Family-friendly tours and experiences at UK Parliament
Enjoy an unforgettable experience for you and your family!
Our tours of the iconic Palace of Westminster (home of the UK Parliament) allow you to see behind the scenes of this working building and learn what happens at Parliament today. You’ll be immersing yourselves in the fascinating history of the famous Palace as you explore together.
The self-guided audio tour for families allows you to explore at your families’ pace. Fully guided tours are a chance to hear first-hand knowledge from the expert guides who work here.
Our tours have won a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award, meaning they were voted among the top 10% of things to do worldwide!
Family audio tour
Experience the awe and wonder of hundreds of years of fascinating history, at your own pace!
Our self-guided audio tour for families are a great choice for families with younger children. You’ll get a multimedia device with audio and visual content to help you find your way and fully immerse yourselves in the experience. For young explorers (12 and under) they’ll be entertained by engaging content, games and videos to help them learn and discover.
We recommend the self-guided audio tour if your family likes to take it easy, spending more time in the spaces you're most interested in, or just having a quick break when you need to. Our friendly Visitor Assistants are always visible along the route if you need any help or have questions.
All ages are permitted on this tour. We recommend you allow 90-minutes to complete the route.
Guided Tour
Venture into the heart of the Palace of Westminster accompanied by an expert guide and discover the history, heritage and work of the UK Parliament.
Below are just a few highlights that families have been enjoying:
- Westminster Hall the almost 1000-year-old building, the oldest on the parliamentary estate
- St Stephen’s Hall with lined with statues of famous parliamentarians
- Central Lobby, which you’ve likely seen on the evening news
- The House of Commons Chamber with its famous green benches
- The magnificent House of Lords Chamber with its ornate gold
Our guided tours might be a better choice if you are visiting with older children (aged 12+) and teenagers. Your family will join a group (usually 25 people or less) led by an official UK Parliament guide who will share their first-hand knowledge of what happens at UK Parliament today, and some surprising facts about the spaces, people and objects you see. There will be plenty of opportunity for you to ask questions along the way. Your children might like to know where Guy Fawkes hid before he was discovered, and what animals work in Parliament? Rest assured, our guides really know their stuff!
The guided tour is not recommended for children under 5. You may prefer a family-friendly audio tour instead.
The guided tour lasts 90 minutes.
Age guidance
Groups with children aged 0 - 7: We recommend the family-friendly audio tour if you are visiting with younger children. The multimedia device has a version specifically designed for children up to the age of 12, with engaging video and audio content. We do not recommend the guided tour for children under 5, but all ages are permitted. With the self-guided audio tour, each full-paying adult will get one child (5-15) free.
Groups with children aged 7-12: We recommend the family-friendly audio tour if you like to go at your own pace. The multimedia devices has a version specifically designed for children up to the age of 12, with engaging video and audio content to help your young explorers make the most of their experience. With the self-guided audio tour, each full-paying adult will get one child (5-15) free.
Groups with children aged 12+: The guided tour is a great option if you would like to ask questions and interact with your knowledgeable guide. If you prefer to go at your own pace, then the self-guided audio tour is a better choice.
Pricing and booking
All tours can be booked online. Book in advance for the best value, and to guarantee entry on the day.
With the self-guided audio tour, each full-paying adult will get one child (5-15) free. There's no charge for children under 5 but they will need a ticket to enter.
Both the guided tour and the self-guided audio tour have a discount for 16-24s.
Our tours are running Saturdays throughout the year. Mondays to Saturdays during parliamentary recesses. There are also dates available during most school holidays. If your children prefer visiting attractions when it’s less busy then opt for an early morning or midweek tour which tends to be quieter.
Making the most of your visit
You might like to order the Parliament Kids' Handbook. It’s great for keeping kids entertained with activities, puzzles and facts.
Enjoy refreshments in the Jubilee Café situated just off Westminster Hall, before or after your tour. Soak up the charming ambiance of the converted stable block café which offers kids’ meal deals, and the renowned Jubilee Cream Tea.
Be sure to pop into the Jubilee Shop before you leave. Here, you can each pick up a souvenir of your visit, and browse our unique selection of children’s toys, books, gifts and more.
Planning your trip
The Palace of Westminster is in Westminster, in the heart of London. More information to help you plan your visit is available.
Whichever route you choose to get here, look out for the iconic Elizabeth Tower, otherwise known as Big Ben!
Other activities at UK Parliament
Big Ben tours suitable for children aged 11 and over. Please read the tour suitability information before booking as this tour is more physically demanding and not suitable for all.
Speaker’s House Tours (for ages 16+) are a great way access a rarely seen part of the Palace of Westminster.
Inside UK Parliament Free Guided Tours are free for UK residents and should be booked up to six months in advance.
Watch debates and committees. This is free of charge and best suited to older children.
Visit us virtually. Our free virtual tours are accessible anytime and are a great way to see the Palace of Westminster if you can’t visit us person.
School visits to UK Parliament can be booked each term by your child’s school.
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