houses of parliament audio tour

Ticket and Audio Guided Tour to the Houses of Parliament

Quick Details

• Globe Region: Europe
• Map Marker Location: London , United Kingdom
• Hour Glass Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Tag Tour Type: Shared Tour
• Checkered Flag Meeting Point: In front of the Abbey Shop, Official Souvenirs Shop of Westminster Abbey

To access the Parliament you must meet the guide, who will give you the tickets

Visit the Houses of Parliament! If you are visiting London, you can not miss the Houses of Parliament, the most important building in the UK.

Parliament is made up of three central elements: the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the Monarchy. The main business of Parliament takes place in the two Houses. Generally, the decisions made in one House have to be approved by the other.

Get to know the importance of this building, how the decisions are made here, how is the day of the people that work here, and many stories about important historical figures that have walked in during the history of the country.

During your visit with an audio guide, and your walk through the interior of this iconic place for the history not only of London but of the United Kingdom, you will know everything that its walls hide. You will learn about the importance of this building , how decisions are made, what a day is like for the people who work here, and many stories about important historical figures who have entered this building during the history of the country. We will give you access to the monument and once inside, you will take an audio-guided tour on your own.

You cannot miss this incredible experience and get to know this symbol of London!

Highlights:

• See one of London’s most famous symbols
• Let yourself be admired by the impressive Chambers inside
• Get to know one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO
• Entrance to Houses of Parliament
• Audio guided tour

Not included:

• Live commentary
• Transportation

Related Tours

• Tag Shared Tour
• Hour Glass 4 hours
• Map Marker London , United Kingdom

Houses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey Guided Tour

You can’t come to London without visiting Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the famous Big Ben!

Inside Westminster Abbey & Houses of Parliament Panoramic Tour

Discover how and why the Elizabeth Tower, the Great Clock, and the Great Bell, Big Ben, were built.

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

Visit The Houses of Parliament

This post is about how to take a tour of the Houses of Parliament, as well as attend public debates. It covers security, dress codes, and other important tips.

And be sure to take one of our walking tours that cover the palace.

• Where is the Palace of Westminster?
• Public Tours
• Attending Public Debates
• Security and Dress Code
• Things to Do in London
• Other Royal Palaces
• Big Ben Tours

HOW TO GET TO THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Be sure to check out our tour of Westminster and read how to get into Westminster Abbey for free .

The Houses of Parliament is located entirely within the Palace of Westminster, in the City of Westminster on the western bank of the River Thames.

We recommend using this Google map for directions to the palace from anywhere in London.

Due to its central location, it is within walking distance to many popular London attractions (see green circles above).

The closest Underground station is Westminster, which is served by the Jubilee, Circle and District lines.

It is also near the Embankment station, which is also serviced by the Bakerloo and Northern lines.

Be sure to read our post on navigating the London Underground and choosing the right travel pass .

If you are considering using one of the hop-on-hop-off buses while you are in London, note that all have stops at the Palace of Westminster.

We have a post that compares all of the various bus tour options in London.

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT TOUR

One of the ways is to take a paid guided tour offered through the Houses of Parliament.

Reviews for this tour are mostly favorable, with an average of  4.5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor.

Some guests say that without a guided tour, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information that is on display. Many people note that the guides are very friendly and easy to understand.

Here is the information you need to know to plan your visit:

• You can pre-book tickets online or purchase them on the same day from the Ticket Office in front of Portcullis House on Victoria Embankment. The Ticket Office is open on Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturday from 8.45 am to 4.45 pm.
• Guided tours run Saturdays until 28 September 2024 and also on few select dates in May and June 2024.
• Guided tours in English start every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day between 10:15 am and 3:45 pm.
• Guided tours in French, German, Italian, and Spanish are offered every tour day but at set times.
• Tours run about 1 hour and 30 minutes

Guided Tour Prices -

• Adults: £32
• Concessions (over 60s, students, members of the UK Armed Forces): £26
• Children (5-15 years): £16
• Children (under 5): Free, but will require a ticket for admission. ( Note : This tour is not recommended for young children due to the length of the tour and the amount of walking)
• Disabled visitors: Standard prices as listed above (escorts have free entry but will require a ticket for admission)
• Note: Residents of the UK can visit for free by writing to your MP to request a free tour which will be delivered by an ‘in-house’ Parliament guide.

For any other information visit the official  guided tour page for more information .

In addition to the guided tour provided by the Houses of Parliament, this company also offers exclusive access to the site on two separate tours.

Their main outing includes a tour of both the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, allowing you to see and learn about both landmarks at the same time with special access to each.

Alternatively, you may also want to consider their after-hours Houses of Parliament tour which makes it easy to avoid the crowds.

Houses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey Tour ( affiliate disclosure )

Note: The tour is currently unavailable as of March 2024.

• £89/Adults, Students | £84/Children
• Duration: 3 ½ – 4 hours
• Hours: 9 am, 1:30 pm
• Includes Westminster Abbey admission.
• Includes Houses of Parliament admission.

