Summer Opening of the Houses of Parliament

Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster – the Houses of Parliament is one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks and this building has been the seat of political power in Britain for centuries. During summer, while parliament is in recess, the corridors of power are filled with visitors rather than politicians, who come for the annual Summer Opening of Parliament between 1 st August and 30th September.

Guided tours of this famous World Heritage Site last for around 75 minutes and visitors get the once in a lifetime opportunity to view the Queen’s Robing Room, and the Royal Gallery, sit in the House of Lords, Westminster Hall and St. Stephen’s Hall as well as gaze up at Winston Churchill’s statue, peering down at the entrance.

Visitors to the Houses of Parliament will discover over 900 years of history, from the building of Westminster Palace for Edward the Confessor in the 11 th Century to its’ rebuilding by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin following its damage in the fire of 1834. And learn of the many dramas played out in its grand halls throughout its long years at the heart of Britain’s political establishment.