What does the tour cover?
The tour takes in some of the most important areas of the Palace in which Parliament meets, and explains what Parliament is and does, what it has meant to different people at different times, and how it came to be what it is today.
Most of the buildings seen on the tour were built in the mid 19th Century following a devastating fire, but the route also incorporates some of the earlier buildings, such as Westminster Hall, begun in 1097 by William Rufus, son of William the Conqueror.
Times and availability
Visitors can buy tickets for a tour of Parliament on most Saturdays throughout the year and six days a week during the Summer Opening period.
Tours are available on Saturdays from 9.15am - 4.30pm (except 17th March 2012 and during the Christmas recess)
Foreign language tours in French, German, Italian and Spanish are available at various times on all days.
There are no tours on Sundays or on Bank Holidays.
Summer Opening 2012
Tours are available this summer from 27th July to 1st September (Monday to Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm). On Wednesday 15th, 22nd and 29th August, tours will be running from 1.15pm – 4.30pm.
Tours will be available again from 19th September to 6th October (Wednesday to Saturday 9.15am-4.30pm)
Booking
Tickets for tours can be booked:
Tickets can also be purchased in person in advance or on the day (subject to availability) from the ticket office located adjacent to the Jewel Tower, opposite the Houses of Parliament. The ticket office is open from 8.45am to 4.45pm on all days when Saturday or Summer tours are in operation. Please note: there is step-free access to this office however this is over flagstones and at an angle.
Ticket prices
- Adult: £15
- Child (5-15 years): £6
- Child (under 5): Free admission, but will require a ticket for admission. Please note that tours are not recommended for young children as there is a lot of walking.
- Concessions (students, over 60s and members of the armed forces): £10
- Disabled visitors: Standard prices as listed above (carers have free admission, but will require a ticket for entrance).
Group rates
Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. The ticket price depends on the tour start time.
- Group booking line: 0844 847 2498
Security information
A number of simple security measures have been put in place for the safety of all our visitors. Please take note of them before and during your visit.
- Searches, similar to those used in airports, will be conducted on entry
- Mobile phones must be turned off
- Cameras cannot be used, except in Westminster Hall