Behind the Scenes After Hours Parliament Tour ( affiliate disclosure )

• £59/Adults, Students | £55/Children
• Duration: 2 hours
• Hours: 4 pm
• Includes after-hours Houses of Parliament admission.
• Includes tour of the House of Commons.
• Includes tour of the House of Lords.

Reviews for Take Walks are generally very positive, with most customers indicating they offer top-of-the-line tours.

Many guests feel that their guides are very knowledgeable and friendly, willing to answer any and all questions you may have.

Self-Guided Audio Tours

After years of offering guided tours of the palace, there is now an  audio tour available to the public .

Guests are provided with headphones and guided along the line route whilst listening to the history and current politics of the Houses of Parliament.

Important figures in Parliament help provide some of the commentaries on the audio guide so guests will get to listen to people such as Black Rod and the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Reviews on TripAdvisor indicate that these self-guided audio tours are pretty darn good.

Guests who enjoyed this tour suggest that it is the best option for those who wish to experience the Houses of Parliament at their own pace which is nice if you’re hoping to take your time.

• Audio tours follow the same schedule as the guided tours above.
• Audio tours last 75 minutes and are available in many languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin and Brazilian Portuguese, and Welsh.
• There is also a separate audio guide aimed at children aged 7 - 12.

Audio Guide Tour Prices

• Adults: £25
• Concessions (over 60s, students, members of the UK Armed Forces): £18
• Children (5-15 years): One child is free with each paying adult, but will require a ticket for admission, £8 for each additional child
• Children (under 5): Free, but will require a ticket for admission
• Click  here to book your tour of the Houses of Parliament!

If you can't make it to Parliament for a tour, then view the video clips below.

They cover tours of the House of Commons, and the House of Lords as well as parts of the Palace of Westminster, such as Westminster Hall.

Visit the Public Galleries for the Houses of Common and Lords For Free

For visitors who are interested in witnessing the world's oldest democratic body in action without the cost of a public tour, it is possible to do so by sitting in one or both of the public galleries.

All the legislative work of the Houses of Parliament takes place in either the House of Commons or the House of Lords - and both of these chambers have sections that are open to the public.

Video tour of the House of Commons.  Click here for a tour of the House of Lords .

The House of Commons Public Gallery is located behind bullet-proof glass and visitors are escorted up the back stairs of the House of Commons to sit on the balcony and observe the debates.

The House of Lords Public Gallery is also up a set of back stairs but this Gallery has no glass which means guests are actually sitting on a balcony inside the House of Lords itself.

Throughout both chambers, there are microphones built into the benches to bring the sound of the MPs and Lords working into the Galleries.

Sitting in the Galleries of both the Commons and the Lords is entirely free. In fact, taking in the debates is #3 on our list of top 10 free things to do in London .

Access is only accessible when either House is in session.

When Parliament is not sitting, the Galleries are closed to the public and whenever Parliament is in session (even as late as 11:00 pm) guests are allowed inside.

Occasionally you may find that there is a queue to get in, and visitors are put into a first-come-first-serve system inside the Palace.

This is particularly true for Wednesday mornings when the Prime Minister addresses the House of Commons.

Visitor access to the galleries, while the Prime Minister is speaking, is limited to ticket holders only, who obtain their tickets by contacting their Member of Parliament.

For this reason, it's advisable for most to avoid visiting the galleries at this time.

To gain access, go to the main entrance at Cromwell Green (see map link and the image below) and speak to the Visitor Assistants (wearing gold and blue) outside, who will let you know if the Houses are in session, what they are debating, and how long the wait may be.

To find out which days Parliament will be sitting, simply visit their website to plan your trip: www.Parliament.uk

Also note: Children under 5 are not allowed into the Public Gallery and older children can be denied access if the doorkeepers feel this necessary.

SECURITY AND DRESS CODE

The visitor entry point to the Palace of Westminster is located at 3 St. Margaret's Street ( map ), just across from St. Margaret's Church.

The closest Underground Station is Westminster, which services the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines.

Visitors coming to the Houses of Parliament - either for the tours or to attend the debates - are subject to tight security screening.

Described as "airport-style security" guests must pass through metal detectors and have all bags x-rayed and searched.

Guests will then have their photographs taken and issued a temporary pass which must be worn at all times and marks them out as visitors.

Certain items are restricted when visiting the Houses of Parliament and visitors should be aware that possession of these materials may see them prevented from entering.

In general, most lists of banned items on airplanes match with the list of banned items in Parliament. So sharp objects like scissors or blades of any sort are forbidden as are some aerosol sprays.

You can get more information on what's prohibited here.

Guests will also need to leave their belongings at the Doorkeepers before entering any of the Public Galleries as mobile phones, cameras, and any other personal effects are banned in the Galleries.

There is no dress code for the tour through the Palace of Westminster. Although we do recommend choosing inoffensive attire, you are pretty much free to wear whatever is comfortable.

Big Ben and Other Nearby Attractions

There is a lot to see in the area. We have a useful post on things to do in Westminster , but below are some of the highlights.

