Tactile Tours for blind and visually impaired visitors
Tactile Tours are a new addition to our tour provision. They are designed to offer a guided tour experience of Parliament for blind and visually impaired visitors.
These tours are open to UK residents and are offered free of charge.
The Tactile Tours follow a route covering Westminster Hall, Central Lobby and the chambers of both the House of Commons and House of Lords.
Visitors get the opportunity to explore various tactile objects before the tour starts. This is where visitors can arrange to be met by our friendly staff to help them get a real feel and sense of the building and its history. There will also be opportunities to explore objects and furniture on the tour route itself.
Times and availability
Tours run between 10-12 times per year, usually late on Friday afternoon, and last approximately 120 minutes.
Visitors are recommended to arrive 60 minutes prior to the start of the tour to allow time to explore the tactile objects in Westminster Hall and to visit our facilities before the start of the tour.
Booking
Due to the limited numbers on these tours we are unable to guarantee space for all applicants. Booking requests should be made using the online form below. All applications will be entered into a ballot 4 weeks before each tour date and successful applicants will be contacted to confirm their booking request. Unfortunately, group booking requests are not accepted.
Facilities
Jubilee Cafe, located next to Westminster Hall, offers a selection of refreshments, and hot and cold drinks.
There is a souvenir shop available and Parliament's Visitor Assistants will be happy to direct you there prior to the start of your tour.
Accessible toilets and public toilets are available at the nearby Westminster tube station. Within Parliament, accessible toilets are located off Westminster Hall and Central Lobby.
There are facilities available for the use of guide dogs while on the parliamentary estate.
Security
A number of simple security measures have been put in place for the safety of all our visitors. Please take note of them before and during your visit.
- Searches, similar to those used in airports, will be conducted on entry to the parliamentary estate
- Mobile phones must be turned off whilst on the tour
- Cameras cannot be used, except in Westminster Hall
Further details on security arrangements can be obtained from the Security page of the website
Contact us
If you are having difficulty accessing our online booking form, please contact us on 0207 219 4496
