Houses of Parliament, Westminster

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  2. Houses of Parliament, Westminster
Houses of Paliament
Detail of the Palace of Westminster
View of the Houses of Parliament from the River Thames
Houses of PaliamentDetail of the Palace of WestminsterView of the Houses of Parliament from the River Thames
Address:
London SW1A 0AA, UK, London, UK
Description:

The Houses of Parliament, or more correctly The Palace of Westminster, has been the seat for the English parliament since the 13th century. It now holds both the House of Commons and House of Lords.

History of the Palace of Westminster

The first royal palace was built here in the 11th century by Canute the Great in what used to be called Thorney Island, although none of that now stands. Westminster Hall is the oldest remaining structure, dating back to the reign of William II in 1097 when it was the largest hall in Europe.

Most of the current structure was designed by the architect Charles Barry in the 19th century in the style of the Perpendicular Gothic that was in vogue in the 14th to 16th centuries, after successive fires had damaged the existing buildings. The adjoining Big Ben Tower was designed by Augustus Pugin at the same time. It is both Grade I listed and a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Houses of Parliament at night from across Westminster Bridge
Houses of Parliament at night from across Westminster Bridge

The maze-like Palace of Westminster contains more than a thousand rooms and three miles of corridors. Perhaps most famous is the Commons Chamber, where MPs can be seen in haranguing debate.

Visiting the Houses of Parliament

Although the Houses of Parliament are currently undergoing extensive renovations, you can still visit the buildings by standing in queue, or alternatively go on one of the guided tours that can be booked here. UK residents can also write to their MP and get a seat in the viewing gallery to witness a debate. (Tours are currently suspended due to Covid).

Getting to the Houses of Parliament

Westminster Station is the nearest underground station directly opposite, while Victoria is the nearest main line station, a 10- to 15-minute walk away. The Palace of Westminster includes Big Ben.

Nearby Attractions

Across the square is Westminster Abbey. You can also use this as your starting off point for walking across Westminster Bridge and towards the London Eye and go on a London Southbank walk. Alternatively, head for St James’s Park and visit the Queen at Buckingham Palace, saying hello to the pelicans on your way.

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