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Arrange a tour

Visitors who tour Parliament will see the key areas of the estate, such as the Commons and Lords debating chambers and the Queen's Robing Room. 

UK residents can tour throughout the year; overseas visitors may only tour during the Summer Opening and on Saturdays. Accompanied by a trained guide, visitors travel through designated areas of the parliamentary estate. Tours take about 75 minutes.

UK residents

Free tours are held throughout the year, and you need to arrange a place through your MP or a Lord. Please note that tours are very popular and places are limited. Tours generally have to be booked about six months in advance.

Visitors can pay for a tour during the Summer Opening, or on Saturdays from July 3.  Tickets can be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster (external site)  or by queuing on the day.

Overseas visitors

Overseas visitors can only tour Parliament during the Summer Opening or on Saturdays, when paid-for tickets can be purchased. However, overseas visitors may still attend debates and committees throughout the year.

Families

Please note that tours are not recommended for young children as there is a lot of walking. Pushchairs are allowed, but larger models will not fit in certain areas.

Foreign languages

We regret that we are unable to offer tours in foreign languages except on Saturdays and during the Summer Opening.

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.

Facilities

The tours last around 75 minutes. It is advisable to leave time to visit the facilities prior to your tour. Accessible public toilets are also available at the nearby Westminster tube station. Within Parliament disabled toilets are located off Westminster Hall and Central Lobby.

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Related Information

Summer Opening

During the Summer Opening, UK residents and overseas visitors can buy tickets in advance or queue on the day to tour Parliament.

Tour times available via an MP or Lord

Tours start every 5 minutes and last approximately 75 minutes.

Tour times in session
Monday and Tuesday: 9am-12noon (full tour)
Wednesday: 9am-9.55am (full tour) and 10am-12noon (partial tour of Lords only)
Thursday: no tours
Friday: 3.30pm-5pm (full tour)
Saturday: 9.15am - 4.30pm (full tour)

Non-sitting days and recesses
Non-sitting Fridays 9.30am-5pm
Christmas / New Year Closed
Easter and Spring Weekdays 9.30am-5pm
Whitsun Recess Weekdays 9.30am-5pm
Prorogation - there will be no tours during the Prorogation period (28 November - 3 December 2008 inclusive)

Summer recess
July and August - Wednesdays and Thursdays 9.30am-12noon
September and October - Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9.30am-12noon

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Living Heritage

Explore the history, building and collections of Parliament and the impact of Parliament on everyday lives over the centuries