Take a plunge into the living history of British democracy with this guided tour through Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. You’ll learn all about the stories of Westminster while walking through the many rooms and antechambers that forged the course of the British empire over many centuries.
highlights
highlights
- Experience the rich history of British democracy with facts and anecdotes from your expert guide
- Explore Westminster Abbey and its deep ties to the cultural ethos of Britain through the ages
- Walk in the footsteps of Churchill and Henry VIII through the most important rooms in Westminster
- Get an in-depth glimpse at the Abbey and the Palace’s remarkable history
inclusions
inclusions
- Skip-the-line entrance to Westminster Abbey
- Skip-the-line entrance to the Houses of Parliament
- Expert guide
- Fully guided tour inside Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey
- Small groups of 20 people
exclusions
exclusions
- Food and drinks
- Hotel transfers
- Gratuities
cancellation policy
cancellation policy
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
your experience
your experience
After you meet your guide at the Churchill statue in Parliament Square, you will be escorted to the skip-the-line entry into Westminster Abbey. Dating back to over a thousand years, this Gothic church has witnessed the coronations and weddings of many generations of British monarchs. During your visit, your guide will relate interesting tidbits about the Abbey, as well as explain how the British monarchy helped shape the country’s conversion to democracy.
The tour will then continue on to Westminster Palace. First, you will head to Westminster Hall, one of the finest surviving examples of medieval timber architecture in the world. You’ll get to peek into the Queen’s Robing Room, where she dons her crown and ermine cape before officially opening each session of Parliament. Next, you’ll head to the Chamber of the House of Commons, where Britain’s elected MPs debate and adjudicate on how to best handle the affairs of state. From this cradle of democratic prowess, you’ll head over to the chamber of the House of Lords, where peers who had inherited their titles used to sit. They may have lesser power than the MP’s, but their chamber is still more opulent.
Finally, you’ll head into two of the most unique rooms in the building: the Division Lobbies. In these rooms, following a tradition that dates all the way back to Ancient Rome, opposing sides gather separately before a parliamentary vote and are then counted as they leave. Walking in the footsteps of great men like Henry VIII and Winston Churchill, you will discover how history, legend, and a lot of pomp and circumstance mingle in an unparalleled manner for a slice across time.
know before you go
know before you go
Important Information
- The tour will be conducted in English
- The tour begins at 9 AM and goes on till 12:45 PM
- Photography is not permitted inside the Houses of Parliament
- Please note that for security reasons, airport-style bag searches will take place at the Houses of Parliament
- The Westminster Abbey is subject to closure during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. If this occurs during your visit, an alternative itinerary will run that includes an explanation of the Abbey from the outside
- Since the tour will cover a fair amount of ground in 4 hours, make sure to put on some comfortable shoes to walk with ease
- Unfortunately, due to stairways and limited elevator access, the tour is unable to accommodate guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers on this tour
Discounted Tickets
Ages 2-14yrs and students enjoy reduced pricing (carry a valid photo ID)
my tickets
my tickets
- Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly
- Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID to your guide
- If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification
- Kindly ensure that you arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid any delays
Meeting Point
- Meet your tour guide at Winston Churchill Statue (Parliament Square, Westminster, London SW1P 3JX, UK)
- The Big Ben can be seen directly ahead of you from your meeting point
- This point is just 5 minutes away from the Houses of Parliament
- To locate the meeting point on Google Maps, simply search for - Winston Churchill Statue
Get Directions to the Meeting Point
Getting There
By Metro
- Board metro lines Circle, District, or Jubilee
- Get off at Westminster Station, which is a 2-minute walk to the statue
By Bus
- Board buses 148 or 211
- Get off at the Westminster Station Bridge Street bus stop, which is a 2-minute walk to the statue
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ratings & reviews
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