• Trafalgar Square
• Changing of the Guard
• Buckingham Palace
• 10 Downing Street
• Westminster Abbey
• The Churchill War Rooms
• The Horse Guards
• St. James's Palace

OUR TOURS THAT COVER THE PALACE

**Tip:   Come along on one of our  Westminster Tours !

The tour finishes at the Palace of Westminster and your guide will show you the facade of the Palace during your walk and will point you in the right direction for your visit to Parliament once the tour has finished.

On Saturdays, you can buy a ticket for a guided tour of the Palace.

During the week, your tour will finish in the perfect time for you to get a space in the Public Gallery.

Also, check out how to get into Westminster Abbey for free .

When it comes to ratings and reviews on TripAdvisor , it’s clear that a lot of guests have enjoyed our Westminster tour. Our London service rated 5 out of 5 stars.  

Reviewers mention that our guides are very friendly and informative, which is definitely an experience we strive to provide. One word keeps popping up more than any other among these reviews: historic.

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The inside story

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.

How to get there

Houses of Parliament: Family Audio Tour

Average K-Rating based on 4 K-Rating reviews

KidRated’s Houses of Parliament Top Tips:

• Best for kids & teens : The Houses of Parliament family audio tour is for kids aged 7 – 12
• Best for parents: Visit in August when Parliament is on recess for more exclusive access
• Top tip: Buy a ticket that includes a trip to Big Ben too (age 11+)

Visit the Houses of Parliament and explore the seat of British government! This adventure is perfect for curious minds eager to learn amazing facts and uncover hidden secrets.

Discover where Guy Fawkes hid and learn about the odd customs that take place within these historic walls. You can choose between a guided tour or an audio tour, both of which bring to life the rich history, stunning architecture, and fascinating art in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Highlights include the King’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, Lords Chambers, Central Lobby, Members’ Lobby, Commons Chambers, and Westminster Hall.

Visitor Assistants are available throughout the tour to answer any questions, so don’t hesitate to ask. The tour typically lasts 90 minutes, but feel free to take your time and soak in the history.

For families, there’s a special audio tour designed for children aged 7 to 11, available in English. The regular audio tour is offered in multiple languages, including English, Welsh, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, and Mandarin. The family tour features engaging commentary and interactive games to keep kids entertained.

For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, a screen-based audio tour in British Sign Language is also available.

After your tour, you’re just a stone’s throw away from iconic landmarks like Big Ben , the London Eye , and the Southbank Centre .

A visit to the Houses of Parliament is a fun, educational, and memorable experience for the whole family, making it a must-do on your London itinerary!

Booking Advice:

• You can book online, by phone or at the Ticket Office on the day
• For kids aged 5 to 15, one child goes free with every ticket paying adult, additional kids cost £9.00 each
• Children under 5 go free but do require a ticket for admission

VISITOR INFORMATION

Westminster London SW1A 0AA

Phone number:

+44 (0)20 7219 4114

www.parliament.uk/visiting/access/families-with-children/

How to get there:

Nearest tube: Westminster

Useful information:

E-mail: [email protected]

Teen Verdict

I’ve never given much thought to the Houses of Parliament but actually seeing the inner workings of everything was really interesting. I especially enjoyed seeing the architecture of the whole building and also finding out about the Queens Robing Room. Also because of the great location of the site, we had a really nice stroll along the Thames.

Parent Point of View

Laura Porter

• If you’ve ever taken a guided tour with kids you’ll know it’s hard to keep their attention (if they’re not at the front of the group) so these is a great, independent option.
• I always choose the family/kid audio tour at attractions as it usually explains things much more clearly (for tired parents) and then you also know what the kids are hearing.
• In a guided tour you need to keep the kids quiet for others to listen but this means you can discuss what you’re hearing.
• The audio tour is definitely ‘Horrible Histories influenced’ and has a fun quiz at the end.

You can find loads more information by  Laura Porter  at  aboutlondonlaura.com  

Have your say...

One comment on “ houses of parliament: family audio tour ” | add a comment.

I took the audio tour with my two daughters aged 11 and 9 and we had a great time. The girls were engaged throughout and could skip the bits that didn’t interest them. It’s a fascinating place with lots of British history the kids learn about at primary school.

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More currencies, westminster abbey guided & houses of parliament audioguide tour.

Visit two of London’s most important institutions on this small group morning tour to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Pick up facts about British royalty and democratic history with your dedicated audio guides, and enjoy a more intimate experience with a small group of less than 25 members.

• Experience two of London’s most iconic monuments within the same ticket, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament on this morning tour.
• Gain skip-the-line entrance into Westminster Abbey and listen closely to your English-speaking tour guide for historical facts and intriguing anecdotes about British Royalty.
• With access to the Houses of Parliament, feel free plug in your dedicated headsets and listen to the audio guided tour of both houses of the British government.
• Small tour groups of 25 people of fewer ensure that you have an intimate experience of both attractions.
• Skip-the-line entrance tickets to Westminster Abbey
• Entrance ticket to Houses of Parliament
• Guided tour of Westminster Abbey by an English-speaking professional tour guide
• Audio-guided tour of the House of Parliament
• Small groups of 25 people or fewer

Reduced Price Tickets

• Children's tickets (aged between 6 and 16) can be bought at discounted rates.
• Children aged 5 and below do not require tickets.

Guide Languages

Please be advised that the tour will be conducted in English.

