Westminster Palace also known as The Houses of Parliament, is the meeting place of the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom—the House of Lords and the House of Commons. It is the home of British Government and as well as being of immense historic importance is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Westminster Palace, along with the adjacent Westminster Abbey, is a UNESCO designated world heritage site.
Overseas Visitors
Westminster Palace is a great place to visit for all sightseeing tours of London, even if you only stand outside and admire its architectural beauty.
Overseas visitors can only tour Parliament during the Summer Opening, when paid-for tickets are available. However, overseas visitors can attend debates and watch the MPS in action throughout the year by visiting the public galleries when Parliament is meeting.
Summer Opening
Tickets to tour Parliament during the Summer Opening are available to purchase from 1 March.
Tours are arranged during the summer recess, when Parliament will not be sitting and Members work away from Westminster. Tours run from Monday to Saturday inclusive, but not on Sundays or Bank Holidays. Tours take about 75 minutes and include the Commons and Lords Chamber’s, the Queen’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery and Westminster Hall
Westminster Palace Opening hours
Saturdays from 3rd July onwards between 9.15am and 4.30pm.\
August 2nd – 27th
On Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday between 9.15am and 4.30pm.On Wednesday and Thursday between 1.15pm and 4.30pm.
September and October
Monday, Friday and Saturday between 9.15am and 4.30pm.On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 1.15pm and 4.30pm.
LOCATION AND TRAVEL
Address: Houses of Parliament
Palace of Westminster
Westminster
London SW1A 0AA
Underground:
Westminster (Jubilee/Circle & District lines)
The Palace of Westminster (also commonly known as the Houses of Parliament) is directly opposite the station exit (look out for Big Ben!).
From Charing Cross – Northern line south to Embankment, Circle or District line west to Westminster
From Kings Cross/St Pancras – Victoria line south to Green Park, Jubilee line south/east to Westminster
From Paddington – Bakerloo line south/east to Baker Street, Jubilee line south/east to Westminster
From Victoria – Circle or District line east to Westminster
From Liverpool Street – Circle line to Westminster
From Marylebone – Bakerloo line south/east to Baker Street, Jubilee line south/east to Westminster
From Waterloo – Jubilee line north/west to Westminster
Parking: Parking in central London can be difficult and expensive. Please use public transport.