutes, plus time to explore the surrounding Westminster area.

Is photography allowed at the Houses of Parliament London?

Yes — photography is permitted both outside and during tours. The illuminated façade and Elizabeth Tower at night make for particularly striking shots.

Are there guided tours available at the Houses of Parliament?

Yes — both guided and multimedia (self-paced) tours are available, bookable via the official UK Parliament website. Tours run on Saturdays and during parliamentary recesses.

What’s the best way to get to the Houses of Parliament from the city centre?

Take the Underground to Westminster station (Circle, District or Jubilee lines), a five-minute walk from the building. Many buses also stop at Parliament Square.

Are the Houses of Parliament wheelchair accessible?

The exterior is fully accessible. Tours involve stairs, but accessible tour options using lifts are available and must be booked in advance via the UK Parliament access page.

Are there dining options near the Houses of Parliament London?

There are limited facilities within the building during tours, but the surrounding Westminster area, including Parliament Square and the South Bank, offers a wide range of cafés and restaurants nearby.