Tour Timings

• This guided tour is 3 hours long.
• You must meet up with your guide at least 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour. The availability is as follows:
• 01 August 2019 - 31 August 2019: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturdays
• 01 September 2019 - 31 December 2019: All Saturdays (except for October 19th).

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

What To Expect

An express course on london.

This two-part tour of London’s finest landmarks extends an express course, if you will, of British royalty and democratic history.

Your tour commences at Westminster Abbey, the glorious church where British royals are crowned and also laid to rest. Ranked among the world’s greatest churches, your tour guide will expertly lead you through the abbey and explain important sites you visit along the way. The Abbey has been the site of multiple royal coronations, with each British monarch (from William the Conqueror in 1066 to Queen Elizabeth II in 1953).

This monarch-owned church has not only hosted coronations, but also held royal weddings (the most recent of which was Prince William and Kate Middleton’s celebrated wedding ceremony), and funerals (such as Princess Diana’s). Soak up some British Royalty before concluding your tour of Westminster Abbey.

Next stop is the Houses of Parliament, where your guide will escort you to the entrance. Here, you will get your tickets to enter the worshipped landmark. Be stunned by the houses of British government as you tour the establishment on your own with the aid of an audio tour guide. Explore the key parts of the building at your own pace. Some of the must-see sites are the 11th-century Westminster Hall, the Queen’s Robing Room, and the House of Lords, among others.

Know Before You Go

Important information.

• Photography is not permitted inside the Houses of Parliament.
• Please note that for security reasons, airport-style bag searches will take place at the Houses of Parliament.
• Westminster Abbey does not permit large or bulky items of luggage. To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, we strongly suggest that you avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks on your tour. There are no cloakroom facilities at the Abbey in which such luggage can be stored.
• Entrance into Westminster Abbey requires a modest dress code. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
• The Westminster Abbey is subject to closure during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. If this occurs during your visit, we will run an alternative itinerary that includes an explanation of the Abbey from the outside.
• Please note that this tour ends at the Houses of Parliament.

Since the tour will cover a fair amount of ground in 3 hours, we recommend you put on some comfortable shoes to walk with ease.

Accessibility

Unfortunately, due to stairways and limited elevator access, we are unable to accommodate guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers on this tour.

• Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
• Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID to your guide.
• If you have purchased reduced price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification.
• Kindly ensure that you arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Meeting Point

• Look for the West entrance of Westminster Abbey.
• Directly opposite this entrance, you will find a tall marble and stone column.
• Look out for the figure above this column of St George slaying a dragon.
• Your host will be waiting for you right at this column. Get Directions to the Meeting Point

Getting There

For help with meeting points or other urgent issues, please phone UK Free Toll +44 800 098 8019

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An Audio Tour of the Houses of Parliament

The Palace of Westminster – home to the Houses of Parliament – has been a royal palace for 1000 years, home to the Parliament for nearly 500 years, is one of London ’s best-known buildings, and forms the backdrop to so many images of the capital.

Most people will recognise its striking façade, but far less know what actually happens inside. In fact it is a bit of a mystery. The complex rituals of the British political system are enough to confuse anyone, never mind someone who hasn’t grown up in this country.

Now I am going to let you in on a secret. My grandad, Bruce Millan, was a Scottish Labour politician, European Commissionaire and Secretary of State of Scotland. He, therefore, spent a good chunk of his life in the Houses of Parliament and my stepdad has visited the building on many occasions.

Seeing the interior of the Houses of Parliament for myself has therefore unsurprisingly long been on my to-do list. Somehow I was convinced that it would bring me a little closer to my grandad, who sadly passed away three years ago.

You can probably imagine how excited I thus was to be invited to try out the new self-guided audio tour and why I took up the offer without a moment’s hesitation.

HOW TO VISIT THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

There are in fact three ways to take a sneak-peak inside the Houses of Parliament. 

• You can stand as an MP and get 50,000 people to vote for you at the next general election. Granted, this is a bit too much hassle, for most people.
• If you’re a UK resident you can contact your local MP or a member of the House of Lords and ask them to give you a tour, free of charge, also known as a Member’s Tour. I assume that there’s a long waiting list for those though.
• Tourists can simply buy a ticket for an audio or guided tour. MPs generally don’t work on weekends and so the Houses of Parliament are open to the public every Saturday. You can buy your tickets online or get them the same day from the ticket office at the front of Portcullis House. Tickets sell out fast and there are a few exceptions to the opening times, so it’s probably best to check the schedule and purchase your tickets in advance. Once you buy tickets (£18.50 for adults), you have the option of printing them out. If you do, you’ll get a nice little map right on your ticket that will tell you which entrance to go to. 

To be honest, I had no idea that you could just buy a ticket for a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. But I am glad you can. Gary and I went on a self-guided audio tour one Saturday afternoon, and it was brilliant. This is a really fun thing to do on a free weekend and we would highly recommend it.

If you are looking for other free things to do in your spare time, check out this very comprehensive list of London museums .

