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: NoCurrently Closed
Hours This Week:- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Address: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, UK
Phone: 020 7219 3000
Official Website: The Palace of Westminster and Big Ben (Houses of Parliament)
Map of nearby accommodations: Booking.comDirections
| 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 The Palace of Westminster and Big Ben (Houses of Parliament) 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.
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Reviews
Rated out of 5
The exterior and interior of the great place were most excellent to view. The detailed tour given to us by the most enthusiastic tour guide was exceptional, giving us insightful information into the history of the place and the priceless objects housed within it as well as it's role at the heart of the political nation.
Jim Cook - 15 days ago
The exterior and interior of the great place were most excellent to view. The detailed tour given to us by the most enthusiastic tour guide was exceptional, giving us insightful information into the history of the place and the priceless objects housed within it as well as it's role at the heart of the political nation.
Erik Mannery - 30 days ago
Most of the palace is currently under renovation. Nonetheless it's worth visiting. An iconic structure and you can get some brilliant shots from the Westminster bridge. Big Ben is also currently under renovation (the adjoining structure) next to the palace.
Vibhu Mahajan - 1 month ago
Most of the palace is currently under renovation. Nonetheless it's worth visiting. An iconic structure and you can get some brilliant shots from the Westminster bridge. Big Ben is also currently under renovation (the adjoining structure) next to the palace.
James Foster - 1 month ago
Phat Kat - 2 months ago
Video
Photo Gallery
Intricate Details of the Palace of Westminster Clock Tower often called Big Ben cc licensed photo by Mark Ramsay -
The Palace of Westminster. Night Shot. Nikon D3100. DSC_0581. cc licensed photo by Robert.Pittman -
Christmas Day London cc licensed photo by Dimitry B -
London Sunset cc licensed photo by Fodagrafs -
Westminster Abbey Chapter House cc licensed photo by Dun.can -
"Frozen Poetry" - Houses of Parliament, London cc licensed photo by Gaurav Pradhan -
Threaded Through The Eye Of A Needle cc licensed photo by tcees -
Palace of Westminster - Twilight cc licensed photo by bvi4092 -
Palace of Westminster - Clock Tower cc licensed photo by bvi4092
