Houses of Parliament Tours

Houses of Parliament featuring a river or creek, heritage architecture and a monument
Houses of Parliament which includes a city, a sunset and a marina
Houses of Parliament which includes a river or creek, a city and a bridge
Houses of Parliament featuring an administrative buidling, a city and mist or fog
Houses of Parliament featuring a monument, heritage architecture and an administrative buidling


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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Kensington Court Hotel
Maddox Street - 3 bed
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The Grand at Trafalgar Square

The Grand at Trafalgar Square

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Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

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The Royal Horseguards, London

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Houses of Parliament

When visiting the Houses of Parliament in London, don't miss out on nearby activities like theater performances and shopping. You can enhance your experience with bus tours and London sightseeing to explore the city's rich history. Consider day trips to nearby attractions for a well-rounded visit that captures the essence of London.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots include Borough Market, Harrods, and Royal Exchange, all about 2 miles from the Houses of Parliament. If you're up for a drive, you can find even more options in the surrounding areas, featuring unique boutiques and local artisan shops.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at O2 Arena, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a musical evening at ABBA Arena for a lively entertainment vibe. For a serene escape, visit Hampstead Heath to unwind amidst nature and rejuvenate your spirit in a tranquil setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 6 miles from the Houses of Parliament, offering breathtaking views. Challenge yourself at The Castle Climbing Centre, 5 miles away, or enjoy high-speed excitement at TeamSport Go Karting, 9 miles from Parliament.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the Houses of Parliament is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy thrilling views on the London Eye, a family-friendly adventure just 0.4 miles away. For a unique cultural experience, visit the London Dungeon, also 0.4 miles away. If you're feeling lucky, head to Genting Casino Chinatown, 0.9 miles away, for romance and excitement.

Find the best attractions near Houses of Parliament

When visiting the Houses of Parliament in London, explore nearby attractions like Parliament Square and urban parks that offer a blend of culture and family-friendly experiences. Capture stunning photos of the iconic parliament buildings and enjoy the vibrant street life surrounding this historic site. For more information about the area, including insights on Parliament London and nearby points of interest, be sure to check out local resources to enhance your visit.

  • Big Ben: Famous for its stunning clock tower, Big Ben is an iconic symbol of London located only 0.1 miles from the Houses of Parliament. Its impressive architecture and chimes create a captivating atmosphere that embodies the city's cultural essence.
  • Buckingham Palace: A historic palace situated 0.7 miles away, Buckingham Palace serves as the official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the regal architecture that showcases the rich heritage of the British monarchy.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Located 0.8 miles from the Houses of Parliament, Piccadilly Circus is a vibrant street known for its neon lights and bustling atmosphere. This lively hub is perfect for shopping, dining, and soaking in the dynamic city vibes.

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 is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 CloudyAverageSlightly High
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 HighAverage
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

To save money during your visit to the Houses of Parliament, consider traveling between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Sundays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Book about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for better rates. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and rewards for future stays.

  • 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 May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Houses of Parliament about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Houses of Parliament is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Houses of Parliament is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Houses of Parliament with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.