Houses of Parliament

When you think of London’s skyline, one building dominates: the Houses of Parliament, the seat of the UK’s government and home to the House of Commons and House of Lords. Also known as the Palace of Westminster, it’s not just a building—it’s where laws are made, debates rage, and history is written in real time. You’ve seen it in movies, on postcards, and in news clips—but what’s actually going on inside? And why does it still matter to people who live here?

The Houses of Parliament sits right on the River Thames, next to Big Ben, the iconic clock tower that’s technically called the Elizabeth Tower. People mix up the two all the time—Big Ben is the bell inside the tower, not the tower itself. But you don’t need to know the difference to feel the weight of the place. The building’s Gothic Revival design, with its 320-foot towers and intricate stonework, was rebuilt after the 1834 fire that destroyed the old palace. Every brick tells a story of survival, politics, and national identity.

Visiting isn’t just about taking photos from the outside. Inside, the House of Commons is where elected MPs argue over taxes, healthcare, and education. The House of Lords, made up of appointed peers, reviews and revises those laws. You can watch debates from the public galleries for free if you’re patient. No tickets, no lines—just show up early. On weekends, guided tours walk you through the Royal Apartments, the Central Lobby, and even the original 11th-century undercroft. The Westminster Hall, built in 1097, is the oldest part still standing. It’s hosted trials, coronation banquets, and the lying-in-state of Queen Elizabeth II.

It’s not just a tourist spot—it’s alive. When Parliament is in session, you’ll hear the buzz of MPs rushing between votes, the clatter of parliamentary staff, and the occasional shout of "Order!" from the Speaker. Even when it’s quiet, the building holds a presence you can’t fake. Locals walk past it every day without a second glance. Tourists line up for hours to snap a picture. But few stop to think about what happens here—the decisions that affect every citizen in the UK.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of tours or photo spots. It’s real advice from people who’ve stood in the public gallery, waited out rainstorms near Big Ben, and learned how to slip past the crowds to see the building’s hidden corners. You’ll learn when the Changing of the Guard near Parliament happens (it’s not the same as Buckingham Palace), how to get a free seat in the gallery, and why the clock tower’s bells still chime even during protests. There’s no fluff here—just what you need to know to understand, visit, and appreciate one of the world’s most powerful political buildings—not as a monument, but as a living institution.