Houses of Parliament Tours and Activities

Houses of Parliament showing a river or creek, a monument and heritage architecture
Houses of Parliament
Houses of Parliament featuring a city, a bridge and night scenes
Houses of Parliament which includes heritage architecture, a city and mist or fog
Houses of Parliament showing heritage architecture, an administrative building and a river or creek


Delve into British politics at this historic complex, the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

The Palace of Westminster, more commonly known as Houses of Parliament, is at the heart of U.K. politics. Take a self-guided audio tour or a guide-led tour to view the many remarkable sections, chief among them the Norman-era Westminster Hall and its hammer-beam roof.

The first palace was erected here in the 11th century, though only a few small sections of that structure survived a devastating fire in 1834. Embark on a tour to get inside the vast Westminster Hall, one of the oldest surviving sections of Parliament. Most of the rest of the palace is neo-Gothic in style and dates back to the mid-19th century.

Step inside the red-benched House of Lords, home to more than 750 peers who debate and vote on various matters. The tours also includes entry to the lower house, the House of Commons, where the 650 Members of Parliament elected by the British public sit.

Explore the Robing Room where the queen dons here ceremonial gear before entering the House of Lords. Look for the exquisite artworks by distinguished Scottish artist William Dyce that adorn this space. Tours also lead guests to the Royal Gallery, the Prince’s Chamber and the Members’ Lobby among other spaces. Finish your tour in style with afternoon tea in a riverside terrace for an additional fee.

To the north end of the complex is Elizabeth Tower, which contains the massive bell popularly known as Big Ben. Limited tours of the tower are available to U.K. residents only, so overseas visitors will have to make do with admiring the iconic structure from outside. Return to take photographs of Big Ben at night when the clock faces are illuminated.

Find the spectacular Westminster Abbey just west of the complex. This building is noted for its exceptional stained-glass windows and imposing Gothic architecture.

The Houses of Parliament are on the northern bank of the River Thames in the City of Westminster. To come here, ride the Tube to Westminster Station. Book and pay for your tour online in advance to ensure access.

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Things to do near Houses of Parliament

While visiting the Houses of Parliament in London, immerse yourself in a range of activities including guided tours of the Parliament, London sightseeing excursions, and engaging photo tours. Don't miss the vibrant theatre scene and nearby shopping opportunities that showcase the city's dynamic culture. Explore the best tours available to enhance your experience and gain deeper insights into this iconic landmark.

Shopping

Close to the Houses of Parliament, you can enjoy shopping at Burlington Arcade, offering a blend of family and city vibes. Borough Market and Harrods, both 3.2km away, provide a bustling atmosphere for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, explore more shopping options beyond this distance.

Recreation

Experience the O2 Arena for exhilarating sports events and energetic vibes. Enjoy the ABBA Arena for a lively musical experience that promises entertainment. For tranquility, visit Hampstead Heath, where you can unwind amidst nature and enjoy peaceful walks, fostering wellness and relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrilling IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car for stunning aerial views, 9.7km from the Houses of Parliament. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill offers an exhilarating challenge, located 1.3km away. Don't miss the adventure at Oasis Go-Kart Track, a mere 3.2km away!

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Houses of Parliament is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy breathtaking views on the London Eye, just 644m away, or immerse yourself in culture at the Royal National Theatre and Apollo Victoria Theatre, both 1.3kms away, offering enchanting performances and a romantic atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Houses of Parliament

When visiting the Houses of Parliament in London, there's plenty to explore, including the vibrant Parliament Square and nearby urban parks perfect for a family outing. Capture stunning photos of the iconic architecture and immerse yourself in the rich cultural atmosphere of the area. Don't miss the chance to discover the history behind the Houses of Parliament and its significance in British governance.

  • Buckingham Palace: Experience the grandeur of this historic palace, located 1.1km from the Houses of Parliament. As the official residence of the British monarch, it offers a glimpse into royal culture and traditions, especially during the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
  • Big Ben: Just 161m away, this iconic clock tower is a symbol of London. Its impressive Gothic architecture and the rhythmic chimes create a captivating atmosphere, embodying the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Situated 1.3km from the Houses of Parliament, this bustling street is known for its bright lights and lively atmosphere. It's a hub of entertainment and culture, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the pulse of London.

Best time to go to Houses of Parliament

Visitor numbers around Houses of Parliament is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Houses of Parliament can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Houses of Parliament falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Houses of Parliament falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Houses of Parliament

For a budget-friendly visit to the Houses of Parliament, take advantage of nearby free attractions like Hyde Park, Big Ben, and Piccadilly Circus. Plan your trip between January and March for lower accommodation prices, booking hotels about a month in advance. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare room rates, explore flexible booking options, and consider package deals that combine flights and hotel stays for additional savings. Don't forget to refine your search by price to find the best deals!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Houses of Parliament are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Houses of Parliament about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Houses of Parliament is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Houses of Parliament is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near the Houses of Parliament with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.