Saturday and Summer Opening tours

The guided tour takes about 75 minutes and includes the Commons and Lords Chambers, the Queen's Robing Room, the Royal Gallery and Westminster Hall.

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 Tuesday to Saturday during the Summer Opening period.

There are no tours on Sundays or on Bank Holidays.

Saturday Tours

Tours are available on Saturdays from 9.15am - 4.30pm.

Summer Opening Tours

Tours are available between Tuesday and Saturday from 9.15am - 4.30pm between:

  • 31st July and 31st August
  • 17th September and 5th October

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 no step-free access to this office.

Ticket prices (until March 2013)

  • 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.
  • Family (two adults and two children 5-15 years): £37 
  • 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).

Foreign language tours in French, German, Italian and Spanish are available at various times on all days.

Ticket prices (from April 2013)

  • Adult: £16.50
  • Child (5-15 years): One child free with each paying adult, but will require a ticket for admission. £7 for each additional child.
  • 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): £14
  • Disabled visitors: Standard prices as listed above (carers have free admission, but will require a ticket for entrance).

Foreign language tours in French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish are available at various times on all days.

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

Related information

Maps of Parliament Where do I go?

Find your bearings with our maps of the parliamentary estate and the surrounding area.

Tour information

Security

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
Bags

Bags or luggage larger than those permitted in aircraft cabins may be refused entry. Parliament has no facilities for leaving items; commercial outlets are available nearby at Victoria and Charing Cross stations.

Cancellation, Refunds and Exchanges

Tickets are non refundable and time or date exchanges can only be arranged in advance of the event date. Exchanges can be arranged on the booking numbers provided. Please note that tours may be cancelled at short notice due to Parliamentary business. In the event of cancellation you will be entitled to a full refund or will be able to book an alternative date. Compensation for accommodation and travel expenses are not provided. You will be contacted directly by Ticketmaster.

Need a wheelchair?

A limited number of wheelchairs are available if requested in advance. Call 0207 219 3003.