Navigating Houses of Parliament : Answers to common questions
- Washrooms: Accessible restroom facilities available for visitors.
- Hours of Operation: Opening times vary; check the official website for tour schedules and public gallery access times.
- Important Information: Booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods or for special events.
- Admission Fee: Admission fee for tours; some areas have free access, like Westminster Hall.
- How Long to Visit: Tours usually last between 1 to 2 hours.
- Family Friendly: Tours are educational and suitable for older children interested in history and politics.
- Photography: Photography is restricted in certain areas; check specific guidelines during your visit.
- WIFI: Free WIFI available in visitor areas.
- Picnic Area: No picnic areas on the premises; nearby Victoria Tower Gardens offer outdoor space.
- Parking: Limited nearby parking; public transportation is recommended.
- Handicap Accessible: Accessible to visitors with disabilities, with lifts and ramps available.
- Pets: Only assistance dogs are allowed within the premises.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours provide insights into British political history and the building's architecture.
- Restaurant or Cafe: Cafeteria available for visitors offering refreshments and meals.
- Gift Shop: Gift shop available with a variety of parliamentary-themed souvenirs and books.
Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.
More in our list of Things To Do In London
;City of Westminster Current Weather
Local Temp: 17.9℃ / 64.2℉
High: 19.1℃ / 66.4℉
Low: 15.7℃ / 60.3℉
Humidity: 68 %
Local Time: 10:13
Map for Houses of Parliament
Did You Know?
The Houses of Parliament is officially known as The Palace of Westminster and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The House of Commons and The House of Lords meet in this building, making it The center of political life in The UK.
The public can attend debates, watch committee hearings, and take guided tours of The Parliament when it is in session or during The summer opening.
The iconic clock tower of The Houses of Parliament is often called Big Ben, although this name actually refers to The bell inside The tower.
The original Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834, and The current building was designed by architect Charles Barry.
Travel Information for
London Visitors
Time Zone: London operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during winter and British Summer Time (BST), which is GMT+1, during summer months.
Weather: London has a temperate maritime climate. Summers are generally warm with average highs around 23°C (73°F), while winters are cold with temperatures often near 5°C (41°F). Rain is distributed throughout the year, but London is not as rainy as its reputation suggests.
Population: London has a population of about 9 million people, making it the largest city in the United Kingdom and one of the largest in Europe.
Size: The city covers an area of approximately 1,572 square kilometers (607 square miles). London is known for its sprawling urban layout.
Language: English is the official language. Due to its diversity, many other languages are also spoken throughout the city.
Currency: The currency used in London is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always useful to have some cash, especially for smaller shops or markets.
Safety: London is generally safe for tourists, but, as in any major city, it's wise to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Tipping: In restaurants, it's customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the bill if a service charge is not included. Tipping is also common for taxis and hotel services.
Electricity and Plugs: The UK uses Type G plugs, and the standard voltage is 230 V with a standard frequency of 50 Hz. Travelers from countries with different standards will need adapters.
Water: Tap water in London is safe to drink.
Verified & Trusted Contact Information for Houses of Parliament
Address:
Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
Website: www.parliament.uk/
Latitude: 51.4995
Longitude: -0.1247
More Places and Things To Do in London Within 500 km/300 mi of Houses of Parliament
The Churchill War Rooms
The Distance from Houses of Parliament to The Churchill War Rooms is 0.4 KM / 0.3 MI
The West End Theatre District
The Distance from Houses of Parliament to The West End Theatre District is 0.8 KM / 0.5 MI
The National Portrait Gallery
The Distance from Houses of Parliament to The National Portrait Gallery is 1.1 KM / 0.7 MI
The Imperial War Museum
The Distance from Houses of Parliament to The Imperial War Museum is 1.2 KM / 0.7 MI
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
The Distance from Houses of Parliament to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is 2.1 KM / 1.3 MI
St. Paul's Cathedral
The Distance from Houses of Parliament to St. Paul's Cathedral is 2.4 KM / 1.5 MI
Madame Tussauds London
The Distance from Houses of Parliament to Madame Tussauds London is 3.3 KM / 2.1 MI
Visit the Royal Observatory in Greenwich
The Distance from Houses of Parliament to Visit the Royal Observatory in Greenwich is 9 KM / 5.6 MI
