Touring the Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster is a former royal palace, and contains nearly 1,200 rooms, 100 staircases and well over 2 miles of passages.

Summer Visits

Whilst the House is in its summer recess (August / September / October), it is possible to take a tour of the Houses of Parliament and see the historic building, including the chambers of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Tours last for 75 minutes, and run Monday to Saturdays; however, the building will be closed on Bank Holidays and some weekday mornings. Tickets are available from the ticket office on Abingdon Green, opposite Parliament and the Victoria Tower Gardens, or you can telephone them on 0870 906 3773.

Do bear in mind that you will not be permitted to use cameras or mobile phones during the tour, and you will not be allowed to carry any large or bulky hand luggage.

Tours During Session

To arrange for a tour of the Palace, UK residents must contact either their local MP or a Peer whom they know. This must be done as far in advance as possible.

Currently, tours are only available on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and on Fridays, although there will be no access to the Commons chamber after 9.30 am on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

Unfortunately, non-UK residents are not permitted to tour the Houses of Parliament during session; they may only do so during summer recess.