ENTRANCE AND SECURITY

The entrance to the Houses of Parliament is at the Cromwell Green Visitor Entrance. Here you will be asked to show your tickets to a police officer and to confirm that you don’t have any weapons or bombs on you. Tours are timed so you need to make sure to get there in time to get through the airport-style security process.  Fully scanned and searched, we were handed security badges and sent on to the courtyard below Big Ben. Note that Big Ben is actually the name of the clock tower bell – the official name for the clock tower itself is the Elizabeth Tower. We continued on into the medieval Westminster Hall to collect our audio guides and start the tour.

WESTMINSTER HALL

The cavernous Westminster Hall – dating back to 1097 – is the oldest part and one of the few original parts of the Palace of Westminster. Westminster Hall and the Jewel Tower are the only parts of the palace which survived a huge fire in 1834. A lucky change of wind direction saved the Hall, but the original Houses of Parliament had to be rebuilt in their current Victorian neo-Gothic style. Westminster Hall was completed in 1099 and was designed to impress. It was a place for feasts, entertainment and great state occasions. The Hall has played many different roles over the course of history. It was first built as a courtroom where famous names like Guy Fawkes and William Wallace were tried. Then it was used for lavish coronation banquets for new monarchs. It’s one of the largest undivided medieval spaces in the world, topped with a hammer-beam roof, and is still the back-drop for important ceremonial events and used for important visitors like Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. Remember to check out the plaques on the floor that mark famous historic events, such as the trial of Thomas More and Charles I. I had chills run down my spine as I hovered above the spot where Nelson Mandela stood to address both Houses of Parliament in 1996. Apart from Stephen’s Hall, Westminster Hall is the only place where you are allowed to take photos.

ST STEPHENS HALL

From Westminster Hall the audio tour continues into Stephen’s Hall. After the 1834 fire, architect Charles Barry won the competition to redesign the Houses of Parliament, whilst Augustus Pugin designed the interior. The Houses of Parliament were rebuilt in their current splendid neo-gothic style and inspired by medieval art. The Palace of Westminster is the largest neo-gothic building in the world and is covered in symbolic details, both inside and out. St Stephen’s Hall is stunning, with its painted walls and many statues. I was so glad we were able to take at least a couple of photos in here.

THE CENTRAL LOBBY ROOM

The tour then goes on to Central Lobby. This hall is the crossroads between the House of Lords and the House of Commons. If all the doors are left open you can see all the way from the Royal Throne at one end to the Speaker’s Chair at the other. It is an octagonal room that links four hallways in total. Above each archway are mosaics of the patron saints of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.  The roof  is said to be the widest stone-vaulted roof in existence and its interior features many symbolic carvings and mosaics. The Central Lobby is often featured in political news stories. It is where all interviews are held and where the public can come and “lobby” (request to see) their local Member of Parliament. If you present yourself at the desk then your local MP is duty bound to speak to you, as long as your reasons is genuine of course. The House of Lords and the House of Commons are accessed from opposite sides of the lobby.

THE QUEEN’S ROBING ROOM

As the tour moves further through the building it follows the route the Queen usually takes when she visits for the State Opening of Parliament. After entering the Houses of Parliament through the ‘Sovereign’s Entrance’, shed heads to the Queen’s Robing Room, where she puts on her crown and cloak. The Queen’s Robing Room is decorated with paintings of Arthurian legends and features a grand throne of gold and purple. This throne was designed by Queen Victoria and comes with a special footstool. Did you know that Queen Victoria was less than five-foot tall. The footstool thus stopped her feet from dangling off the floor!

THE ROYAL GALLERY

The Royal Gallery is a magnificent room between the Lord’s Chamber and the Robing Room. This is one of the longest rooms in the Palace, decorated in red and gold, Palace and with two very large frescoes on each wall showing great British military victories. One depicts Nelson’s moment of triumph at the Battle of Trafalgar (at the exact same moment he got shot), whilst the other shows the Duke of Wellington’s meeting with Marshal Blucher at the Battle of Waterloo. Though in the interest of Anglo-French relations there are apparently hooks above the pictures so they can be covered up with curtains when French Heads of State pay a visit! Looking down and around the rest of the walls are portraits of our most modern monarchs, from George I to our very own Queen. The alcove contains an ornate Book of Remembrance for the many peers and their sons who died during WWII. On the floor in front of the book is a rough piece of wood, which came from a jetty used in the D-Day landings. Next to it is a box which is divided into five sections, each of which is full of sand. The sections are labelled Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword: the names of the D-Day landing beaches.

THE PRINCES CHAMBER

The next room in the tour is the Prince’s Chamber, an anteroom where the Lords can meet to discuss business. The walls are covered with paintings of 28 Tudor monarchs – including Henry VIII and all of his wives. There is also a series of paintings about the Spanish Armada.

