tour of parliament london

Posted on 14th June 2023 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

Want to Visit the Houses of Parliament on a Tour? Here’s How…

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Planning to visit the Houses of Parliament and not sure where to start? Check out this step by step guide to the types of tours, ticket prices and what to expect before you go. 

The Houses of Parliament are more than just an iconic London landmark. They function as the heart of British power. 

Set in the Palace of Westminster, a Victorian Neo-Gothic affair on the banks of the Thames, the 1000+ rooms of the palace count among them two of the most important locations in UK politics – the House of Commons and House of Lords. 

Little wonder then that visiting the Houses of Parliament is one of the first things that people think of when visiting London. 

Who wouldn’t want to take a peek at the innards of authority, the place where decisions that shape the lives of British citizens are made on a daily basis? We certainly did for sure. 

Having taken a Houses of Parliament tour previously, we can honestly say that it is one of the most fascinating things we’ve done in London full stop. This coming from a team that spends a lot of time researching and writing about London, and who’s as reticent to give out high praise as Scrooge was to give out money before his Christmas Carol transformation. 

In other words – you should totally go. 

The difficult thing is knowing where to start. That’s why we’ve written this guide to walk you through the options for visiting with and without a tour, the different kinds of Houses of Parliament tours available, where to get tickets and what to expect when you do. 

Do I Have to Book a Tour to Visit the Houses of Parliament? 

Usually, no. But it’s best to book in advance or you risk being turned away. 

There are several ways that you can usually visit the Houses of Parliament without booking a tour – the main ones are: 

• Watch a debate or a committee

Watch Prime Minister’s Questions 

• Watch Minister’s Question Times in the House of Commons or House of Lords 
• Book onto one of Parliament’s special events or talks.

You do not have to book tickets for the first three, although it is advisable to book tickets for Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) as it is very popular and you are not guaranteed entry without a ticket. 

We will go into more detail on each of these in the section “Visiting the Houses of Parliament Without a Tour” below if you want to know more info but we thought it was worth dealing with the tours first as this is what we’ve been asked most questions about.

Choosing Which Houses of Parliament Tour to Book 

There are several different types of Houses of Parliament tour that you could go on – we’ve given you a breakdown of each of them as well as options for how to get your hands on tickets and (where relevant) lead times for each.

Houses of Parliament Guided Tour

This is a 90-minute guided tour of the Houses of Parliament for which you have to pay. 

The tours are usually held on weekdays when Parliament is not in session and most Saturdays throughout the year. They go at a slow pace, allowing you to soak in the architecture and history of the buildings. 

These tours also held in French, Spanish, German and Italian on selected dates.

Cost: £32 for adults, £16 for kids, £26 for concessions, Disabled visitors are charged as per the above but an essential companion is free. 

How to Get Tickets: For the latest information on when these tours will return, click here .

Rather take things at your own pace instead of going on a group tour but still want to explore the Palace of Westminster? You should consider an audio tour. 

The 90-minute audio tour provides a wealth of information about the buildings and the politics that happen within Parliament’s walls – in audio and video formats. 

It’s also available in a much wider range of languages than the guided tours and there are different versions for children and adults. 

Cost: £25 for adults, £9 for kids, £18.00 for concessions, under 5s free. Disabled visitors are charged as per the above but an essential companion is free. 

How to Get Tickets: Get your tickets for Parliament before they sell out here .

Private Guided Tours 

Want to explore in a private group? Book a private guided tour. 

On the face of it, the £500 fee looks pretty steep but when you consider that it covers up to 10 people for a completely tailored tour, it doesn’t actually look so bad after all.

You’ll have to enquire about this privately as you can’t book online, but the tours generally begin first thing in the morning (Monday to Wednesday) and last around 75 minutes. 

Cost: Starts from £500 per group of up to 10 people 

How to Book: For bookings of 10 people or more, contact [email protected]

How to Take a Tour of the Houses of Parliament for Free

Did you know that UK residents can visit the Houses of Parliament for Free?

Scrap that, if you’re a UK resident, you can take a Democratic Access Tour of the Houses of Parliament for Free. 

We’ve taken one of these tours and it was riveting – 75 minutes of sights and information that had every single person fixed on every word our tour guide Sean had to say. 

The locations you cover during the tour depend on what’s happening on the day  – we were lucky enough to visit both houses (we literally squeaked into the House of Lords just in time). 

The tour is informative and educational, walking you through the daily business of MPs while they’re in the houses, the procedures that govern them and showcases the highlights of the Palace of Westminster along the way. 

We cannot recommend this enough – if you’re a UK resident and capable of getting to London, do it. 

The decisions that are made here influence every aspect of your life – not in an obscure and difficult to define fashion, but directly and with significant impact. Taking the time to understand how it works is never going to be a bad idea. 

How to Get Tickets: 

You have to be a UK resident to book one of the Houses of Parliament free tours. You’ll need to book through your local MP or a Member of the House of Lords to book up to six months in advance. 

