Palace of Westminster guides take UK visitors on tours through the famous building throughout the year.
While on the tour you can see the Lords and Commons debating chamber, the Queen’s Robing Room, and other interesting areas.
These tours are free, but must be requested through your local MP or a Lord.
Space is quite limited and the waiting list can be six months or more, so be sure to plan ahead.
It is not advisable to bring small children on the tour, as there is a great deal of walking involved.
Wheelchairs are allowed on the tour, but some of the larger types may have difficulty navigating the more narrow areas.
The tours last about 75 minutes.
Visitors from overseas are only able to tour Parliament during the Summer Opening.
The Summer Opening is the time when Parliament is on its summer recess and a fee is charged for these tours.
Tickets for tours during the Summer Opening go on sale in February.
There are set times for foreign language tours; French, Italian, German, and Spanish language tours are offered.
Visitors may also attend debates or committee meetings which are held on weekdays whenever Parliament is in session and these sessions are open to both UK residents and overseas visitors.
The debates and committee meetings are free of charge and open to the public, but you might want to queue up early as there can be a 2 or 3 hours wait to get into these venues.
Be aware that there are certain security requirements that go along with visiting the Palace of Westminster.
You will be searched when you enter the building, mobile phones must be turned off, and photographs are prohibited except in Westminster Hall.
Taking a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster is definitely the best way to see and experience the historic home of Parliament.
The Palace of Westminster guides can show you just what goes on behind the closed doors of your government.
Visiting Houses of Parliament
Parliament Square, St Margaret's Street, Westminster, SW1A 0AA
Telephone: 0844 209 0381
Opening Times
Mon & Tue 2.30pm-10.30pm, Wed 11.30am-7.30pm, Thu 10.30am-6.30pm, Fri 9.30am-3pm | Times apply to the House of Commons main chamber. Westminster Hall: Mon & Tue 9am-12noon, Wed 9am-9.20am & 9.25am-12noon, Fri 3.30pm-5pm. Prime Minister's Question Time: We
Ticket Prices
FREE (Adult), FREE (Child) | Tours £11.70 (Adults), £7.80 (Concs), £4.80 (Children 5 to 15), £29.20 (Family)
Photo courtesy: ell brown
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