Houses of Parliament Tour: Guided and self-guided options

Step inside the beating heart of British politics on a Houses of Parliament tour, with guided and self-guided options available.

Also known as the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament are made up of the House of Commons, House of Lords and Westminster Hall. It’s also where you’ll find the famous clock tower Big Ben.

Book Houses of Parliament tickets to explore one of the world's most famous buildings and find out how the UK Parliament and democracy work today.

What are the Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster?

The Palace of Westminster – more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament – is where the UK Parliament meets. The beating heart of British politics, it is named after the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two legislative chambers which occupy the building.

You can visit the Houses of Parliament and step inside some of its most iconic spaces, following in the footsteps of famous prime ministers and politicians, on a Houses of Parliament tour.

Highlights of the Houses of Parliament tour

Explore behind the scenes of one of London’s most iconic landmarks on a guided or self-guided tour.

Westminster Hall and Guy Fawkes

Step inside the historic Westminster Hall, one of the oldest parts of the Palace of Westminster, where Guy Fawkes was tried after the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

House of Commons and House of Lords

Visit the chambers where UK politicians meet and debate and learn about British politics, architecture and historic artworks.

Guided tours

Join an expert-led guided tour for a deeper insight into the past, present and day-to-day work of Parliament.

Self-guided tour

Explore at your own pace with a multimedia guide, which provides insights as you move through the Palace of Westminster in the footsteps of monarchs and prime ministers.

Available languages: English, British Sign Language, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean and Welsh.

Is the Houses of Parliament tour worth it?

Yes, the Houses of Parliament tour is absolutely worth it, especially if you’re into UK politics and history! Few landmarks offer such a direct insight into the governance of a nation and the influential people, events, and traditions that shaped British democracy.

How to book Houses of Parliament tickets

You can buy tickets for a guided and self-guided tour of the Houses of Parliament tour using the booking button on this page.

Tips for visiting the Houses of Parliament

• Best time to visit: Early in the day
• Best for: History buffs, fans ok UK politics and architecture enthusiasts 
• Hidden spots: The Jewel Tower, one of the surviving parts of the medieval Palace of Westminster, originally built in 1365.
• Photo and bag policy: Photos are for personal use only and allowed in Westminster Hall, St Stephen’s Hall and New Palace Yard; bags must be 60cm × 40cm or smaller, and there’s no cloakroom.
• Cafe and gift shop: Grab a bite or cream tea at the Jubilee Cafe near Westminster Hall, then browse souvenirs at the Jubilee Shop or the Parliament Square store.
• Things to do inside: Watch live debates from the public galleries, explore the chambers, then relax at the Jubilee Cafe and browse the gift shops.

Duration of the Houses of Parliament tour

The Houses of Parliament tour takes approximately 90 minutes. 

Where are the Houses of Parliament?

The Houses of Parliament are located in Westminster, SW1A 0AA. The main visitor entrance can be found on Cromwell Road.

How to get there

• Tube – The closest Tube station is Westminster (District, Circle and Jubilee), which is a two-minute walk away.
• Bus – Various bus routes stop close to the Houses of Parliament including: 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 87, 88, 148, 159, 211 and 453.
• Cycling – There are Santander Cycles docking stations in Smith Square and on Abingdon Green. 

Opening times

The Houses of Parliament tour is available on Saturdays: 9.30am-4.30pm

Things to do nearby

Nearby highlights include Westminster Abbey, or a combined Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey tour with skip-the-line entry. You can also cross the bridge to the London Eye for city views or join a Westminster by night walking tour.

History of the Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament began as a royal palace in the 11th century under Edward the Confessor, before becoming the seat of Parliament in the 13 century. After a major fire in 1834, also referred to as the Burning of Parliament, it was rebuilt in striking Gothic Revival style by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin.

Today, it remains the centre of UK government, offering visitors a chance to experience the heart of British democracy up close.