The Palace of Westminster is a world heritage site and a fantastic day out, for visitors to this country and those of us who live here.
As a Member of Parliament, I can arrange for my constituents to visit the Houses of Parliament and the best thing is, it's pretty much all free!
There are many different ways you can experience Westminster:
Prime Ministers' Questions - I receive a very limited number of tickets each year, and will allocate these on a first come first served basis. Do please email me if you would like tickets.
Watch from the public gallery - I can arrange for constituents to watch proceedings in the House of Commons, House of Lords, Westminster Hall and numerous Committees. Find out more and contact me if you need further advice.
Tours of Parliament - I can arrange for you to take a guided tour, free of charge, when Parliament is sitting. These must be arranged through your Member of Parliament. I can also advise you how to visit during recess and on weekends, although there is a charge for tours at those times. Tactile Tours for blind and visually impaired visitors can also be arranged. Find out more here.
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 normally have to be booked some months in advance.
Contact the office, suggesting what dates you are able to make according to the times below and we can get in touch with the Tours Office to see what they are able to offer.
Tours start between the following times:
During parliamentary sessions
- Monday: 9.00am-12noon (full tour)
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 9.00am-9.55am (full tour)
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 10.00am-12noon (partial tour; House of Lords only)
- Thursday: no tours
- Sitting Fridays: 3.30pm-5.15pm (full tour)
- Non-Sitting Fridays: 9.30am-5.15pm (full tour)
During parliamentary recesses
- Summer recess: Monday morning 9.30am-12.30pm (except Bank Holidays)
- Short November recess: 9.30am-5.15pm
- All other recesses: Monday 9.30am-5.15pm (except Bank Holidays when an alternative day will be made available)
Democratic access tours are not available on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
School and college visits - Parliament's Education Service runs a year-round programme of school visits. I am very happy to meet with your group to hold a question and answer session as the school's MP. These visits are booked directly with the Education Service - but remember to request they get in touch with my office if you want to meet up as they don't always ask! Find out more about school and college tours.
The Parliamentary Archives - The Parliamentary Archives Search Room is open to all members of the public for research purposes from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm. You can book direct with the Archive team if you need to visit. Find out more about how to do this.
How to plan your visit ...
To make an inquiry about any or all of the above, please email me and my office will be glad to be of assistance.
I hope you get to visit and enjoy your time in Westminster!