I am always pleased to welcome constituents to Parliament as well and it is very easy to arrange a free tour of the Palace of Westminster though it helps if you can give as much notice as possible as they get heavily booked up.
Free guided tours of Parliament are available to constituents. The walking tour of the Palace of Westminster includes -
- Westminster Hall, the ancient hall at the heart of the Palace where Parliament first sat and where many historic events have taken place
- The House of Commons, including the Speaker's Chair and the famous green benches and the 'lobbies' where MPs actually vote
- The House of Lords, including the Royal Throne
- The Queen's Robing Room, Royal Gallery and many other fascinating parts of the Palace of Westminster
Please note that tours are very popular and places are limited so generally have to be booked about six months in advance. You can see what is available on the www.parliament.uk website, including the new Education Unit building which deals with school trips and debates.
Tours suspended during Elizabeth Tower refurbishment
Once essential works begin, tours of the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben will be suspended. The last tours will take place on 16 December 2016.
Essential works needed to refurbish and repair the Elizabeth Tower and Great Clock were announced in April 2016. These large scale works will take place over three years, with an anticipated start in early 2017. Tours are expected to resume once the works have been completed.
Members are still able to submit booking requests for constituents as usual for tours of the Elizabeth Tower in October, November and December 2016, following the procedure below.
For further information or to arrange a tour, please contact Kari Sargeant on 0207 219 4471, or via email [email protected].