Palace of Westminster
The iconic Neo-Gothic heart of British democracy, where a thousand years of history meets architectural grandeur.
The iconic seat of British Parliament and one of the world's most recognizable buildings, the Palace of Westminster stands as a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture along the River Thames. Home to the House of Commons and House of Lords, this working government building blends nearly 1,000 years of history with Victorian grandeur. Visitors can explore Westminster Hall's medieval hammer-beam roof, ornate chambers, and gilded corridors through guided or self-guided audio tours, gaining insight into the machinery of British democracy and the ceremonies that define the monarchy.
A brief summary to Palace of Westminster
- London, SW1A 0AA, GB
- +442072193000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Book your tour well in advance through the official parliament.uk website, as dates fill quickly and availability is limited, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
- Visit on a weekday morning for fewer crowds and better opportunities to photograph Westminster Hall and St Stephen's Hall, the only areas where photography is permitted.
- Choose a guided tour over the self-guided audio option if you want deeper historical context and anecdotes about the chambers and ceremonies—guides provide invaluable insights into how Parliament functions.
- If you cannot book an interior tour, the exterior views from Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge are free and offer stunning photo opportunities of the Neo-Gothic architecture and Elizabeth Tower.
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a complete tour; the palace contains over 1,100 rooms and the route covers significant ground through historic chambers and corridors.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Underground Train
Westminster Underground Station is located approximately 1 minute walk from the Cromwell Gate entrance. The station is served by the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines, providing direct connections from across London. Journey times vary depending on your starting point, but expect 10–30 minutes from central London locations. No parking is required for this option.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the Westminster area, including routes 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 77A, 87, 88, and 109, which stop near Parliament Square or nearby streets. Journey times range from 15–45 minutes depending on traffic and your starting location. Buses operate throughout the day with regular frequency, and fares are covered by London's Oyster card or contactless payment system.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Black cabs and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt) are readily available throughout London and can deliver you directly to the Cromwell Green entrance. Journey times from central London typically range from 10–25 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Expect to pay £15–35 for most central London locations. Note that the area has restricted traffic during certain hours, so confirm the drop-off location with your driver.
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Walking
The Palace of Westminster is centrally located and walkable from many London attractions. From Trafalgar Square, the walk takes approximately 15–20 minutes; from the London Eye, approximately 10–15 minutes across Westminster Bridge. The route is flat and well-signposted, passing through Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey. This option is ideal for those wishing to explore the surrounding historic area on foot.
Palace of Westminster location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Palace of Westminster
A Millennium of Governance and Grandeur
The Palace of Westminster has served as the seat of British Parliament for over a thousand years, evolving from a royal residence into the symbolic heart of democratic governance. Westminster Hall, constructed in 1097 under William II, remains the oldest surviving structure and once stood as the largest hall in Europe. Its magnificent 15th-century oak hammer-beam roof—the largest surviving clear-span medieval roof in England—represents an extraordinary achievement in medieval carpentry. The hall has witnessed pivotal moments in British history: William Wallace's trial for treason, the lying-in-state of monarchs and national figures, and countless ceremonial occasions that have shaped the nation. The catastrophic fire of 1834 destroyed much of the medieval palace, but from those ashes rose the current Neo-Gothic structure. Architects Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin designed a building that would embody the grandeur of constitutional monarchy and the bicameral parliamentary system. Completed in 1870 after decades of meticulous reconstruction, the palace became an architectural statement of national identity and power, with every detail—from stained glass windows to ornate tiles and sculptural elements—carefully chosen to reflect British heritage and values.Architectural Splendor and Symbolic Design
The Palace of Westminster spans nearly 300 metres in length and covers 8 acres, containing over 1,100 rooms connected by approximately 4.8 kilometres of passageways spread across four floors. The building's instantly recognizable silhouette dominates the London skyline, with the Elizabeth Tower—housing the Great Bell known as Big Ben—piercing the sky as an iconic symbol recognized worldwide. The palace's layout is carefully planned around the Central Lobby, a vast circular hall with a mosaic-covered vault from which corridors branch north to the Commons Chamber, south to the Lords Chamber, and west to Westminster Hall. Each chamber reflects its constitutional role through design. The House of Lords, located in the southern portion, is the most lavishly decorated room in the palace, adorned with red leather benches, stained glass windows, and allegorical frescoes. Here sits the royal throne, from which the sovereign delivers the King's Speech at the State Opening of Parliament. The House of Commons, by contrast, maintains a more austere character befitting its democratic function. The Royal Gallery, the largest room still used for parliamentary ceremonies, displays paintings and sculptures commemorating key moments in British history, from the Battle of Waterloo to the signing of Magna Carta.The Visitor Experience and Working Parliament
