Houses of Parliament
Houses of Parliament is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided London audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~75 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~75 min
- London London guide
About Houses of Parliament
The seat of the UK Parliament, a spectacular neo-Gothic palace on the banks of the Thames housing the House of Commons and House of Lords.
The Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, is the political heart of the United Kingdom. The current building, a masterpiece of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, was built between 1840 and 1870 after fire destroyed most of the medieval palace in 1834.
The palace contains over 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases, and 3 miles of corridors. Westminster Hall, dating from 1097, survived the fire and is one of the finest medieval halls in Europe with its magnificent hammerbeam roof.
UK residents can watch debates from the public galleries, and guided tours during recess periods reveal the stunning interiors of the Lords and Commons chambers, decorated with elaborate mosaics, murals, and carved woodwork.
Did you know? The palace has over 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases, and 3 miles (5 km) of corridors, new MPs are famous for getting lost.
How long should you spend at Houses of Parliament?
Plan about ~75 min at Houses of Parliament. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Houses of Parliament worth visiting?
Houses of Parliament is one of the 41 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in London, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in London
Hear the story of Houses of Parliament
Preview the London tour free in the Gingerguide app.