There are often last-minute Houses of Parliament tickets available (within the next seven days) – you can email Parliament to book a space on one of them, or pop into the Ticket Office in front of Portcullis House. 

More information can be found here

Behind the Scenes Houses of Parliament Guided Tour 

This tour isn’t run by Parliament itself and is significantly more expensive than the standard guided tours we included above. 

So why are we listing it? Because it’s a much more in-depth and intimate tour that allows you to really immerse yourself in the world of Parliament past and present. 

In the course of two hours, you explore sections of the Palace of Westminster – including several places that aren’t covered by the other tours. 

This is really a tour for those who want to get down to the nitty gritty of the history and architecture of the Houses of Parliament and want to do it as part of a smaller group. 

Cost: £65 Adults, £59 Children (4-12), Infants three and under are free. 

How to get Tickets: Book online on Get Your Guide

Take a Virtual Tour

Can’t make your way to Parliament right now? Don’t stress. You can take a virtual tour of the buildings online. You’ll walk your virtual self through the corridors of power. It’s not the same as being there in person, but at least you don’t have to get off the sofa. 

Cost: Absolutely free. Hurrah.

How to get Tickets: Book online here.

Visiting the Houses of Parliament Without a Tour

Now you’ve got a good grasp of the kinds of tours that you can take of the Houses of Parliament, We’re going to walk you through the ways that you can usually visit Parliament without a tour. 

It’s probably worth noting that you’re not allowed to just walk around the Palace of Westminster unguided (unless you’re doing an audio tour), so if you want to look around the buildings and learn about their history, a guided or audio tour are the only ways to do it. 

Watch a Debate or Committee 

MPs in the House of Commons and Peers in the House of Lords debate issues and proposed legislation on a daily basis – all of which anyone is able to view from the public galleries of the respective houses. 

In addition to this, both houses also hold committee meetings examine issues in detail on subjects large and small – all of which are open to the public. 

Though the waiting times vary dependent on the popularity / contentiousness of the subject, you are normally able to just turn up and hop into the queue for both debates and committee meetings.

The visitor attendants can give you a good idea of how long you can expect to wait when you arrive. 

How to Get Tickets: Not ticketed, just turn up and queue . 

Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) happens every Wednesday at 12pm when Parliament is in session.

Even before the explosive events of the past few years, PMQs has always been the most popular event at Parliament, which is why it’s a ticketed event. 

How to Get Tickets: Contact your local MP to request a ticket. If you’re not a UK resident or you haven’t booked a ticket in advance you can turn up on the day and try your luck but the pool of seats available is small. Not currently running but keep your eyes peeled on the website.

Watch Minister’s Question Time

This happens in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords – generally at the beginning of the day Monday to Thursday and you can go and watch it from the public galleries of the respective houses. 

Cost: Free 

How to Get Tickets: You can contact your local MP to request a ticket or turn up on the day. Minister’s Question Time can be popular, but it’s generally OK to turn up on the day. Not currently running but check the website for updates.

Book a Special Event or Talk

There’s so much going on at Parliament – they really take their role of educating the public about aspects of life in Parliament, the history of the buildings and issues we face as a country.

The only problem is… only a select number of people know about them, buried as they are in an obscure section of Parliament’s website. 

Now,  you know that we’re full-on geeky (we’ve learnt to embrace it), but the subject range is fascinating. These are the kinds of talks that if you put them on TED Talks millions of people would be watching them, but when it’s Parliament… they’re hardly the talk of the town.

Don’t get us wrong – they still sell out but when’s the last time you saw them on a list of interesting things to do in London this week. It’s a shame – we want to thoroughly encourage you to go and check out the calendar and book onto any that interest you. 

At the moment, these talks are all virtual. Current ones on the calendar include The Elizabeth Tower’s Conservation and How UK Parliament Works – a great place to start if you’re looking to learn more about Parliament.

Cost: Varies – most are free

How to Get Tickets: Check the Calendar of Upcoming Events and book tickets (mostly free) online.

Houses of Parliament and the Palace of Westminster: Frequently Asked Questions

They actually refer to the same place. The Palace of Westminster, where the Houses of Parliament are based today, actually used to be a royal palace: Henry VIII was the last monarch to use it as such.  These days, it’s no longer a royal palace and serves as a meeting place for the House of Commons and House of Lords, together: the Houses of Parliament.

Yes, you can go into the Houses of Parliament – either on a tour, to go and see a debate or committee, to watch Prime Minister’s Questions or Minister’s Questions, to attend a talk or event or to go and petition your MP.  You can’t, however, just walk around and see the inside of the Palace of Westminster unguided. 

Yes, you can visit the Houses of Parliament for free by going to watch a debate, Prime Minister’s Questions or Ministers Questions in the appropriate house. You can also book a spot on one of the free Democratic Access Tours run by Parliament on a frequent basis. 

