Whether you’re interested in British history and politics or want to admire the stunning architecture dating back to the 11th century, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are a must-visit London location. Our guide includes everything you need to know to plan your itinerary, from travel information to the best things to see and do.
Image credit: Minhaj Mohammed via Unsplash
Where are the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben?
The Palace of Westminster is home to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. It is located in Westminster, London, on the banks of the River Thames.
Address: London SW1A 0AA.
How to get to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are located in Central London, making it easy to get there using public transport. London Waterloo is just across the river from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, so travelling by train is the ideal choice.
Book your train tickets in advance to get the best prices, or explore the range of ticket types we offer. If you have a Railcard, you can enjoy extra discounts on your journey, while our Group Save offers are perfect for days out with family and friends.
Visiting Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament on a Sunday? Choose our Sunday Out tickets for reduced fares and flexible journeys. On weekdays and Saturdays, our Semi-Flex Return tickets are an excellent choice, letting you make the most of your day.
Things to see and do at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Image credit: Jurica Koletic via Unsplash
From guided tours to talks, events and live debates, there’s plenty to see and do at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Learn more about ticketing, facilities and tips for enjoying your visit to plan your day out.
Tickets
There are several Houses of Parliament tickets available, and each gives you access to different things. So, can you visit the Houses of Parliament for free? Many of the debates and committees are free to attend but often need to be booked in advance, but you’ll need to pay for tours in most cases.
For example, Prime Minister’s Questions is a free, ticketed event, and you can request tickets through your local MP. However, you don’t need to book tickets to watch live debates in the public galleries at the House of Commons and the House of Lords, but space is limited.
If you’re a UK resident, guided tours of the Palace of Westminster are free but need to be booked via your local MP or a member of the House of Lords. Otherwise, you’ll need to book tickets online at your preferred entry time. There are various options available, including a self-guided audio tour, a guided tour and a Big Ben tour. See the table below for more information on ticket prices for tours at the Houses of Parliament.
Self Guided Tours
Guided Tours
Big Ben Tour
Adults (ages 25+) - £26
Adults (ages 25+) - £33
Adults (ages 18+) - £30
1 adult + 1 child (ages 5-15) - £26
Young people (ages 16-24) - £27
Children (ages 11-17) - £15**
Young people (ages 16-24) - £19
Children (ages 5-15) - £17
Children (ages 5-15) - £9
Under 5s – FREE*
Under 5s – FREE*
Members of the UK Armed Forces - £27
Members of the UK Armed Forces - £19
Companions to visitors with a disability - FREE
Companions to visitors with a disability - FREE
*You still need to book a ticket for under 5s. The guided tour is not recommended for this age group.
**The Big Ben Tour is not suitable for under 11s. Please note that the tour features loud noises from the clock mechanisms (earplugs provided) and 334 steps.
Tours
Explore the Palace of Westminster on a self-guided or guided tour to discover the rich history and heritage of the building and learn how the UK Parliament works. These tours are ticketed and take around 90 minutes. You can also book a Big Ben tour and ascend to the top of the tower to see the famous clock’s inner workings.
Talks and events
There are several talks and events taking place throughout the year, covering various subjects from Big Ben to the UK Parliament. Keep an eye on the website to find out what’s coming up and book your tickets online.
Watch debates and committees
The public galleries in the House of Commons and House of Lords are free to visit and are one of the best ways to experience the action. Here, you can watch live debates and committees, where ministers discuss government policies and other topical issues.
Collections and archives
The Parliamentary Archives are currently being moved to The National Archives, Kew, and are unavailable to the public until further notice. Once they reopen at their new location, you can learn more about the history of the Palace of Westminster and the UK Parliament through documents, photographs and other records. However, there are several online resources available if you want to look at archival material before or after your visit.
Jubilee Café
The Jubilee Café is located inside Westminster Hall and is open daily to all visitors. Whether you want to stop for a mid-morning coffee, enjoy a light lunch or an afternoon refreshment, it’s the perfect spot to refuel during your trip to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
Tips for enjoying Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Before visiting Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, we recommend planning your visit to get the most out of the experience. Whether you want to go on a tour, watch a live debate or marvel at the majestic architecture, ensure you book tickets in advance where necessary. Since this is a government building, photography, videography and mobile phone use are restricted in some areas, so be mindful of this during your visit.
Things to do near Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
If you want to tick off more of London’s most iconic landmarks, Buckingham Palace is a 20-minute walk away, while the Tower of London is a 23-minute tube ride – take the District or Circle line eastbound from Westminster to Tower Hill.
Food and drinks
Whether you want to grab a morning coffee, some light lunch, an afternoon aperitivo or a delicious dinner, there are plenty of places to eat and drink near Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. From waterside pubs to pizza, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re travelling with a group and need options to suit every taste, head to Seven Dials Market – a 25-minute walk away – for some of the best street food in London.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament accessibility
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament offer a range of facilities, from step-free access to wheelchair hire, braille guides and accessible toilets. Learn more about accessibility on their website.
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