The Palace of Westminster is the seat of the UK Parliament, a 19th-century Gothic Revival building that replaced the medieval palace destroyed by fire in 1834. Its clock tower, commonly called Big Ben after the bell inside, is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Thames.
The Houses of Parliament, formally the Palace of Westminster, sits on the north bank of the Thames in Westminster, London, and is the seat of the UK's House of Commons and House of Lords. The current building, a Gothic Revival masterpiece by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, was completed in 1870 after fire destroyed most of the medieval palace in 1834, though Westminster Hall, dating to 1097, survived and remains the oldest part of the complex. The Elizabeth Tower at the north end houses the Great Bell known as Big Ben, whose chimes are audible across Westminster. Guided tours take visitors through Westminster Hall, the Central Lobby, and both chambers when Parliament is not sitting. A tour takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours, while the exterior, including the riverside facade and Elizabeth Tower, can be viewed and photographed at any time for free from Westminster Bridge or the South Bank opposite. Tower tours climbing to see Big Ben's mechanism up close are restricted to UK residents, who can arrange access through their local Member of Parliament. Security screening, similar to airport-style checks, is required for all visitors entering the building.
| Admission | Guided tours: adults £29.50 / approx USD 37; children (5–15) £12.50 / approx USD 16. Book at parliament.uk/visiting. South Bank exterior views are free. |
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| Hours | Parliament tours: Sat year-round and some weekdays during recess (check parliament.uk/visiting). Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben): exterior only; tower tours for UK residents via their MP. |
| Typical visit | 1.5–2.5 hours (tour); exterior viewing free anytime |
| Best time | South Bank opposite (Westminster Bridge) at dusk for the best photography; tour on a Saturday to avoid parliamentary business disruptions |
| Getting there | Tube: Westminster (Circle/District/Jubilee); 2-minute walk |
| Address | Palace of Westminster, London SW1A 0AA |
Location
Palace of Westminster, London SW1A 0AA
51.4995, -0.1248 View on map
Highlights
- Elizabeth Tower and the Big Ben bell
- Westminster Hall, the oldest surviving part of the palace (1097)
- House of Commons and House of Lords chambers on tour
- Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin's Gothic Revival facade
- Riverside views from Westminster Bridge
Tips for visiting
- Book Saturday tours well in advance as they sell out quickly
- UK residents can arrange free Elizabeth Tower tours through their MP
- Exterior viewing and photography from Westminster Bridge or the South Bank is always free
- Security screening is required for all visitors entering the building
- Guided tours are not available while Parliament is in session on weekdays, so check the schedule ahead
When to visit
Westminster Bridge or the South Bank opposite at dusk offers the best photography; booking a Saturday tour avoids disruptions from parliamentary business.
Accessibility
Step-free access is available on the tour route with advance notice, and Westminster Hall and most of the tour are reachable by lift.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Houses of Parliament take?
A guided tour takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours; viewing the exterior from outside takes only a few minutes.
Is the Houses of Parliament worth it for kids?
The guided tour suits children aged 11 and older due to its length and historical content; younger children may enjoy the exterior and Big Ben instead.
Is photography allowed inside the Houses of Parliament?
Photography is permitted outside the building but is restricted inside the chambers during tours.