Houses of Parliament: Tickets and Tours

Visit the Houses of Parliament and experience a journey to the heart of UK democracy.

The Palace of Westminster serves as the meeting place for the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom - the House of Lords and the House of Commons, since around 1550.

Book your ticket to the Houses of Parliament in London and take a tour or watch debates and committees at . This is a great way to enjoy a unique combination of years of history, modern day politics and stunning art.

Here's all you need to know about Houses of Parliament, one of the most famous attractions in London.

How much do Houses of Parliament tickets cost?

There are a number of ways for visitors to tour the Houses of Parliament. Certain parts of the Palace of Westminster have restricted access while others, like the House of Lords, is open to the public.

Houses of Parliament tickets that include guided tours are one of the best ways to visit the premise. Guided tours are available on Saturdays throughout the year, as well as most weekdays Parliament is not in session:

Houses of Parliament guided tours

Learn a wealth of information about the iconic palace and how the government functions in the United Kingdom over 90 minutes of a walking, personal tour of the grounds.

• Adults: £29 (US$ 35)
• Young Adults (16-18): £24.50 (US$ 30)
• Concessions (60+/Students/Military): £22.00 (US$ 27)
• Children (5-15): £ 13.00 (US$16)
• Children (Under 5): FREE

Houses of Parliament Audio Tours

Instead of hiring a guide go at your own pace with a personal audio tour available for adults and children. Audio tours are available in multiple languages.

• Adults: £22.50 (US$28)
• Young Adults (16-18): £19.50 (US$24)
• Children (5-15): £9.50 (US$12)
• Children (Under 5): FREE

Are there any combined guided tours including Houses of Parliament tickets and other attractions?

Yes, you may consider the two following options:

Houses of Parliament + Westminster Abbey: Enjoy two of London’s most iconic landmarks in a single visit.

Houses of Parliament + Big Ben: Travel through the heart of Westminster and discover two of its most important landmarks.

Are Houses of Parliament guided tours worth it?

Absolutely! The best way to experience the Palace of Westminster is to schedule a Houses of Parliament guided tour. The tour lasts 90 minutes and takes you to places the general public is not permitted access.

You will get to see the Commons Chamber and the Lords Chamber, as well as follow in the footsteps of the Queen at the State Opening.

The seasoned, informative personal guides make the experience far more memorable and you can ask any questions that pop up!

Can you visit the Houses of Parliament for free?

Yes, the House of Lords is open to the public and doesn’t cost anything to visit. It allows you to watch business in the chamber and select committees. It is traditionally open to the public on Saturdays and during the summer recess.

What is the best time to visit the Houses of Parliament? How do you avoid the crowds?

Access to the Houses of Parliament is restricted when the government is in session. Therefore, it is recommended that you visit the Palace of Westminster on Saturdays or weekdays when it is not in session.

The Houses of Parliament take a recess during the summer, making it one of the most available times of the year for visitors.

When are the Houses of Parliament open?

The Houses of Parliament does not have traditional operating hours like most tourist attractions in London. Accessibility varies depending on if the government is in session. Most guided tours are offered on Saturdays and selected days of the week.

Also please note, guided tours can get canceled at the last moment if the schedule of parliament changes.

Which other attractions can be visited in London?

• Tower of London
• Harry Potter Studio
• London Eye
• Buckingham Palace
• Hampton Court Palace
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• Tower Bridge
• Kew Gardens
• The Shard

Travel Tips

• Book in advance: There are limited days of the week you can tour the Houses of Parliament, particularly audio and guided tours.
• Family tours fill up fast. It is an incredible deal where all children under the age of 15 get in for free. However, availability is limited so you will want to book in plenty of advance.
• Palace of Westminster access is limited. Though Houses of Parliament is open to the public free of charge its hours vary and fluctuate based on the working hours of parliament. Call in advance to confirm the palace is open to the public during the hours you plan to visit it.
• Security is tight at the Houses of Parliament. The security is comparable to airports so make sure you allow enough time to get through it before the start of your tour. Also avoid bringing any prohibited items.