Steeped in history, a bastion of democracy, the Houses of Parliaments are an inspiring place to go to when visiting London.  Unfortunately now non-UK nationals are not allowed to visit when Parliament is sitting.  However if you aren’t a UK national and still want to visit you CAN do so during the annual Summer Opening.  And thanks to our Members of Parliament like for an extended summer holiday you can visit anytime during the whole of August and September.

The Houses of Parliament are actually a Royal Palace, the Palace of Westminster.  The site was originally a royal residence dating back to Edward the Confessor’s reign (1004 - 1066).  In 1512 Henry VIII decided to move out of the Westminster Palace and St.Stephens becamse the first permanent home of the Commons in 1550.  Unfortunately the building no longer survives and what you see today is the creation of architect Charles Barry after the last one was destroyed by fire in 1834.  The latest creation is Victorian coupled with some more modern additions following the bombing of the Houses of Parliament during World War II.

Starting at the Sovreign’s Entrance on the tour you will visit Norman Porch, the Queen’s Robing Room (where the Queen dresses ahead of the State Opening each year), the Royal Gallery and the Prince’s Chamber.  From here you will go on to the House of Lords Chamber, Peer’s Lobby and Corridor, the Central Lobby, the Commons Corridor and ‘No’ Lobby (where the votes against a motion are counted).  Then finally the House of Commons Chamber and St. Stephen’s Hall.

For more information go to the Parliament Website.  You can book tickets on-line or call 0870 906 3773.  Similarly the Ticket Office is open and is located adjacent to the Jewel Tower, opposite the Houses of Parliament.  Tour times are as follows, in August : Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 09:15-16:30; Wednesday and Thursday 13:15-16:30; and in September: Monday, Friday, Saturday 0915-1630; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 13:15-16:30.