Things to do in Houses of Parliament
On the banks of the River Thames, mesmerising gothic architecture reflects in the water of London’s most iconic landmarks – the Houses of Parliament. Also known as the Palace of Westminster, a former royal palace used last by Henry VIII, the building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its most striking features are the Victoria Tower, the largest of the building, and Big Ben. This four-faced clock was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark Elizabeth II’s diamond jubilee.
More than just a tourist hotspot, The Houses of Parliament is now the meeting place for the House of Commons and House of Lords – the heart of British politics that shapes the lives of British citizens. Guided tours take visitors around the opulent rooms, catching MPs in their daily lives. Look out for opulent red seats, carpets and the mesmerisingly golden Monarch’s Throne in the House of Lords. Some tours will also show you the Division Lobbies – content or not-content – and Westminster Hall. It’s also possible to book to watch live debates, special talks and even Prime Minister’s Questions.
Across the river from the London Eye, a short walk away from Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament is a worthwhile stop to add to any London trip.
Our recommendations in Houses of Parliament
Westminster Abbey tickets with audio guide
Buy these Westminster Abbey tickets now to explore the gothic architecture for yourself and walk through the halls where monarchs have been crowned.
en, it, fr, es, de, +4 pt, ru, ja, zh
London top sights guided walking tour
Book this 5-hour walking tour of London! Discover the history, culture, and legends of London and see more than 30 top sights!
en
Ticket and audio-guided tour to the Houses of Parliament
Book your Ticket and audio-guided tour to the Houses of Parliament and enjoy Parliament's magnificent art and architecture with audio commentary
en, it, fr, es, de, +3 pt, ru, zh
Guided tour inside Westminster Abbey and outside the Houses of Parliament
Experience the pillar of Central London with this tour of Westminster Abbey. Here you'll learn the story behind Big Ben and understand how the Parliament works.
en
Westminster Abbey tickets with audio guide
Buy these Westminster Abbey tickets now to explore the gothic architecture for yourself and walk through the halls where monarchs have been crowned.
en, it, fr, es, de, +4 pt, ru, ja, zh
London top sights guided walking tour
Book this 5-hour walking tour of London! Discover the history, culture, and legends of London and see more than 30 top sights!
en
Ticket and audio-guided tour to the Houses of Parliament
Book your Ticket and audio-guided tour to the Houses of Parliament and enjoy Parliament's magnificent art and architecture with audio commentary
en, it, fr, es, de, +3 pt, ru, zh
Guided tour inside Westminster Abbey and outside the Houses of Parliament
Experience the pillar of Central London with this tour of Westminster Abbey. Here you'll learn the story behind Big Ben and understand how the Parliament works.
en
London's Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament day tour
Experience the pillars of Central London with these tours of Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster. Here you'll learn the story behind Big Ben.
en
Westminster famous sites self-guided audio walking tour
On this self-guided audio walking tour, you'll listen to historian Harvey and local journalist Claudia to discover Westminster and the history behind Britain's monarch and the seat of power.
en
How to get there
Houses of Parliament
London
United Kingdom
Reviews Houses of Parliament
“Nice tour”
“Beautiful Abbey, Enjoyed the experience very much”
“Made difficult when we bought tickets and then realised we needed to print them e tickets would have been a better option as we were away from home when we bought the tickets !”
“The audio was very thorough and informative. It says that it will take an hour and five minutes, but I think that actually it takes quite a bit longer than that if you really stop to see everything that you offer. Absolutely gorgeous cathedral and it was my favorite place in London!”
