Parliament tour

When you take a Parliament tour, a guided visit to the UK’s political heart where laws are made and history is made daily. Also known as a Houses of Parliament tour, it’s not just about seeing grand halls—it’s about understanding how Britain governs itself, from the Speaker’s chair to the smoke-filled corridors where deals are made. This isn’t a museum exhibit. It’s a working government building, and if you know when to go, you can walk right through it—free of charge.

The Houses of Parliament, the iconic building on the Thames that includes the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Also known as Palace of Westminster, it’s where Members of Parliament debate, vote, and sometimes shout at each other. The building itself is a mix of Gothic revival architecture and centuries of political drama. You’ll see the Chamber where the Prime Minister answers questions, the Robing Room where the monarch prepares for the State Opening, and the Crypt where you can stand where Charles I was held before his trial. And yes, the famous clock tower everyone calls Big Ben? That’s not the building—it’s the bell inside the tower. The tower’s name is Elizabeth Tower. But everyone still says Big Ben, and you should too.

Most people think you need to book months ahead, but that’s not always true. If you’re a UK resident, you can get free tickets through your MP—no waiting list, no fees. Tourists can buy tickets online, but the cheapest and smartest way is to watch for cancellations or walk up to the Visitor Entrance on the day. The 11 a.m. tour on weekdays is usually the quietest. Avoid weekends if you hate crowds. You’ll get 90 minutes with a guide who knows the gossip, the scandals, and the hidden staircases. You won’t get to sit in the Commons chamber unless you’re a guest of an MP, but you’ll get close enough to hear the echo of debates.

Don’t skip the view from the River Thames side. That’s where you’ll get the classic photo of Big Ben with the river in front. The best spot? Westminster Bridge at sunset. No ticket needed. And if you’re there during a vote, you might hear the division bells ringing—those loud, old-school bells that summon MPs to vote. It’s a sound you won’t hear anywhere else in the world.

There’s also the UK Parliament, the institution that includes both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, plus the monarch’s ceremonial role. Also known as the British Parliament, it’s the oldest continuous legislature in the world. The tour doesn’t explain every law or every politician—but it does show you how power moves, who sits where, and why the red lines on the floor are exactly 2.5 meters apart (so no one can punch each other). You’ll leave knowing more than most locals. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a real MP rushing through the corridors with a stack of papers, looking like they’ve got five minutes to change the country.

There’s a lot to see, but you don’t need to rush. The tour moves at a steady pace. Take your time in the lobby. Read the plaques. Look up at the ceiling. The real magic isn’t in the gold leaf—it’s in the fact that this building, with all its flaws and drama, still works. And you walked right through it.

Below, you’ll find real tips from people who’ve been there: how to time your visit, where to stand for the best photos, what to bring, and which days to avoid. No fluff. Just what works.