Houses of Parliament
City & Culture 
Family Friendly 
Major Landmarks 
History & Heritage The Palace of Westminster, home to the UK’s Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, is Britain’s centre of government.
Overview
About
The current Palace of Westminster was rebuilt in the mid-19th century after a fire destroyed the original structure. Designed by Charles Barry with interiors by Augustus Pugin, the building is now one of the best-known examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the world. Its most iconic features include the Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben, and Westminster Hall, whose 11th-century roof is one of the largest of its kind in Europe.Inside, the House of Commons and House of Lords chambers host political debates, state openings and ceremonial events. Debates in the Commons are fast-paced and often comically informal, with MPs shouting over each other and trading insults. The Victoria Tower stores centuries of legal documents in the Parliamentary Archives, while the rest of the complex continues to serve as the working centre of British politics.
Highlights
- Westminster Hall, the 11th-century core of the Palace where coronation banquets, royal trials and national mourning have taken place.
- The green benches of the Commons Chamber, where MPs debate, interrupt, and sometimes insult one another.
- The Lords Chamber with its red leather seating, gilded detailing and the Sovereign’s Throne at the far end.
- Elizabeth Tower by climbing all 334 steps to see Big Ben’s great bell and the inner workings of the clock.
How to get here
The Houses of Parliament are located on Parliament Square in Westminster, between Westminster Abbey and the River Thames. The nearest Underground station is Westminster. Exit the station via Exit 4 onto Bridge Street and you’ll be standing directly in front of the Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben. Cross the road at the lights and walk towards Parliament Square, keeping the statues on your left and the Abbey behind you. The visitor entrance at Cromwell Green is clearly signposted and sits at the base of the Victoria Tower, marked by security checkpoints and a covered queueing area.
How to get here
The Houses of Parliament are located on Parliament Square in Westminster, between Westminster Abbey and the River Thames. The nearest Underground station is Westminster. Exit the station via Exit 4 onto Bridge Street and you’ll be standing directly in front of the Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben. Cross the road at the lights and walk towards Parliament Square, keeping the statues on your left and the Abbey behind you. The visitor entrance at Cromwell Green is clearly signposted and sits at the base of the Victoria Tower, marked by security checkpoints and a covered queueing area.
Getting here by bus...
Buses serving Parliament Square drop you just moments from the entrance. Routes 11, 24, 148 and 211 stop right outside on the north side of the square. When you get off, you’ll see Big Ben towering above you. Walk past the black railings and continue along the perimeter of the building until you reach the Cromwell Green entrance, located at the south-west corner. Bus stops are well-labelled and surrounded by other key landmarks like Westminster Abbey, making it an easy orientation point for first-time visitors.
- National Rail Go to Website
- Transport for London Go to Website
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