London Travel Forum

Hi

When is the best time to visit the Houses of Parliament? As a UK resident, I applied to my MP last year for a free visit, but the waiting list is that long that their office said it will be this winter at the earliest before I get a visit.

I've seen that in the parliamentary summer recess you can pay to book tickets for around £12.

I wonder if anyone has visited Parliament or has any knowledge of it and could advise me as to whether I should take a summer paid-for visit, or wait until winter for my freebie. At £12 , the cost isn't that much of an issue, but I wondered about the atmosphere of Parliament in the summer recess as Parliament won't be sitting and that means also that there will be no MP's milling about which I would imagine adds to the sense of occasion for want of a better phrase.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Maria

I've been there twice - quite exciting as an American now living in England. I was lucky and knew a lord. I'd say it's a beautiful place to see summer or winter, but if there aren't too many people around, it could lose a bit of the 'special' feeling. I think it's up to you just how important it is to see MPs milling etc.

If you do the summer tour it will be guided and you will learn a great deal about the history and how parliment works etc. You will get to areas that would wouldn't get to when parliment is in session. Then again, it may be awesome to see parliment in session... but as that is free - why not do both?

I am a sucker for climbing towers. So I would try to get a timed slot for the ascent of Big Ben. Limited to UK residents and after approaching their Member or friendly Lord. http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visitingandtours/bigben.cfm

Debates in the Commons can be dismal except at the 'full house' on Wednesdays. So if possible go on a Wednesday morning and get into the public gallery.

I have done this tour a few times and every time I go I learn something new about the place. I have rarely seen MPs milling around, the odd Lord yes but not MPs. I guess they are in their offices when the house is not sitting, if they are in the commons at all. The thing that you really want to see is a tour of both houses. If the house is sitting, you won't be able to go into the chamber. For example, if you get there on a Wednesday after a certain time (it may even be all morning), you are never allowed into the Commons chamber as it is being prepared for Prime Ministers Questions. We went at 11am and only saw the Lords. If the cost is not an issue I would make sure that I see everything and pay the £12.

I am sure that you cannot book a place in the public gallery to watch debates and have to queue on spec. This is a separate entrance from the tour entrance and you see people queuing for the public gallery outside.

Thanks for these great replies. It seems that there's obviously points for and against each. Am I right in saying that you don't get a tour if it's not in the summer recess? I suppose you just walk around at your own pace - that's something big to consider. Great point by the way about climbing Big Ben and is something again that I will definitely consider. I suppose yes it would be ideal to do both - but I live in Manchester and to go to London means a night in a hotel so it's quite expensive so I must choose between the two!! Perhaps the MP's could help me with my 'expenses' hee hee!!!

Maria

Just to confirm, you must be accompanied by a tour guide at all times except in the public areas of the westminster hall and lobby area where your guide picks you up and drops off. The tour starts in Queen Victoria's dressing room then takes you into the HoLords, if you can you then go to the HoCommons but not if the house is sitting as I have experienced on a Wednesday when the tour ends before you get to the commons. Therefore you will definately have a tour of Lords and Commons if you go during recess. You may see Lords and Commons anyway but is it worth the risk? you have to decide.