Visitors enter through the Cromwell Gate, passing through security screening before reaching Westminster Hall, where the tour traditionally begins. The self-guided multimedia audio tour allows visitors to proceed at their own pace through approximately 1.5 hours of carefully curated content, with narration available in multiple languages. Guided tours offer enhanced insights from knowledgeable guides who explain the historical significance of each chamber, the workings of Parliament, and the ceremonial traditions that continue to define British governance. The tour route takes visitors through St Stephen's Hall, lined with marble statues of prominent parliamentarians, into the Central Lobby where visitors can observe the real pigeon holes where constituents communicate with their MPs. From there, the route proceeds through the Prince's Chamber—adorned with Victorian-era portraits of Tudor and Stuart monarchs, including all six wives of Henry VIII—and into the debating chambers themselves. The experience offers an intimate glimpse into spaces familiar from television broadcasts but profoundly moving when experienced in person.Restrictions and Practical Considerations
Photography is permitted only in Westminster Hall, St Stephen's Hall, and the visitor area of New Palace Yard; cameras and recording devices are strictly prohibited elsewhere within the palace. The palace operates on a schedule tied to parliamentary sessions: when either House is in session, the public galleries remain open to visitors, sometimes as late as 11:00 pm, allowing observers to watch debates unfold. When Parliament is not sitting, access is more limited, typically available on Saturdays and during holiday periods including Easter and summer months. Children under five are not permitted in the Public Gallery, and older children may be denied access at the discretion of doorkeepers. Advance booking is essential, as tour dates are limited and availability fills quickly. The palace remains a working government building, and visitor access is carefully managed to protect both the fabric of the structure and the functioning of Parliament itself.A UNESCO World Heritage Site of Global Significance
The Palace of Westminster, together with Westminster Abbey and St Margaret's Church, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as one of the most significant monuments of Neo-Gothic architecture. The site embodies the principles of constitutional monarchy and bicameral democracy as envisioned in the 19th century, constructed through architectural references that express national character and historical continuity. The palace's location along the River Thames, in the centre of London, is integral to its importance—this site has been a centre of government and religion since the days of King Edward the Confessor in the 11th century, and its historical significance is emphasized by the buildings' size, dominance, and intricate architectural form.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Westminster Hall
0.1 km
Step into Westminster Hall, a majestic medieval masterpiece that has witnessed a millennium of British history, law, and monarchy.
Statue of Oliver Cromwell
0.1 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Oliver Cromwell, standing outside Westminster Hall as a symbol of Britain’s turbulent 17th-century history and contested legacy.
Statue of George V
0.1 km
A dignified white Portland stone statue honoring King George V, standing proudly in Westminster’s historic Old Palace Yard.
Millicent Garrett Fawcett Statue
0.2 km
Honoring Millicent Garrett Fawcett, the first woman commemorated in Parliament Square, inspiring equality through her iconic statue and legacy.
King Charles Street
0.3 km
Explore King Charles Street, a historic London government hub famed for its grand Victorian architecture and pivotal role in British political life.
King Charles Street Arch
0.3 km
A grand 1908 triple-arched gateway in London’s Whitehall, rich in sculptural detail and historical significance.
The Cenotaph
0.4 km
Britain’s national war memorial in Whitehall, a solemn tribute to the fallen of the World Wars and later conflicts.
South Bank Lion
0.4 km
Majestic 1837 Coade stone lion guarding Westminster Bridge, symbolizing London’s resilience and rich heritage.
His Majesty's Treasury
0.4 km
The historic and strategic heart of the UK government’s economic policy, located in the iconic government district of Westminster, London.
Chindit Memorial
0.4 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the daring Chindit special forces and their leader Major General Orde Wingate’s legacy.
Clive of India Memorial
0.4 km
A towering Edwardian statue in London commemorating Robert Clive, founder of British rule in India, embodying imperial triumph and controversy.
Clive Steps
0.4 km
A Grade II-listed bronze statue commemorating the controversial architect of British imperial power in India.
The Women of World War II
0.5 km
A powerful bronze tribute in Whitehall honoring over seven million British women’s vital roles during World War II.
10 Downing Street
0.5 km
Iconic London residence and office of the UK Prime Minister, steeped in centuries of political history and power.
10 Downing St
0.5 km
Discover the historic seat of British leadership, where iconic moments and political power converge behind the famous black door.
Unmissable attractions to see
Royal Court
0.1 km
London’s Royal Court Theatre: A historic beacon for groundbreaking new plays and emerging playwrights in the heart of Sloane Square.
St Margaret's Church
0.1 km
Explore the serene St Margaret's Church, a historic Anglican church in London, next to Westminster Abbey, rich in history and stunning architecture.
