Houses of Parliament, also known as , is the seat of the UK Parliament.

Both houses of Parliament – the House of Lords and the House of Commons – are based here. Westminster Palace also includes the famous Elizabethan clock tower, better known as Big Ben.

Top 10 hotels in London

Architecture and history

The first building was constructed as early as 1097 as a royal residence; the only surviving part from this period is Westminster Hall, which is the oldest original part of the entire palace. The palace was first built by the Viking ruler Cnut the Great on a strategic site on the banks of the Thames.

Over the centuries, the palace has been altered and rebuilt many times, but has always more or less fulfilled its original role. It served either as the monarch’s residence or as the place where decisions regarding the running of the country were made.

Most of the current structure dates from the 19th century, when, following the legendary Great Fire of London in 1843, the palace was almost entirely destroyed by fire and subsequently rebuilt.

A Neo-Gothic gem and the palace’s four towers

An architectural competition was launched for the construction of the new palace, in which more than 50 architects took part.

In the end, Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin were declared the winners; they designed the new Palace of Westminster inthe Neo-Gothic style toreflect its history as faithfully as possible. Construction began in 1840 and was not completed until more than 30 years later.

The Houses of Parliament have four towers: the Victoria Tower, which is the tallest; the Central Tower; St Stephen’s Tower; and the most famous, Elizabeth Tower. This tower houses the famous clock and five bells, including the largest, most famous and almost 14-tonne bell, Big Ben. 

Visits and admission

The Palace of Westminster remains the main seat of the British Parliament, so access to the interior is restricted to days when no parliamentary sessions are taking place. These are almost exclusivelySaturdaysand selected British public holidays.

You can visit the Palace of Westminster either independently or on a guided tour.

Ideally, book your tickets online at least 14 days in advance atukparliament.seetickets.com.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Self-guided audio tour – 31 gbp
• Guided tour – 40 gbp

Official website:parliament.uk

How to get to the Palace?

The Palace of Westminster is situated on the banks of the Thames right in the centre of London, opposite Westminster Abbey, whilst the London Eye observation wheel towers skywards across the river.

The main entrance is on Victoria Embankment (seelocation on the map).

You can reach the Palace via the following Underground and bus routes:

• Underground – Westminster station
  • Jubilee Line
  • District and Circle Lines
• Buses – Westminster bus stop
  • Routes 3, 11, 12, 148, 159, C10, 453

Hotels near Westminster

The Palace of Westminster is the heart of London, and staying in the surrounding area means you’ll be right at the centre of everything.

However, the prices reflect this: the cheapest The Sanctuary House Hotel , situated between Parliament and St James’s Park, offers a night in a twin room from 288 eur .

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in London.