Palace of Westminster, London, England

Palace of Westminster, commonly known as the Houses of Parliament, is one of the most important political and architectural landmarks in the United Kingdom. Located in the heart of London, it serves as the meeting place of the UK Parliament and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of today’s building was designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin after a fire destroyed the old palace in 1834. For tourists, the Palace of Westminster offers a unique opportunity to experience British political history alongside iconic Gothic Revival architecture.

Location

The Palace of Westminster stands in central London, on the north bank of the River Thames, next to Westminster Bridge. It is part of the historic Westminster area, close to several other major attractions. The Palace of Westminster is easily accessible by public transport:

• Underground (Tube): Westminster station (Jubilee, District, and Circle lines)
• Train: London Waterloo or Charing Cross stations, followed by a short walk
• Bus: Multiple bus routes stop near Westminster Bridge and Parliament Square
• River Boat: Thames river services stop at Westminster Pier

Public transport is the most convenient option, as parking in the area is very limited.

What You Can See

Visitors to the Palace of Westminster can admire both its exterior and selected interior areas:

• The House of Commons – where Members of Parliament debate and pass laws
• The House of Lords – the upper chamber of Parliament, known for its ornate design
• Westminster Hall – a medieval hall dating back to the 11th century
• Committee Rooms – used for detailed examination of legislation
• Big Ben – the Great Bell inside the famous clock tower, officially called the Elizabeth Tower since 2012

Ticket Prices

Access to the Palace of Westminster is limited and mainly possible on paid tours. Prices from 1 September 2026:

• Guided tour (90 minutes): adults £40, young people (16–24) £30, children (5–15) £20
• Self-guided audio tour: adults £31 booked in advance (£34 on the day), young people £24, children £12; one child goes free with each adult
• UK residents: can request a free tour through their MP or a member of the House of Lords
• Debates: anyone can watch debates in the House of Commons and the House of Lords for free when Parliament is sitting

Visitor Information

Tours run on selected days, mainly on Saturdays and when Parliament is not sitting. Security checks are required, and large bags are not permitted. Photography is restricted in parts of the building.