Big Ben
0.1 km
Explore Big Ben, London's iconic clock tower, a cultural landmark and symbol of British history, attracting millions of tourists each year.
Jewel Tower
0.2 km
Discover the Jewel Tower, a medieval fortress guarding royal treasures and parliamentary history opposite London’s iconic Houses of Parliament.
Bridge St
0.2 km
Historic Bridge Street in London offers riverside views, rich heritage, and vibrant urban life beside the iconic London Bridge.
Westminster Abbey
0.2 km
Discover the majestic Gothic abbey where British monarchs have been crowned since 1066 and history echoes through every stone.
Parliament Square Garden
0.2 km
A historic green oasis in Westminster, offering iconic views and monuments at the heart of London’s political heritage.
Sir Winston Churchill statue
0.2 km
Iconic bronze statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square, symbolizing British resilience and leadership during World War II.
Boadicea and Her Daughters
0.2 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Boudica, the fierce Celtic queen, standing proud on her chariot beside Westminster Bridge in the heart of London.
Mahatma Gandhi statue
0.2 km
A dignified bronze tribute to Gandhi’s peaceful legacy, standing humbly among world leaders in the heart of London’s historic Parliament Square.
Parliament Sq
0.2 km
Historic London square at the heart of British democracy, adorned with iconic statues and framed by world-famous landmarks.
Westminster Millennium Pier
0.2 km
Experience London's iconic riverfront from Westminster Millennium Pier, your gateway to historic landmarks and scenic Thames cruises.
Westminster Pier
0.2 km
A vibrant river gateway beside iconic London landmarks, Westminster Pier invites you to explore the Thames and historic city sights from the water.
Westminster Bridge
0.2 km
Experience the historic charm and stunning views from Westminster Bridge, an iconic London landmark linking culture and architecture.
The Supreme Court
0.3 km
Explore the UK's highest court in a stunning neo-Gothic building at the heart of London’s political and judicial district.
Essential places to dine
Ma La Sichuan
0.5 km
Experience authentic, boldly spiced Sichuan cuisine in the heart of Westminster with vibrant flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.
OKAN South Bank
0.5 km
Experience authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki and Japanese street food in a cozy, lively South Bank eatery with friendly service and a nostalgic vibe.
Osteria dell'Angolo
0.5 km
Classic Italian flavors and fresh pasta in a warm, elegant Westminster setting with attentive service and a visible kitchen.
Sapori
0.5 km
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine with generous portions and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Westminster, London.
The Pem
0.6 km
Elegant modern British dining in Westminster, honoring heritage with exquisite seasonal menus and refined ambiance.
Troia Southbank
0.6 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with halal options in a vibrant riverside setting near the London Eye.
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
0.6 km
Stylish 4-star hotel on London’s South Bank with exceptional dining, event spaces, and modern amenities near iconic landmarks.
Caxton Grill
0.6 km
Refined British grill cuisine with fresh rooftop garden produce in a relaxed Westminster setting inside St Ermin’s Hotel.
Mio Restaurant & Bar
0.7 km
Authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality await you in this cozy central London gem with generous portions and great value.
Colosseo Restaurant
0.7 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s Victoria at Colosseo Restaurant.
Chez Antoinette Victoria
0.7 km
Authentic French bistro in London’s Victoria offering classic Lyonnais and Parisian dishes in a cozy, Parisian-style setting.
Ekstedt at The Yard
0.8 km
Experience Nordic wood-fired cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt in the historic Great Scotland Yard Hotel, blending ancient fire cooking with British seasonal ingredients.
The Garden
0.8 km
A Mediterranean-inspired garden oasis offering refined seafood and elegant dining in the heart of London’s Corinthia Hotel.
The Northall
0.8 km
Refined British dining with seasonal flair in a grand, elegant setting at Corinthia London’s distinguished restaurant.
The Archduke
0.9 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Jubilee Shop (Houses of Parliament Gift Shop)
0.1 km
Discover exclusive British political gifts and souvenirs inside the historic Westminster Hall at the Jubilee Shop, Houses of Parliament.
Houses of Parliament Shop
0.2 km
Discover parliamentary pride in souvenirs, books, and gifts at this cozy Bridge Street boutique, steps from Westminster's iconic halls.
Westminster Abbey Shop
0.3 km
Discover exclusive Abbey-inspired gifts and souvenirs that support Westminster Abbey’s heritage and conservation efforts.
Browns of London
0.4 km
Explore Browns of London for unique handcrafted gifts and local treasures in the heart of the city, perfect for memorable souvenirs from your travels.
Gift Shop - London Eye Shop
0.6 km
Capture London's magic at the London Eye Gift Shop: exclusive souvenirs, Thames views, and iconic keepsakes from the wheel's base.
