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
Usually we had an outside perspective of the Houses of Parliament, but this time we went inside for a charity event. What a stunning structure. It's unfortunate that taking pictures is prohibited throughout, but there are plenty of sights to see and spots to sit and enjoy the show. The sculptures of former prime ministers were appealing to me. The rigorous entry security was well-planned. We had a great day and will definitely suggest it to others.
Babji Vundavilli - a month ago
Often viewed the Houses of Parliament from outside but this time we went inside. What a beautiful building. Pity it's not allowed to take photos throughout but lots to see and places to sit to take in the spectacle. I liked the statues of former prime ministers. The least impressive area was the House of Commons but glad to have seen it as it's so often on the news!
I was impressed by the cafe as the prices were fair, on a par if not less than a service station so for central London this was good.
The strict security for entry was well organised and as I walk with a stick I was offered fast track, so no waiting in the queue for 15 minutes. Very grateful for that.
Toilets adequate and clean.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and will recommend to others.
Sylvia Wall - a month ago
Audio tour is great, especially if you listen to all the extra commentary. Pictures allowed in the Banqueting Hall and at the beginning/end of the tour. However, no pictures are allowed in any of the Parliament rooms or corridors.
Shawn D - a month ago
Really interesting place to visit. Airport security on the way in, then you collect your audio guide, which are headphones and mobile phone-type device which shows pictures and allows you to control volume etc. You then wander off, guided around the palace by the audio guide. There are three different duration tours to chose from. You can also have a tour guide. Booking is worthwhile to avoid disappointment. At the end of the tour there's a pricey gift shop, cafe and toilets.
M H - a month ago
Iconic. Simply iconic. You can get great views from the London Eye of course, but if you’re just walking past where the Eye is, keep walking and you can see the palace from across the river. It’s a great spot for a picture.
I have never been inside, but it’s on my bucket list for sure.
R. R. - 10 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
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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: Stuart Smith. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stuart Smith. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Doolallyally - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: TerryDOtt - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: D-Stanley - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: kBandara - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: www.mgaylard.co.uk and thanks for looking - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: TerryDOtt - cc license via Flickr
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