London Weekend Break

The Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament)

Possibly London's single most recognisable landmark, the Palace of Westminster, more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament, features the Big Ben clock and bell tower along with approximately twelve hundred rooms, one hundred separate staircases and nearly two miles of corridors and passageways.

Over the years the building has served as a royal residence and it is used for civic ceremonies as well as its parliamentary duties.

The first palace appeared in the eleventh century and its importance as the monarch's residence continued for several hundred years.

In 1547 the Palace of Westminster became the seat of the House of Commons and it remains so to this day. The House of Lords occupy another of the building's chambers.

More about the Houses of Parliament below.

The Palace of Westminster today

The building that we recognise today as the "Houses of Parliament" was built in the late nineteenth century following a fire which destroyed much of the previous structure.

Further damage was also caused during the Second World War when German bomber planes destroyed the House of Commons Chamber in 1941.

Since that time the building has remained relatively unchanged, but it is the constant beneficiary of maintenance and ongoing refurbishment which notably saw its dirty facade power cleaned some years ago.

Admittance to the Palace of Westminster

Public admittance to the Houses of Parliament is via St. Stephen's entrance in Old Palace Yard.

Anyone wishing to see a session of parliament should obtain tickets some weeks (or months) in advance and oversees visitors need to check on additional security measures that may affect their access.

The nearest tube station is Westminster.

Below, some further pictures of the Palace of Westminster.