Houses of Parliament Tours and Activities

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


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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The Langham, London

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Top Houses of Parliament Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Park Plaza County Hall London

Park Plaza County Hall London

4 out of 5
1 Addington Street, London, England
Park Plaza County Hall London
Park Plaza London Riverbank

Park Plaza London Riverbank

4 out of 5
18 Albert Embankment, London, England
Park Plaza London Riverbank
The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
30 John Islip Street, Westminster, London, England
The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Sea Containers London
The Grand at Trafalgar Square

The Grand at Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
8 Northumberland Avenue, London, England
The Grand at Trafalgar Square
Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square

Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
8 Northumberland Ave, (adjacent to Trafalgar Square), London, England
Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
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, be sure to enjoy the vibrant local scene, which includes fantastic theatre performances, captivating art galleries, and diverse shopping experiences. Don't miss out on iconic London sightseeing opportunities that showcase the city's rich history and stunning architecture, making your trip unforgettable.

Shopping

Experience vibrant shopping at Borough Market, only 3.2km from the Houses of Parliament, offering fresh produce and artisan goods. Harrods, also 3.2km away, is a luxury department store, while Brunswick Centre, just 3.2km away, features a mix of shopping and entertainment for the whole family.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, 9.7km from the Houses of Parliament, offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. The ABBA Arena, 8.0km away, provides a lively music experience. For a tranquil escape, Hampstead Heath, also 8.0km away, is perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature's beauty.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views at the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 9.7km from the Houses of Parliament. For a thrilling climb, Vertical Chill offers an exhilarating challenge only 1.3km away. For adrenaline junkies, the Oasis Go-Kart Track, situated 3.2km away, promises an exciting ride.

Nightlife

At the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye offers stunning views and family fun just 644m away, while the nearby London Dungeon combines thrilling entertainment and culture. For a dose of romance and drama, the Apollo Victoria Theatre is a vibrant spot 1.3km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament in London is surrounded by a vibrant mix of street life, piazzas, and urban parks, making it a perfect destination for culture seekers and families alike. Visitors can explore the iconic Parliament House, delve into the rich history of Parliament in the city, and discover nearby attractions that enhance their experience. Don't miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere near this historic landmark.

  • Big Ben: Experience the iconic clock tower that stands as a symbol of London. Just 161m from the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, especially at night when it illuminates the skyline.
  • Piccadilly Circus: A bustling junction located 1.3km away, Piccadilly Circus is famous for its bright neon lights and lively atmosphere. It's a hotspot for shopping, dining, and people-watching, embodying the dynamic spirit of the city.
  • Buckingham Palace: Situated 1.1km from the Houses of Parliament, this historic palace boasts stunning architecture and gardens. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and immerse yourself in royal culture at one of the world’s most famous residences.

Best time to go to Houses of Parliament

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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

For a budget-friendly visit to the Houses of Parliament, consider travelling from January to March for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially on Sundays when prices are typically lower. Use Expedia’s tools to compare room rates and filter for eco-friendly options. Additionally, save further by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities in a package. Lastly, make the most of London's public transport by walking where possible, as many attractions are within easy reach.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Houses of Parliament is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool lets you tailor your search based on your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can easily sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will highlight sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel booking near the Houses of Parliament with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.