THE HOUSE OF LORDS

Then it’s on into the House of Lords, one of the most lavishly decorated parts of the building, full of deep golds and bright reds. Having seen it so many times on TV, the biggest surprises for me were the beautiful stained glass windows, wood carvings and frescoes above the benches. That and the forest of microphones which hang down to capture every word of the debates. At the front of the room is an ornate throne where the Queen sits, partly made of solid gold. In front of it, the Woolsack – a big red cushion where the Speaker of the House of Lords sits. It gets its odd name from its 14th-century origins, when Edward III decided that his Lord Chancellor should sit on a bale of wool to show how important the wool trade was to the country. It’s still made of wool today, though unfortunately we weren’t allowed to test out how comfortable it is. In fact you are not allowed to sit on any of the benches and there are signs everywhere warning you not to do so. At this point it’s important to mention that this is a very long tour (at least 75 minutes long) and that your feet might indeed get tired.

MEMBER’S LOBBY

The Member’s Lobby features some of the best paintings of the Houses of Parliament. Here you will also find very imposing statues of Churchill, Lloyd George, Atlee and Thatcher, as well of smaller busts of all the prime ministers (apart from Tony Blair and Gordon Brown). If you look closer at the entrance arch, you will notice some bomb damage to the stone, dating back to the Second World War.

THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

The final room to visit on the tour is the House of Commons. Whilst the public is allowed to visit this space, the Queen, according to tradition, isn’t. What struck me most as I moved from the House of Lords to the House of Commons was how patently different the two rooms were. The House of Lords glows in hues of gold, red, and blue, and is floodlit by ornate stained glass windows. In contrast, the House of Commons is simple and subdued, with green leather benches and a brown carpet. This part of the building was, in fact, completely rebuilt in the 1950s, after having been completely destroyed by bombs during the Blitz. It was built by architect Giles Gilbert Scott, who also designed Waterloo Bridge, Battersea Power Station and the red Telephone Box. The room retains its original proportions and is thus deceptively small. This creates a very intense atmosphere during debates. In fact the green benches only seat about two-thirds of the MPs so during busy debates the room is overflowing with people. The Speaker’s chair is at the end of the room, with the Government to their right and the Opposition to their left. I never felt closer to my grandad than in that moment picturing him sitting there, on of the Government’s benches and calmly but passionately getting involved in the heated debates at hand.

THE AUDIO TOUR OF THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

There are two ways to see the interior of the Houses of Parliament, either with a guided tour or with the new self-guided audio tour that was launched earlier this year.

We really enjoyed walking around the Houses of Parliament unaccompanied, whilst everyone else was shepherded around by a tour guide. Audio-Guide in hand it is very easy to avoid big tour groups (that have a tendency to obstruct your view), groups if you don’t mind varying your walking pace a bit.

We made sure to listen to every chapter of the audio-guide (there are a couple of additional ones that you can skip should you so choose) and were impressed by the amount of detail, some of which, I believe, is not included on the guided tour.

It was wonderful learning about some of the processes of Parliament whilst actually standing in the space. I didn’t realise for example that if there is a ‘vote’ in Parliament a bell rings throughout the building (and in certain local pubs). MP’s then have 8 minutes to cast their vote. If they don’t make it, the door is slammed in their face! The audio tour really brought the Houses of Parliament to life.

Opting for the self-guided audio tour also means that you don’t need to worry about standing at the front of the group, in order to hear your guide, nor are you rushed to keep to a schedule. Instead, you can walk through the Houses of parliament at a much more leisurely pace.

The audio guides are easy to use, and there are adult and family versions available, both of which follow the same route.  It’s in the style of a live news broadcast, with time travelling reporters reporting on stories associated with the Houses of Parliament, such as Magna Carta in 1215 and the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. Both the family and the adult audio tours take about an hour – but you can spend longer if you like, starting and stopping the audio guide as you go along.

From the Commons it’s back to Westminster Hall and the end of the tour. The Palace of Westminster is a fascinating place to visit, and we definitely learnt a huge amount about the history and traditions that lie at the heart of British politics. But having learnt the theory I now want to go back and see it in practice – to experience the Houses of Parliament as they should be, packed full of people with the shouts of politicians heckling each other across the benches. So next time I’ll be joining the queue for the public gallery to see how it’s really done!

I found the tour fascinating and would definitely recommend it. There’s a real sense of living history as you walk around the Palace buildings.

Given its architecture, historical significance, and current significance, I would recommend visiting the Houses of Parliament over the Tower of London and even Windsor Castle. I think there’s more to see at the Houses of Parliament and the building is large enough that you definitely get a ‘castle’ feel when you walk through it. It’s also right smack dab in the centre of London, unlike Windsor. The Tower of London is a little more accessible, but can’t compete with the Houses of Parliament when it comes to its interiors.

THE DETAILS

The Houses of Parliament are open to the public most Saturdays and selected weekdays during the summer, Easter and Christmas Parliamentary recesses –  Visit Parliament  have a list of the latest dates.

You can choose between a guided or audio tour, both available in a range of languages. Audio tours take about an hour and cost £18.50 per adult (concessions £16 and free entry for one child under 15 per adult). Guided tours take about 100 minutes and cost £25.50 per adult (concessions £21 and children £11).

If you’re a UK resident you can also arrange a free guided tour via your Member of Parliament, which is the only way you can get up into the Big Ben clocktower too, though you need to book about six months in advance.

Booking and further info:  www.parliament.uk/visiting

Note: photography is not allowed on the tour, so some of the images used are Parliamentary copyright and are reproduced with the permission of Parliament under Creative Commons.

