Houses of Parliament

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The Houses of Parliament is where the government of the UK meets, in a magnificent gothic style building which dominates the London skyline.

Also known as Westminster Palace, the Houses of Parliament have a superb position overlooking the River Thames on the South, and with Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey on the North. English Kings were historically based at Westminster and there has been a palace on the site from the 11th century onwards, rebuilt several times. The current building dates from 1840, and was designed by Charles Barry as a parliamentary palace fit for State ceremonies.

The building is home to both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and extends over 8 acres. It is a Grade 1 listed UNESCO World Heritage site, yet you can find excellent accommodation within walking distance, including a range of prestigious London holiday rentals. The palace has three main towers including the enormous four-faced clock tower which is better known as Big Ben. The Houses of Parliament are in Westminster, a popular area for London holiday rentals, and is flanked by Westminster Bridge and Lambeth Bridge.

St James’s Park and Westminster Abbey are in the vicinity, and the area is home to most central government departments, with the nearest big shops being in Victoria Street. Some London holiday rentals on the South side of the Thames look out over the building and also the famous Terrace which runs alongside the river.

Visitors to the Houses of Parliament can listen to debates for free in both the Commons and the Lords, from the public galleries when Parliament is sitting. UK citizens can arrange private tours through their MP or a Lord all year round. Tours of the building are offered during the Summer Opening from July to October. The official tour takes you to the debating chambers, the Queen’s Robing Room and many of the opulent ceremonial rooms and lobby areas. It lasts around 75 minutes and tickets are £14 for adults, and £6 for five to fifteen year olds.

The nearest Underground station is Westminster and the railway stations at Waterloo, Charing Cross and Victoria are within walking distance. The area is well served by buses and has a good choice of London holiday rentals available. If you are looking for London holiday rentals, this is the heart of the political district and very centrally located to most attractions.