The Houses of Parliament, officially called the Palace of Westminster is the home of British democracy. Sitting on the banks of the River Thames, it’s one of the most iconic buildings in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to the instantly recognisable Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben. It’s a must visit for anyone interested in history, politics, or architecture.

Here you’ll discover how to visit, what you’ll see, and a few options to build your sightseeing itinerary in the surrounding area.

The History of the Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster is home to the UK Parliament. It contains the House of Commons and the House of Lords, which are the two legislative chambers for Parliament.

The site has been a centre of power for over 1,000 years. It was originally constructed in the 11th century as a royal palace, and was the primary residence of the monarch until 1512 when a fire destroyed the royal apartments. After the fire, the Palace of Westminster continued to be the home of Parliament, which had met there since the 13th century.

A second and more devastating fire in 1834 destroyed the majority of the building. It was subsequently rebuilt by architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin in the iconic Gothic Revival style. The oldest part, Westminster Hall, dates back to 1097 and was saved and incorporated into the new building. The ceremonial hall has hosted coronation banquets and the lying-in-state of monarchs.

The Houses of Parliament also underwent extensive repairs after World War II.

What You’ll See on a Houses of Parliament Tour

Step inside the incredible Houses of Parliament on a tour and you’ll see:

Westminster Hall: The ancient heart of the palace. Dating back to 1097 and built for William II, this is the oldest building in Parliament. It’s where kings and queens have held banquets for nearly 1,000 years. The grand ceremonial venue is also the place where the coffins of monarchs and distinguished officials, like Winston Churchill, are placed before state funerals, so the public can pay their respects.

The House of Commons: The renowned chamber with the green benches where the Prime Minister and MPs debate. You’ll see the famous dispatch boxes and the red lines on the carpet. They are traditionally spaced "two sword lengths" apart to prevent politicians from getting too close to their opposing MPs.

The House of Lords: The lavishly decorated chamber with the red benches and the Royal Throne used by the monarch during the State Opening of Parliament.

Central Lobby: The ornate crossroads of the building where the two Houses meet. MPs can also meet their constituents here. Look out for the beautiful tiled floor, statues of monarchs, and the suffragette grilles.

How to Visit: Tours, Tickets and Best Times

You have a few options when it comes to tours of the Houses of Parliament:

Self-guided audio tour: This is the most flexible option. You can explore at your own pace with a multimedia guide running through the history as you stroll through the famous building. It’s available in a range of languages, including English, British Sign Language, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean and Welsh.

Guided tour: Book a 90-minute guided tour with an expert guide. Your knowledgeable guide will bring the Palace of Westminster to life, with historical facts and vivid stories. They’ll also be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Big Ben Tour: This is a separate, highly sought-after tour that takes you up the 334 spiral steps of the Elizabeth Tower to see the inner workings of Big Ben. It’s available for ages 11+ and must be booked in advance.

You can buy tickets for guided tours, self-guided audio tours, and Big Ben tours in advance, directly on the UK Parliament website. Book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. This is especially the case for the Big Ben Tour, which can sell out quickly, especially in summer. Big Ben Tour tickets are released three months in advance on the second Wednesday of every month at 10 am.

It costs around £34 for a guided tour and £27 for an audio tour. The Big Ben tour is £35 for adults and £20 for children aged 11-17.

The best time to visit is when Parliament is in recess during the summer, at Christmas or at Easter. If you’re visiting when Parliament is sitting, tours are usually only on Saturdays.

Getting from Heathrow to the Houses of Parliament

It’s quick and easy to get from Heathrow to the Houses of Parliament.

Take the Heathrow Express from any terminal to London Paddington. The Heathrow Express takes 15 minutes from Heathrow Central and 21 minutes from Terminal 5 station.

At Paddington, head down to the London Underground. Take the Circle or District Line eastbound to Westminster station. This should take you approximately 15-20 minutes.

Leave Westminster station. There’s an exit directly opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

What to Do and Eat Near Westminster

With such a fantastic central location, there’s so much to see and do around the Houses of Parliament, including:

Westminster Abbey (2-minute walk)

Westminster Abbey is an incredible example of Gothic architecture and one of the most significant buildings in British history. It’s been the place for royal coronations, weddings, and burials since the time of William the Conqueror in 1066.

Churchill War Rooms (5-minute walk)

Located beneath the streets of Westminster, the Churchill War Rooms showcases the underground bunker where Winston Churchill directed the strategy for World War II. You’ll also find an interactive museum that brings wartime London to life. It’s a hidden gem and one of the best things to visit in this part of London.

Buckingham Palace (15-minute walk)

Stroll a quarter of an hour from the Houses of Parliament and take in one of the most famous buildings in the world, the official residence of King Charles. Come in the morning (11 am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) for the Changing of the Guard ceremony or head down at any time to marvel at the iconic palace. In the summer, you can even go inside to discover the State Rooms.

Where to eat near the Houses of Parliament

When it’s time to relax and enjoy a bite to eat, head to:

The Cinnamon Club: Enjoy some high-end Indian dining in the grand setting of the old Westminster Library. The restaurant celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, with a new menu featuring some innovative new dishes alongside its classic signatures.

The Red Lion, Parliament Street: Dip into this classic pub for some traditional pub grub or for a simple British pint. The Red Lion is frequented by politicians and journalists, so if you’re here at the right time you may even hear the latest political gossip.

Where to Stay Near the Houses of Parliament

If you’re planning to stay in this part of London to enjoy sightseeing on your doorstep, hotel options include:

Corinthia London: For a little luxury in Central London, you can’t beat Corinthia London. This five-star hotel is located on the corner of Whitehall, just a short walk from the River Thames, Covent Garden, and the South Bank. Step inside the grand façade to enjoy elegant rooms, fine dining, vibrant cocktail bars, and one of the city’s largest hotel spas for ultimate relaxation.

Conrad London St. James: This is the perfect mid-range hotel. It’s located in the former Queen Anne's Chambers and is a beautiful 19th-century building. You’ll be based less than a mile from Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. We recommend the afternoon tea. Don’t miss the incredible art collection either.

Hub by Premier Inn, Westminster Abbey: This great budget option promises a fantastic location without the price tag. Enjoy comfy rooms, a restaurant serving both breakfast and dinner, and all the mod-cons you need for a relaxing stay.

Start your London adventure with Heathrow Express. Once you arrive at the airport, you’ll be in Central London in minutes and ready to explore the very best of the capital. Book your Heathrow Express tickets today.

Book a ticket on the quickest way to get to Heathrow

Are you looking for the best way to transfer to and from Heathrow Airport and Central London? The Heathrow Express and the London Underground’s Elizabeth line both serve the airport, but the Heathrow Express is by far the most efficient and fastest way to Heathrow.

This handy guide compares Heathrow Express vs the tube, providing useful information about cost, comfort, convenience, and overall experience to help you get your trip off to a smooth start.