Custom Gifts By Jupiter
0.7 km
Unleash creativity with bespoke gifts and custom decor from this South Bank artisan haven near the Thames and iconic landmarks.
The Giftree London
0.8 km
Discover London's soul in souvenirs, crafts, and conveniences at this Lambeth gem—unique gifts, luggage storage, and local flair await.
Crest of London Ltd
0.8 km
Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
0.9 km
Discover creative gifts, sustainable homewares, and arts-inspired souvenirs on vibrant Mandela Walk, opposite Royal Festival Hall—a stylish treat amid South Bank's cultural heartbeat.
Gifts of London
0.9 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Shop
1.1 km
London’s oldest family-run wine merchant since 1698, blending royal tradition with expert wine and spirits in a historic Pall Mall setting.
Lock & Co. Hatters
1.2 km
Discover the world’s oldest hat shop, where centuries of British style and craftsmanship come to life in the heart of London.
Cardinal Place
1.2 km
Experience the ultimate shopping and dining destination at Cardinal Place, London’s vibrant commercial hub near Victoria Station.
John Lobb St. James
1.2 km
Where 170 years of royal patronage meets handcrafted perfection in every stitch.
The Queen's Shop
1.2 km
Exclusive royal gifts and British heritage souvenirs steps from Buckingham Palace, blending luxury, tradition, and timeless elegance in a charming London boutique.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Red Lion, Parliament Street
0.3 km
A venerable Westminster corner pub — late‑Victorian fittings, political atmosphere and a long history beside Downing Street and Parliament.
Westminster Arms
0.4 km
Historic Westminster pub with parliamentary division bell, Shepherd Neame ales, and cozy alcoves steps from Abbey and Parliament—timeless British charm in political heart.
Two Chairmen
0.5 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty pies, fresh ales, and classic British cheer just steps from St. James's Park and Parliament.
Blue Boar Pub
0.5 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty British classics in a cozy, historic setting near Abbey and Parliament—perfect for ales, roasts, and relaxed evenings.
Le Champagne Bar
0.6 km
A compact riverside champagne lounge beside the London Eye—perfect for a celebratory flute and framed Thames views.
Primo Bar, London
0.6 km
Sophisticated South Bank cocktails and live jazz with Big Ben views—Primo Bar blends daytime lounge ease with electrifying nightly performances in stylish 60s-inspired surrounds.
All Bar One Waterloo
0.6 km
Sophisticated South Bank bar serving creative cocktails, sharing plates, and wines in a lively spot near Waterloo Station and the London Eye.
Slug & Lettuce - County Hall
0.7 km
Chic South Bank cocktail haven in County Hall: bottomless brunches, 2-for-1 sips, pub classics, and Thames views for London's liveliest lunches and nights out.
The Spy Bar
0.7 km
Step into London’s secret subterranean bar where espionage history meets masterful cocktails and exclusive, no-photos privacy.
Waterloo Lost Property Office Speakeasy
0.7 km
Discover a hidden 1920s-inspired speakeasy in Waterloo serving expertly crafted cocktails in a seductive, vintage setting.
Bar @ 26 Leake Street
0.7 km
Experience London’s vibrant street art and nightlife culture at 26 Leake Street, a unique cocktail bar and event venue in Waterloo’s iconic graffiti tunnels.
The Thirsty Farrier Cocktail Bar
0.7 km
A vibrant London cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks with scenic riverside views and a welcoming atmosphere.
Adam & Eve
0.8 km
Classic Westminster pub pouring real ales and hearty grub amid historic streets—a cozy haven near Parliament and the Abbey for authentic London pints.
Old Shades
0.8 km
Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
Tamesis Dock
0.9 km
A vibrant floating bar and live music venue on a historic barge with iconic Thames views between Lambeth and Vauxhall Bridges.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Boat Show Comedy Club
0.6 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Cirque Du Soul
0.7 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
0.7 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
0.7 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Heaven
0.9 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
TSQ Club
1.0 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
The Scotch of St James
1.2 km
Legendary Mayfair speakeasy where 60s rock stars jammed and today's elite dance till dawn in velvet-clad intimacy.
Proud Late
1.2 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Tiger Tiger London
1.3 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
Luxe Club
1.3 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
Zoo Bar & Club
1.3 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
Café de Paris
1.3 km
Step into London’s iconic West End nightclub where history, glamour, and electrifying cabaret create unforgettable nights.
The Penthouse London
1.3 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Union
1.4 km
Vauxhall's relentless nightclub heartbeat: techno-fueled nights stretching to dawn in multi-zone bliss along the Thames.
Bootylicious London last Saturday of the month
1.4 km
Late-night Vauxhall institution for raw techno, queer-focused party nights and after-hours clubbing on Albert Embankment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
