Touring The Palace of Westminster

Set in London, the Palace of Westminster, which is the home of Parliament, has had quite a history over the years including much of it being destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in the 1800s, but Westminster Hall was a structure that survived. Finished in the 11th century in 1099, Westminster Hall is the oldest structure that’s part of the palace. You may also be quite familiar with one of the palace’s main towers – Elizabeth Tower – which many know by its nickname of Big Ben. The Palace of Westminster is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one that you can tour in one way or another. Interested? The following is some information that could prove beneficial for visiting The Palace of Westminster.

Virtual Touring
If you can’t actually make it over to The Palace of Westminster, you can still tour it online. Rather than pack a bag, all you need is a browser. For example, you can take a tour of Westminster Hall, the House of Lords Chamber, the House of Lords Library, the Clock Tower, the House of Commons Chamber, and even the basement. Ideal for those of all ages, doing a virtual tour is a great way to get an idea of how a visit would go and the type of tour you could experience.

Audio Tour
If you’re interested in learning more about The House of Parliament, an audio tour is a fantastic way to do it. The tour is self-guided, takes about an hour, and is available in a variety of languages including English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. Highlights of the tour include the Royal Gallery, Commons Chamber, Queen’s Robing Room, Lords Chamber, and Westminster Hall. The tours are available on Saturdays but are also available on weekdays while Parliament is in recess. Prices range by age and discounts are available.

Guided Tour
If a guided tour rather than one that’s self-guided is more for you, you can visit the House of Commons and House of Lords via a 90-minute tour with a Blue Badge Guide. These guided tours are available in several languages including English and Spanish, and group guided tours are also available in other languages – such as Japanese and Russian – upon request. The guided tours are available in English all during the day every 15 to 20-minutes while those in other languages take place at certain times. Highlights of the tour include the Royal Gallery, Westminster Hall, Norman Porch, Commons Chamber, and the Moses Room. Just like with the audio tour, prices vary by age and discounts are available.

Now that you know a little more of what you can experience during a tour of The Palace of Westminster, whether you take the tour online or in person, it’s time to decide which option (if any) is ideal for you. You’ll learn so much information during your tour and have the chance to delve into the history of one of the most famous spots in the world. It’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss.