Members of the two Houses of Parliament, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons, have been meeting at the Palace of Westminster since 1265. The Old Palace burned down in 1834, and was replaced by the New Palace of Westminster, a neo-Gothic building with a clock tower housing what is likely the largest clock in Great Britain. The clock was hung in 1858 and contains the 13 and-a-half ton bell “Big Ben.” 

Guests can usually sit in the visitors galleries during debates when Parliament is in session. Contact your embassy in the UK several weeks in advance of your visit for a “card of introduction.” Tours of the Houses of Parliament typically cover the House of Lords and the House of Commons, St. Stephen’s Hall and Westminster Hall, the Peers Lobby, Central Lobby and Commons Lobby. Tours also stop at the Prince’s Chamber, the Royal Gallery, the Queen’s Robing Room and Victoria Tower. 

Tour permits must be booked as far in advance as possible by writing to the Education Unit, Public Information Office, House of Commons, 1 Derby Gate, London SW1A 2TT or by phoning 020 7219 4600. Between August 7 and September 16, you can purchase tickets five days in advance in the UK or ten days advance overseas through the web site at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or at 020 7344 9966. The best time to go (without tickets) is to line up outside St. Stephen’s Entrance after 6.

Tube: Westminster

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