The Palace of Westminster and Big Ben
No trip to London is complete without a visit to the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben - home to the Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament and their famous the Clock Tower, properly called the Palace of Westminster, are probably the single most recognized landmark in all of London. In fact the 316 foot high Clock Tower, which is commonly refered to as Big Ben after the nickname of it's heaviest bell, is famous throughout the world. The giant bell chimes each hour while four smaller bells chime every 15 minutes.
The site of the Palace of Westminster has a rich history going back nearly 1000 years to the 11th century. While it originally served as a royal residence it has been the location for meetings of the Parliament of England since 1295. In 1834 a huge fire broke out and destroyed the majority of the complex. Two Chambers where quickly repaired in order to be used by the Houses of Lords and Commons by February of the following year. After debating different designs for rebuilding the palace it was finally decided to stay with a convservative Gothic style. Rebuilding was completed in stages between 1840 and 1870. Palace of Westminster and the famous Clock Tower were again damaged heavily by a total of 14 different bomb strikes during the course of World War II, however everything was again rebuilt and repaired after the war.
During your visit to Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster) you can enjoy viewing and photographing the impressive architectural details and you can enjoy the Tower Gardens, a park that runs along the Thames River next to the Palace.
Public tours are available on Saturdays and during the Summer Opening. Tickets are required. For more information see Parliamentary Tours for overseas visitors
There are many other attractions within easy walking distance of Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster). Some of these include Saint James's Park, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral and the Westminster Cathedral. These attractions can be nicely combined into a memorable one or two day walking tour.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoAddress: London SW1A 0AA, UK
Phone: 020 7219 3000
Official Website: Palace of Westminster
Palace of Westminster Reviews
Rated out of 5
A beautiful and iconic landmark with stunning architecture and rich history. The views along the Thames are fantastic. It can get quite crowded, but it's definitely worth visiting.
Dr. Abishesh Shakya - a month ago
Standing outside the House of Commons and Big Ben was one of those moments in London that feels instantly iconic. Even without going inside, the entire area has an incredible presence, and it is hard not to be impressed by the architecture. The buildings are grand, detailed, and timeless, with a beauty that feels even more striking in person than in photographs. The way the light shines on the stone gives the whole scene a warm, almost cinematic quality, especially when the weather is clear and the city feels alive around you.
What really stood out to me was the setting itself. The placement is perfect, sitting right opposite the London Eye, which makes the whole stretch of the river feel like one of the most photogenic spots in the city. It is the kind of view that captures London at its best — historic, elegant, and unmistakably recognizable. The contrast between the classic architecture of Parliament and the modern shape of the London Eye makes the area feel dynamic and memorable.
Of course, the atmosphere is also shaped by the sheer number of tourists. There are countless people everywhere, all snapping photos and trying to capture the perfect angle, which only adds to the sense that you are standing in one of London’s most famous landmarks. Even with the crowds, it still feels worth taking your time and just absorbing the view. There is something special about being there in person, seeing the details of Big Ben and the House of Commons with your own eyes rather than just passing by in a bus or seeing them in pictures.
Overall, even just from the outside, this is one of the most impressive and beautiful sights in London. It has history, atmosphere, and incredible visual appeal all in one place. The architecture is stunning, the location could not be better, and the view across from the London Eye makes it feel even more unforgettable.
A - a month ago
The audio tour is so well done I couldn’t believe it. You have complete access to the whole experience of the palace of Westminster. you really get the sense of feeling like what it would be like to be in a member of the House of Lords or a member of the House of Commons or even what a royal would feel like going in and a little bit of history and also a little bit about how it’s used and about the government system it was a nice light touch on a lot of different subjects that wasn’t boring and the facility and the history is amazing. Highly recommend
Matthew Miller - 2 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Must-See London Landmark
The Palace of Westminster is an absolutely stunning landmark and one of the highlights of our visit to London. Seeing such an iconic building in person is far more impressive than any photograph can capture. The architecture is incredible, with so much detail wherever you look, and it’s amazing to think about the history that has taken place within its walls over the centuries.
Walking along the River Thames and taking in the views of the Palace, together with the famous clock tower, makes for a fantastic experience and some brilliant photo opportunities. Whether you’re interested in British history, politics or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, it’s well worth taking the time to visit.
The whole area has a great atmosphere, with plenty to see nearby, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring. It’s one of those places that truly makes you appreciate London’s rich heritage and culture.
I’d highly recommend visiting the Palace of Westminster if you’re in London. It’s an unforgettable sight and a must-see attraction that lives up to its worldwide reputation.
Darryl marks - 2 months ago
British Parliament - House of commons and house of lords are both in this building. I visited this place last month. This spot looks very nice beside big bang. Outside and inside both infrastructures are very nicely built & designed. Again I have to go to this palace for a summit. Planning for next month to visit British Parliament...
Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari - 4 months ago
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Circle, District and Jubilee Line | Westminster | 2 Minutes |
| Northern and Bakerloo Line | Charing Cross | 14 Minutes |
| Victoria Line | Victoria | 19 Minutes |
How to get to Palace of Westminster by Tube
From Westminster Station you will exit onto Bridge St. right across from Big Ben.
From Charing Cross Station walk west on Strand then bear right at Trafalger Square and head south along Whitehall St.
From Victoria Station walk east along Victoria Street.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Palace of Westminster:
Photo Gallery
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Intricate Details of the Palace of Westminster Clock Tower often called Big Ben cc licensed photo by Mark Ramsay -
Photo Credit: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stuart Smith. - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: D-Stanley - cc license via Flickr -
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Photo Credit: mangMangW - cc license via Flickr
