Tours of Parliament:
Tours of the Houses of Parliament are free and they are available throughout the year. They usually take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; tours are also available on Saturdays for a fee. On average, the tour takes 75 minutes and includes the main areas, including the Commons and Lords debating chambers, the historic Westminster Hall and the Queen’s Robing Rooms. The tour also provides an overview of how Parliament works, whilst giving an insight into history of the buildings. For further information please click here.
Educational Visits:
Educational tours are available for schools and youth groups. They can be tailored depending on age and appropriate key stage. Parliament promotes the mantra ‘inform, engage and empower,’ and this is followed through by the tour guides. These tours give young people the opportunity to understand what happens in Parliament and how to get involved. For more information on educational visits please click here.
Viewing Gallery:
Whenever there are debates taking place in the House of Commons and House of Lords Chamber, members of the public can watch proceedings from the viewing gallery. Debates are often lively and popular, particularly Prime Ministers Questions. For further information please click here.
Big Ben Clock Tower:
You can also go on a tour of the clock tower of Parliament, famously known as Big Ben. Guides will take you up the 334 spiral steps and will tell you the history of the clock and the tower as you climb. You will then get to see the actual Big Ben, which is in fact the large bell within the clock. Tours are Monday to Friday and they run three times a day. Please note, children under the age of 11 are not allowed to go on the tour and Parliament advises that anyone wishing to climb the clock tower must be in good health. Please click here for more information.