The Palace of Westminster has stood on the site of a royal palace since the 11th century, but the medieval buildings were destroyed by fire in 1834, save for Westminster Hall, which survives from 1097 with its hammerbeam roof intact. Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin rebuilt the palace between 1840 and 1870 in the Gothic Revival style, creating the current building with its Elizabeth Tower, home to the bell known as Big Ben, and the Victoria Tower. The palace houses the House of Commons and House of Lords, and Westminster Hall has hosted state trials, including that of Charles I, and lyings-in-state of monarchs and statesmen. Guided tours move through the ceremonial route between the two chambers, past the Robing Room and Royal Gallery, presenting the building's dual identity as working legislature and Victorian architectural set-piece. Restoration and Renewal works, addressing fire risk, asbestos, and crumbling stonework in the aging structure, are underway across the building and expected to continue for years, with visitor access adjusted periodically around the works.
| Admission | Saturday tours: adults £28 (USD 35.55); children (5–15) £12 (USD 15.25); family £72 (USD 91.45); public gallery access during debates is free |
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| Hours | Tours available Saturday year-round and on selected weekdays during parliamentary recess; check parliament.uk for schedule |
| Address | Westminster, London SW1A 0AA |
Why it matters
The Palace of Westminster has been the seat of the English and later British Parliament since the medieval period, and its rebuilt Gothic Revival structure after the 1834 fire remains the symbolic center of British democracy.
Location
Westminster, London SW1A 0AA
51.4995, -0.1248 View on map
Highlights
- Westminster Hall, surviving from 1097 with its original hammerbeam roof
- Elizabeth Tower and the Big Ben bell
- House of Commons and House of Lords debating chambers
- Royal Gallery and Robing Room on the ceremonial route
- Free public gallery access to watch live debates
Tips for visiting
- Saturday tours require advance booking through parliament.uk
- Free public gallery seats for debates are available on a first-come basis; expect queues
- UK residents can also arrange tours through their local MP
- Security screening is required for all visitors; arrive with time to spare
- Photography is not permitted inside the chambers
Frequently asked questions
Is a Parliament tour accessible without English?
Multimedia guides are available in several languages for the paid Saturday tours.
How long does a visit take?
Guided tours run around 90 minutes; watching a debate from the public gallery can take as little as 30 minutes.
Can children attend?
Yes, tours are open to children, though under-5s are not admitted to the public galleries during debates.