Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament, officially the Palace of Westminster, is the seat of the UK Parliament, a 19th-century Gothic Revival building (rebuilt after a catastrophic 1834 fire destroyed most of the medieval original, with Westminster Hall being the notable surviving medieval part) that houses the House of Commons and House of Lords. Guided tours, when available, cover the historic chambers, Westminster Hall, and other state rooms, giving a sense of the building's scale and ceremonial function beyond what's visible from outside.
Watching a debate from the public gallery is free and doesn't require advance booking for UK and overseas visitors on the day (though queuing and security checks take time), offering a different kind of access than the paid tours, actually seeing Parliament in session rather than an empty chamber. Security is tight throughout given the building's ongoing political function.
Check the Parliament website well ahead for tour availability, since opening is limited around the packed sitting calendar and building works (a major, long-running restoration and renewal programme has also affected some areas).
Houses of Parliament FAQs
Yes, guided tours run on Saturdays year-round and on weekdays during recess periods, and must generally be booked in advance; the public can also watch debates for free from the visitors' gallery when Parliament is sitting.
Yes, it's the notable surviving part of the original medieval Palace of Westminster, having survived the catastrophic 1834 fire that destroyed most of the rest of the building.
Yes, both UK residents and overseas visitors can queue to watch debates from the public gallery for free when Parliament is sitting, subject to security checks and space.
Yes, the Elizabeth Tower, commonly called Big Ben after its bell, sits at the north end of the Palace of Westminster complex.
Westminster underground station sits directly beside the building.
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