Summer Opening

During the Summer Opening visitors can buy tickets to tour Parliament. It is arranged during the summer recess, when Parliament does not sit and Members work away from Westminster.

Tours run from Monday to Saturday inclusive, but not on Sundays or Bank Holidays. Tours take about 75 minutes. The 2009 opening will run from Monday 3 August to Saturday 3 October.  (Please note: no tours available on 1 October 2009)

Opening hours

August

On Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday between 9.15am and 4.30pm.
On Wednesday and Thursday between 1.15pm and 4.30pm.

September

Monday, Friday and Saturday between 9.15am and 4.30pm.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 1.15pm and 4.30pm.

October

Friday 2 and Saturday 3 between 9.15pm and 4.30pm.

Tickets can be bought online through www.ticketmaster.co.uk (external website) or by phoning 0844 847 1672. Groups of 10+ phone 0844 847 2498.

The route visitors take through Parliament during the Summer Opening is identical to the tours run during session.

Foreign languages

Foreign language tours are offered at set times in French, Spanish, Italian and German. If a group of visitors book out an entire tour time, then an interpreter for that language may be brought along by the group and escort the group free of charge.

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.

Cancelled tours

Please note that tours can be cancelled at any time if Parliament has to meet, eg, due to an emergency.