Saturday and Summer Opening tours

Guided Tours of the Houses of Parliament

Visitors from the UK and overseas can buy tickets for guided tours of the Houses of Parliament that run on Saturdays throughout the year and on weekdays during the Summer Opening period. The tours are led by highly qualified and knowledgeable ‘Blue Badge’ guides and take approximately 75 minutes.

Most of what is seen on the tour was built in the mid 19th Century following a devastating fire in 1834, but the route also incorporates Westminster Hall, begun in 1097 by William Rufus, son of William the Conqueror.

The tours start by following the route taken by The Queen at the State Opening of Parliament; from The Queen’s Robing Room, through the Royal Gallery and Prince’s Chamber, into the majestic Lords Chamber.

Tours then move on through Central Lobby, Members’ Lobby and one of the voting lobbies before entering the Commons Chamber, scene of many lively debates.

Passing through St Stephen’s Hall, the tours end in 900 year old Westminster Hall, a place where many historic trials have taken place and where Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama have addressed Parliament in more recent years.

Jubilee Cafe, located next to Westminster Hall, offers a selection of light meals, and hot and cold drinks. The souvenir shop is located in Westminster Hall.

More information on guided tours of the Houses of Parliament is available in the following leaflet:

• Houses of Parliament tours leaflet (pdf 736KB)

Tours availability

Year round:

All admissions are on a timed ticket basis between 9.15 am and 4.30 pm.

English language tours run at 15 minutes intervals throughout the day.

Tours in Spanish, Italian, French, German and Russian are also available at various times.

There are no tours on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

Guided Tours plus Afternoon Tea in the Pugin Room

This popular optional add-on to selected guided tours is available on Saturday afternoons between now and 21 December 2013.

Tea can be taken in the elegant surroundings of the Pugin Room in the House of Commons; an historic room which provides fine views over the River Thames.

Afternoon tea sittings are at 2pm, 3.45pm and 5.15pm so tours generally start 1½ to 2 hours before these times. Bookings can only be made by phone at least five days in advance.

Parliament’s chefs have created a tempting array of savouries such as citrus marinated Scottish salmon with cream cheese, lemon curd and chive on a mini bagel, and free range egg mayonnaise with watercress on wholemeal bread. Sweet courses include sultana scones with strawberry jam and Devonshire clotted cream, and Valronha chocolate delice. Beverages are a selection of loose teas or freshly brewed coffee.

Vegetarian and gluten-free diets can be accommodated. Please request these when booking. Unfortunately this afternoon tea offer is not suitable for those requiring a dairy-free diet.

Ticket prices and bookings

• Adults: £16.50
• Concessions (students, over 60s and members of the armed forces): £14
• Children (5-15 years): One child free with each paying adult, but will require a ticket for admission. £7 for each additional child
• Children (under 5): Free, but will require a ticket for admission
• Disabled visitors: Standard prices as listed above (carers have free admission, but will require a ticket for admission)

• Afternoon tea in the Pugin Room: £25.00 (in addition to the guided tour ticket)

Please note that tours are not recommended for young children as there is a lot of walking.

Bookings for guided tours can be made:

• Online on the ticketmaster website
• By telephone on 0844 847 1672 (calling from the UK)
• By telephone on 44 161 425 8777 (calling from outside the UK)

Tickets for Guided Tours plus Afternoon Tea in the Pugin Room can only be made by phone and at least five days in advance.

Tickets can also be purchased in person in advance or on the day (subject to availability) from the ticket office located adjacent to the Jewel Tower, opposite the Houses of Parliament.

The ticket office is open between 8.45am and 4.45pm on tour days only. There is step-free access to the ticket office but this is over flagstones and at an angle.

Group rates and booking

Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more if booked in advance. The ticket price per person depends on the tour start time:

• 9.15am to 10am: £9
• 10.15am to 12.30pm: £13
• 1.15pm to 4.30pm: £12

• Afternoon tea in the Pugin Room: £25.00 (in addition to the guided tour ticket)

Group tickets can be booked via the group booking line on 0844 847 2498.