4.9(58 reviews)
Exclusive Houses of Parliament Tour with Guided Visit & Skip-the-Line Westminster Abbey Tour
3.8 hours
Max 24 people
Commentary: Guide · en
London, United Kingdom
About this activity
An exclusive, guided experience inside the Houses of Parliament with an expert guide.
Highlights
- Discover the history and secrets behind the British monarchy
- Enjoy a fully-guided tour of the spectacular Westminster Abbey
- See Westminster Hall, the Chamber of the House of Lords and much more on this exclusive access tour
Full description
Our exclusive Houses of Parliament tour takes you into the heart of British democracy, including Westminster Abbey. Most tours only offer audio guides inside Parliament, but this experience gives you a guided visit with one of the most expert and informed guides in London. You'll hear the building's epic story as you see the rooms and antechambers that forged the British empire and continue to set its course in the 21st century.
Take an exclusive look inside the Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament only open for tours on limited days, and even then, most groups go with only an audio guide. You, on the other hand, will enjoy this exclusive Houses of Parliament tour with a small group and an expert guide whose stories and commentary will enrich the experience immeasurably.
The Houses of Parliament only open for tours on limited days, and even then, most groups go with only an audio guide. You, on the other hand, will enjoy this exclusive Houses of Parliament tour with a small group and an expert guide whose stories and commentary will enrich the experience immeasurably.
You'll start the day with a Westminster Abbey tour to see the church that has been the spiritual heart of England for hundreds of years. As you admire the jaw-dropping, gothic nave, your guide will point out the history and symbolism that are hidden in every corner. There are national heroes, like Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton buried in the crypts, stories of Royal Weddings floating around the altar, traditions, strange lore, and semi-secret societies hiding in every work of art. The history of the UK and its rulers is intimately linked to this building, so seeing it without the crowds is a real treat.
Next, you'll head across the street to begin your London Parliament tour in the oldest part of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Hall. This ancient meeting place has been hosting political functions for nearly 1,000 years and still retains its original Medieval architecture. As you stand beneath the titanic timbers of the hammerbeam roof, your guide will introduce you to the history of the building, which has survived all manner of fire, upheaval, and even a Medieval terrorist plot. You'll also learn about Parliament's relationship with the monarchy as you peek into the antechamber in which the King dons his crown and ermine-trimmed cape before he opens the new sessions each year.
You'll also step into the Chamber of the House of Lords, the unelected Upper House, and one of the most impressive rooms in the palace. Membership used to be an entitlement of all hereditary peers, but these days there are only about 90 people who have inherited their titles and all the others are appointed experts in their fields. Your guide will tell you how and why this system changed, as well as the difficulties of modernizing a thoroughly ancient institution.
You won't just see the most famous rooms; we'll also show you around areas that even TV cameras don't visit, like the Division Lobbies, where the politicians divide themselves before a vote based on an old Roman tradition.
We couldn't leave without visiting the Chamber of the House of Commons, where Britain's elected Members of Parliament debate and vote on the laws that shape the country. This is the engine room of British democracy and one of the most exciting spots on your Houses of Parliament tour. The stories that have come from this place - from the abolition of slavery in Britain, to the decisions that drove the Brexit referendum, will make your hair stand on end. As an interesting twist, this is the one place on the British Isles that the King isn't allowed to enter, though the reason why might surprise you.
With each step you take on your Houses of Parliament tour you are moving through the living history of a building that has shaped world history for hundreds of years. There is simply no better way to soak up every bit of its history and mystique than by going with an expert guide whose stories and anecdotes will immerse you in the vibrant and tumultuous story of British politics.
Sites Visited
Sites Visited
- Westminster Abbey
- Houses of Parliament
- Westminster Hall
- Chamber of the House of Commons
- Chamber of the House of Lords
- Various anterooms dedicated to British statecraft
Included / Excluded
- Local English-speaking guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Ticket for Westminster Abbey
- Ticket for Houses of Parliament
- Headset
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Gratuities
Meeting point
Start Location
Parliament Square, London, GB
Parliament Square (Sir Winston Churchill Statue) Meet at the statue of Churchill on the northeast corner. Churchill is located closest to the intersection of Great George Street and Parliament Square.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair accessible/mobility friendly. Those with wheelchairs and mobility issues should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to London government guidelines for the most up to date information
Know before you go
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- All guests must pass through security.
- Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair accessible/mobility friendly. Those with wheelchairs and mobility issues should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to London government guidelines for the most up to date information
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.