The Houses of Parliament, or Palace of Westminster, is the seat of the UK Parliament located along the River Thames in London. Notable for its stunning Gothic architecture, it features the iconic Big Ben clock tower, which is a symbol of London. The building's rich history dates back to the 11th century and has been the venue for many significant events in British politics. Visitors can explore the majestic halls, meeting rooms, and landmarks within, gaining insight into the workings of the British parliamentary system. The beautiful surroundings include the nearby Westminster Abbey and the scenic views of the Thames.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.5 16,777
- Google Places 4.5 97
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Architectural Grandeur and Historical Significance The Houses of Parliament is an architectural masterpiece with stunning neo-Gothic design, rich history, and political importance, making it a must-see landmark in London.
- Convenient Amenities The Houses of Parliament offer amenities such as a cafe and gift shop, allowing visitors to relax and purchase souvenirs.
- Informative Tours Available Visitors can choose between guided or self-guided audio tours that provide a comprehensive understanding of the history, architecture, and functionality of the Palace of Westminster.
- Knowledgeable and Engaging Guides Many tours are led by passionate and knowledgeable guides who provide entertaining insights and answer questions, enhancing the overall experience.
- Opportunity to See Key Areas Tours often include access to Westminster Hall, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons, offering a surreal experience of being in the heart of British democracy.
Criticised
- Crowds and Security The area around the Houses of Parliament can be very crowded, and security checks can be time-consuming, requiring visitors to arrive well in advance.
- Expensive Souvenirs Souvenirs available at the gift shop can be quite expensive, potentially deterring visitors from purchasing them.
- Photography Restrictions Photography is prohibited in many of the most interesting parts of the tour, which can be disappointing for visitors who want to capture their experience.
- Tour Availability and Booking Tours can be booked out well in advance, requiring careful planning and booking ahead to secure a spot.
- Tour Quality Can Vary Some visitors have reported that guided tours can feel rushed or less informative compared to VIP tours, leading to an uneven experience.
The longer read
The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with many visitors describing it as a highlight of their trip to London. Its historical significance, architectural grandeur, and political importance combine to create a memorable experience. Many reviewers recommend taking a tour to fully appreciate the building's history and workings. Both guided tours and self-guided audio tours are popular, with guided tours frequently praised for knowledgeable and engaging guides like Nick, Phil, Fiona, David, Chris, Gloria and Rebecca. These guides bring the history to life with humor and anecdotes, making the experience more enjoyable and informative. The audio tours allow visitors to explore at their own pace, with options to delve deeper into areas of particular interest. Many tours begin in Westminster Hall, a 900-year-old space. Visitors get to see the House of Lords and House of Commons, and access to these chambers is a highlight for many. Note that the actual chambers often surprise visitors with their smaller size compared to how they appear on television. Photography is restricted in many areas, including the House of Lords and House of Commons. Security is thorough, so it's advisable to arrive early to allow time for checks. Some reviewers suggest booking tours well in advance due to limited availability. Several reviewers recommend booking a tour through their local MP, which sometimes includes a Q&A session. A cafe and gift shop are available on-site, although some reviewers find the souvenirs to be expensive. The building's location on the River Thames provides great photo opportunities, particularly from Westminster Bridge and the south bank. A few reviewers mention that the area can get very crowded, especially around the entrance, and suggest visiting during off-peak times or traveling by car to avoid the crowds. Some reviewers suggest upgrading to a guided tour from the multimedia tour. A few reviewers mentioned that large tour groups can sometimes feel crowded, and crackly audio equipment on some tours detracts from the experience. One reviewer recounts a negative experience with a rude security guard, which detracted from their visit. Another reviewer reported that VIP tours were more extensive and that their group was rushed.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7219 8475
- Website
- parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace/architecture/palace-s-interiors/central-lobby
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Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.5 across the 30 venues we hold for Lambeth, where the most-reviewed is London Eye.
Still deciding?
- What are the main attractions and highlights to see during a visit inside the Houses of Parliament?
- What types of tours are available for visitors to the Houses of Parliament and how can you book them?
- What is the historical importance of the Houses of Parliament in British history?
- When is the best time of year or week to visit the Houses of Parliament for fewer crowds?
- Are there any important visitor tips, security checks, or dress codes to know before visiting the Houses of Parliament?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.