The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of British Parliament and one of the most famed and featured buildings in the world. Heard of the Big Ben clock tower? That’s at the Palace of Westminster. If you are visiting the UK, this is definitely a site to be seen.
The Palace of Westminster is located in the city of Westminster, in central London. It sits on the Thames River and used to be home to the royal family (the royal family now lives at Buckingham Palace which is also located in the city of Westminster). The Palace contains 1100 rooms, 100 staircases and 4.8 km of passageways.
Visit Westminster Palace
If you are planning visit the palace, why not book a tour? Attend a parliamentary debate? Visit the Portcullis House?
Guided tours of Westminster Palace are given Fridays and Saturdays most weeks of the year. During the summer, tours are available Tuesday through Saturday. The tours last about an hour and half and take you through Commons and Lords Chambers, the Queen’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery and Westminster Hall. The palace is rich with spectacular art and gorgeous architecture that’s rife with history. Your tour guide will be able to tell you the story behind the building.
You can attend a Parliamentary debate during your visit. The galleries of the House of Lords and the House of Commons are open to the public. Watch how real government works. Funny fact — some members of parliament wear powdered white wigs!
The Portcullis House is the most recent addition to Parliament. Its modern architectural style features a stunning glass domed atrium. It is home to the House of Commons.