Visiting and tours

Parliament is open to all UK residents through a variety of different programmes and events. Guided tours take visitors around the key areas of the estate, such as the Commons and Lords chambers and can include a trip up the Clock Tower - more popularly known as Big Ben.

Parliament's Education Service runs a year-round programme of school visits, which may include a question and answer session with the school's MP. The Parliamentary Archives, which hold millions of records from both Houses and other historical material, are open to all members of the UK public and overseas visitors.

UK visitors
UK residents can attend debates, watch judicial hearings and committees, take a tour of Parliament and climb Big Ben.

Overseas visitors
Overseas visitors can attend debates, watch judicial hearings and committees, and tour Parliament during the Summer Opening.

Summer Opening
During the Summer Opening, UK residents and overseas visitors can buy tickets to tour Parliament.

Educational services
There are a number of programmes for different student age groups in addition to teacher training days.

Visit the Parliamentary Archives
The Parliamentary Archives holds millions of records from both Houses and other historical material relating to Parliament.

Arrange a tour
See the key areas of the estate.

Online tours of Parliament
If you can't visit Parliament in person, we've developed a number of different ways for you to take a tour online.

Climb the Clock Tower (Big Ben)
UK residents can arrange a tour of the Clock Tower through their local MP. Overseas visitors cannot currently visit the tower.

Clock Tower (Big Ben): Health and safety information
It's essential that you feel confident in your health and fitness before climbing the Clock Tower.Find your bearings with our maps of the parliamentary estate and the surrounding area.

Westminster Hall information desk
Visitors to the Houses of Parliament can ask any questions about their visit, or the work of the House of Commons and House of Lords, at the information desk in Westminster Hall.

Parliamentary Outreach
Parliamentary Outreach works with local networks and media, community groups, campaigners, education authorities and non-governmental organisations to strengthen the connection between Parliament and the public.