Behind the Scenes Parliament Tour Fully Guided Tour at Closing Time

Highlights

• Discover the rich history of the British Parliament in this exclusive tour at closing time.

Discover the Houses of Parliament with a behind the scenes Parliament tour

A behind the scenes Parliament tour is the only way for you to explore a significant historical monument like this. The Palace of Westminster, also called the Houses of Parliament, is the seat of the bicameral Parliament in the UK. This includes the House of Lords and the House of Commons. During the mid 11th century, Kind Edward the Confessor moved his court to the Palace. A parliament was formed in 1265 with two houses – the Lords and the Commons, with only the former meeting at the Palace. In 1530, King Henry VIII moved his court to Whitehall Palace after which, around 1547, the House of Commons moved here too. This confirmed the Palace as the central seat of the government.

A competition to create a new construction for the Parliament was organised after a destructive fire incident damaged the buildings in 1834. Out of ninety-seven entries, a design by Sir Charles Barry and Welby Pugin was selected. What you are visiting today is the result of a complex work that took over thirty years to complete.

Explore renowned rooms of the Palace of Westminster

Your behind the scenes Parliament tour begins at Westminster Hall, one of the grandest and the oldest part of the Palace. Catch up with a small group of 20 people and make your way to the Royal staircase with your tour guide. Follow the customary route taken by the Queen for the Parliament’s annual State Opening. You will access the famous rooms of the building, which includes the Queen’s Robing Room, Royal Gallery, and the Prince’s Chamber. Attractions for you to marvel at fill every room.

In the Robing Room, her Majesty dons her ermine cape and crown before the Parliamentary sessions.

The Royal Gallery, originally the Victoria Gallery, is the largest room in the Palace. It hosts special ceremonies, dinners and state receptions. Soak in the beautiful decorations and paintings that fill this massive room.

Decorated with drawings of historical events and people, the Prince’s Chamber holds awe-inspiring portraits of the Tudor period by Richard Burchett and his students.

Lords and Commons

Next on your behind the scenes Parliament tour is a visit to the House of Commons. This is where arguments are settled, and different perspectives clash. The Members of the Parliament make important decisions about state affairs in this very chamber. Once done here, move on to the main attraction of this tour – the glorious Chamber of the House of Lords. You will thoroughly enjoy it here because this room is almost empty at this hour. Stand next to the throne only sat on by the Queen during the State Opening, and admire the view. While you do so, discover the history of the House of Lords and the significance it holds. This behind the scenes tour is a lifetime experience.

Additional

• How to get to the Houses of Parliament

  Meet your tour guide at Winston Churchill Statue (Parliament Square, Westminster, London SW1P 3JX, UK). Big Ben can be seen directly ahead of you. Please ensure you arrive fifteen minutes before the start time of your tour.

  By London Underground: Take the Circle, District, or Jubilee lines to Westminster Station.

  By Bus: Board buses 148 or 211 and alight at the Westminster Station Bridge Street bus stop.

• Getting your tickets

  You will receive your tickets via email shortly after booking. Please display them on your mobile device along with valid photo ID.

• Additional Information

  Photography is not permitted inside the Houses of Parliament. Please note that for security reasons, bag searches will take place at the beginning of the tour.

• Cancellation Policy

  Tickets cannot be cancelled, amended or rescheduled.