Disclaimer: As is common in the travel industry, I was provided with a complimentary tour for the purpose of the review. While it has not influenced this review, I believe in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

Have you ever been inside the Houses of Parliament? Comment below and let us know!

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ABOUT KATHARINA

Katharina is the founder, editor, photographer and the main travel writer at A Life Beautifully Travelled. She created this British family travel blog in 2017 to document her adventures around the globe with her husband. Born in Munich, Germany she has since lived in Dusseldorf, Paris, Glasgow, and London. She currently resides in Yorkshire with her family.

Katharina started travelling in her early teens and has explored over 4 continents, 16 countries, and 87 cities. Growing up trilingual and having graduated from an international school, she has a strong interest in other cultures. When she isn’t gallivanting around the globe or busy in her 9-to-5 job as an architect, she can be found exploring the UK (the country she currently calls home). There isn’t much Katharina, her husband and their son Finn love more than a fun family weekend getaway.

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14 thoughts on “An Audio Tour of the Houses of Parliament”

An excellent visit thanks to David. And thank you to the police security for not arresting me for having a pocket knife! The audio system was excellent too please adopt it permenantly. I did not like Mrs Thatcher but her bronze staute is quite unfairly grotesque.

Wow, this looks interesting. I’m always so fascinated by the Houses Of Parliament when I to London but being inside and viewing all the different rooms must be incredible. I think I’d rather go for the audio tour rather than the guided tour as you can go at your own pace and really take everything in. I can imagine the guided tours do bring it to life a little though!

What a fascinating tour! I had no idea that it was available and like so many have been mystified about what was inside those grand buildings. Wonderful pictures too.

Now you know. And next time you get a chance you can visit inside.

Aaah, this is one experience that I would personally love to undergo! It looks so cool and unique as well. Thank you for sharing your experience with us 😀 I’ll surely be keeping this in mind.

Well, you don’t live too far away. You could hop on the Eurostar and come visit London. Then pop into the Houses of Parliament

Wow! This place looks like time has not passed it! I always wonder how they looked from the inside. I visited this while I was in UK but really never had the chance to see the insides.

I don’t think a lot of people realise that you can visit inside. It’s really easy to get a ticket though. you should do it next time

I love your personal connection – I can absolutely see why you wanted to go! We went on a tour last year to tie in with the Suffragette film and that was fascinating – not too different from your audio tour. We thought it was great.

Yes they had a short section on the suffragettes. Maybe a left-over? It was really interesting

I just had to comment on how great the photos are!! Looks like definitely something to do when in London!

Oh thank you, Valter. that’s so nice of you to say. Yes it should definitely feature on your to-do list in London

That is so cool! I want to go and see it. I bet it was very informational and fun!

It really was. I was so excited to go and we learned so much. Definitely a must see in London.

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How To Visit the U.K. Parliament in 2024: Tickets, Hours, and Tours

Eddie Saint-Jean Last Updated: April 30, 2024

The U.K. Parliament in London has a fascinating history dating back to 1215 when disgruntled barons made King John sign the Magna Carta making him subject to the rule of law. This paved the way for the beginnings of Parliament in 1265 under Simon De Montfort. Getting into the Houses of Parliament is not straightforward, so we’ve put together this guide to help you plan. Here’s how to visit the U.K. Parliament.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  guide to London  for more planning resources, our  top London tours  for a memorable trip, and the  top things to do in London .

Visiting the U.K. Parliament: What We’ll Cover

The U.K. Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, has a long history with many interesting traditions that are still maintained today. The popular Guy Fawkes Day originates from events that took place here in 1605 when the Catholic zealot Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

While it is possible to visit the Houses of Parliament, you cannot simply walk in and wander around due to strict security. In this guide, discover what you need to know to visit the U.K. Parliament. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Opening hours and tickets
• How much time to budget for your visit
• What to see at the U.K. Parliament
• Facts and history of the U.K. Parliament
• Places to eat nearby

U.K. Parliament Opening Hours and Tickets

Despite its high-profile politicians and tight security, visitors are allowed inside Parliament for specific purposes: guided tours, certainly, as well as Committee Room events, parliamentary debates, or Prime Minister’s Questions. But its high security means you cannot just wander around unguided or without a specific invite or ticket.

Opening Hours:

The U.K. Parliament or Palace of Westminster is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

You have a choice of guided tours and multimedia tours. Multimedia tours allow you up to 90 minutes inside Parliament buildings using their audio guides. The guided tours last 75 minutes. All tours mostly take place on weekdays and Saturdays.

There are 3 tours you can pick from:

Speaker’s House Tour

If you’re curious about the role of the Speaker of the House, the highest authority of the House of Commons, , this tour is for you. . You’ll have the opportunity to visit the State Apartments of Speaker’s House, where official business is conducted and the Speaker resides.

Ticket Prices: The Speaker’s House Tour costs £20 for Adults, while Young Adults (16 – 18 years old) pay £12. Concessions (Over-6os, students, and U.K. Armed Forces) are £12.

Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Palace of Westminster

Ideal for independent explorers, this tour offers a self-paced experience. With the multimedia device as your guide, you’ll navigate renowned areas like medieval Westminster Hall, the renowned House of Commons Chamber, majestic House of Lords Chamber, and other iconic spaces.

Ticket Prices: Adults £26 (£28 on the day), Young adults (16-24) £19 (£21 on the day), Children (5-15) free (£9* on the day), Concessions (UK Armed Forces) £19 (£21 on the day), and free tickets available for visitors with disabilities and their essential companions

Guided Tours of the Palace of Westminster

Explore the rich history and function of the UK Parliament with an expert guide. You’ll explore the House of Commons, House of Lords, and Westminster Hall and learn about the captivating history, art, and architecture, as well as gaining insights into the current workings of the Houses of Commons and Lords.

Ticket Prices: The guided tour costs £33 for adults (£35 on the day), £27 (£29 on the day) for young adults (16-24), £17 (£19 on the day) for children. Concessions (UK Armed Forces) £27 (£29 on the day), and visitors with a disability can book a free ticket for their essential companion.

Also, access is more likely during Easter, summer, and Christmas, when Parliament is not in session. Still, visits are allowed at selected times even when Parliament is in session. You can book time slots for either multimedia or guided tours as long as they are between 9 am and 4:15 pm.

Contact the ticket offices at Portcullis House, Victoria Embankment for further information on guided tours in French, Spanish, Italian, and German, all of which are available on selected dates. 

Visits Without Tours:

There are three options. Firstly, you can watch the Prime Minister’s Questions or Minister’s Questions without a guide. These take place in the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Secondly, you can see a parliamentary debate or a committee at work. Thirdly, there are parliamentary talks, events, petitions, and Private Members’ Bills where visitors are permitted.

Address: Palace of Westminster

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How Long To Spend at the U.K. Parliament

Short answer: 75 minutes for a guided tour; 90 minutes for the multimedia tour.

Your tour includes visits to the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and Westminster Hall. This talk covers the history of the building, the creation of Parliament, and the democratic and legislative processes within Parliament today. Since both tours are for set times, you’re unlikely to run over.

However, if you’re attending a separate ticketed parliamentary event, it all depends on the times for the event itself.

What To See in and Near the U.K. Parliament 

• Commons Chamber: Prime Minister’s Question Time, Parliamentary debates
• The Lords Chamber: Question Time, Debates, and Legislation Work
• The House of Lords Committee Rooms: Select Committee work
• The Parliamentary Archives 
• The Churchill Arch
• Statues in the Palace
• The Speaker’s Chair
• The Royal Gallery
• Central Lobby
• The Cloisters
• Parliament Square (includes statues of Nelson Mandela, Ghandi, and Winston Churchill)
• Auguste Rodin’s sculpture The Burghers of Calais (in Victoria Tower Gardens, next to Parliament)

Facts and History of the U.K. Parliament

• The Houses of Parliament are also known as the Palace of Westminster. 
• Westminster Hall was built in 1097 by William II, son of William the Conqueror. It was the biggest and grandest hall in Europe at that time. It’s the oldest building in the Houses of Parliament.
• The first English Parliament was held in 1265, when French nobleman Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, led a group of rebellious barons seeking representational democracy and the curbing of Henry III’s absolute power. 
• The medieval parliament burned down in 1834. The fire destroyed most of the Palace of Westminster. 
• Oliver Cromwell was sworn in as Lord Protector in Westminster Hall. He was anti-royal but was sworn in wearing regal-looking robes. 
• In 1605, a zealot Catholic called Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament. He was caught in the House of Lords basement with barrels of gunpowder.
• The Queen is banned from the House of Commons. This convention was introduced in 1642 after King Charles I entered the Commons with soldiers to try and arrest five MPs for treason.
• A parliamentary official with the title Black Rod has the Commons door ceremoniously slammed in his face before the Queen’s Speech. After this ritual, he bangs on the door three times with his rod. This traditional act occurs when he summons MPs from the Commons Chambers to hear the Queen’s Speech. The slamming of the door represents the independence of the Commons.

Places To Eat Nearby

There’s a café in the Palace of Westminster. But you’re just as likely to find healthy, filling snacks and meals—and perhaps rub shoulders with politicians—in the nearby cafés and restaurants. For more options, check out the full list of best restaurants nearby .

Jubilee Café : £££ | Coffee Shop —This café in Westminster Hall has a selection of snacks, paninis, and sandwiches, plus pastries, sweets, and cakes. The quaint English Jubilee cream tea is a visitor favourite, but there’s also barista coffee and other beverages.

Riverside Café : ££ | River Views —This is a short but soul-lifting walk through parklands known as Victory Tower Gardens, and then over Lambeth Bridge. The café has the best views of Parliament and the Thames river compared to other eateries in the area. It serves a full English Breakfast, of course, as well as pizza, burgers, baguettes, salads, and hot and cold beverages.

The Cinnamon Club : £££+ | Former Victorian Library —There’s an elegant and exclusive atmosphere to this classy Indian restaurant. The curry, seafood, and soup dishes have a gourmet touch. Traditional English game such as venison is served in an artisanal Indian culinary style. There are a few menu surprises, too, like snake!

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