It depends on which tour you book. The free tours of the Houses of Parliament are around 75 minutes while the paid guided tours last for 90 minutes. They also recommend allowing at least 90 minutes for the self-guided audio tour. 

No, there is no formal dress code for visiting Parliament… but it is illegal to enter Parliament wearing a suit of armour, just in case you were thinking of doing that. 

You can take photos in Westminster Hall and St Stephen’s Hall in the Houses of Parliament if you’re visiting but no, you can’t take photos in the rest of the Palace of Westminster.

Yes, the buildings are old but they’ve been updated to make them accessible to everyone. From ramps to information in sign language and tours specially tailored to people that need a little more help than others, it’s all there for you.  What’s more, for the tours and such, essential companions can go free. 

You can find more information about parliament’s accessibility here

Yes, you can! Parliament’s Jubilee Cafe is open from 9:00am to 5:45pm Monday to Wednesday and 10:00am to 5:45pm Thursday to Saturday. They do a selection of refreshments, sandwiches and such in case you’re peckish.  Alternatively check out our guide to Westminster for some good food nearby.

Unlikely, but possible. Obviously whoever the Tories have chosen as our leader for the month that you happen to visit will be present at PMQs – if you can get a ticket to that – but most of the time they will be working from No. 10, around the corner – or off in a foreign country doing important diplomatic work. 

Map of the Houses of Parliament, London 

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How To Visit the U.K. Parliament in 2024: Tickets, Hours, and Tours

Eddie Saint-Jean Last Updated: April 30, 2024

The U.K. Parliament in London has a fascinating history dating back to 1215 when disgruntled barons made King John sign the Magna Carta making him subject to the rule of law. This paved the way for the beginnings of Parliament in 1265 under Simon De Montfort. Getting into the Houses of Parliament is not straightforward, so we’ve put together this guide to help you plan. Here’s how to visit the U.K. Parliament.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  guide to London  for more planning resources, our  top London tours  for a memorable trip, and the  top things to do in London .

Visiting the U.K. Parliament: What We’ll Cover

The U.K. Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, has a long history with many interesting traditions that are still maintained today. The popular Guy Fawkes Day originates from events that took place here in 1605 when the Catholic zealot Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

While it is possible to visit the Houses of Parliament, you cannot simply walk in and wander around due to strict security. In this guide, discover what you need to know to visit the U.K. Parliament. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Opening hours and tickets
• How much time to budget for your visit
• What to see at the U.K. Parliament
• Facts and history of the U.K. Parliament
• Places to eat nearby

U.K. Parliament Opening Hours and Tickets

Despite its high-profile politicians and tight security, visitors are allowed inside Parliament for specific purposes: guided tours, certainly, as well as Committee Room events, parliamentary debates, or Prime Minister’s Questions. But its high security means you cannot just wander around unguided or without a specific invite or ticket.

Opening Hours:

The U.K. Parliament or Palace of Westminster is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

You have a choice of guided tours and multimedia tours. Multimedia tours allow you up to 90 minutes inside Parliament buildings using their audio guides. The guided tours last 75 minutes. All tours mostly take place on weekdays and Saturdays.

There are 3 tours you can pick from:

Speaker’s House Tour

If you’re curious about the role of the Speaker of the House, the highest authority of the House of Commons, , this tour is for you. . You’ll have the opportunity to visit the State Apartments of Speaker’s House, where official business is conducted and the Speaker resides.

Ticket Prices: The Speaker’s House Tour costs £20 for Adults, while Young Adults (16 – 18 years old) pay £12. Concessions (Over-6os, students, and U.K. Armed Forces) are £12.

Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Palace of Westminster

Ideal for independent explorers, this tour offers a self-paced experience. With the multimedia device as your guide, you’ll navigate renowned areas like medieval Westminster Hall, the renowned House of Commons Chamber, majestic House of Lords Chamber, and other iconic spaces.

Ticket Prices: Adults £26 (£28 on the day), Young adults (16-24) £19 (£21 on the day), Children (5-15) free (£9* on the day), Concessions (UK Armed Forces) £19 (£21 on the day), and free tickets available for visitors with disabilities and their essential companions

Guided Tours of the Palace of Westminster

Explore the rich history and function of the UK Parliament with an expert guide. You’ll explore the House of Commons, House of Lords, and Westminster Hall and learn about the captivating history, art, and architecture, as well as gaining insights into the current workings of the Houses of Commons and Lords.

Ticket Prices: The guided tour costs £33 for adults (£35 on the day), £27 (£29 on the day) for young adults (16-24), £17 (£19 on the day) for children. Concessions (UK Armed Forces) £27 (£29 on the day), and visitors with a disability can book a free ticket for their essential companion.

Also, access is more likely during Easter, summer, and Christmas, when Parliament is not in session. Still, visits are allowed at selected times even when Parliament is in session. You can book time slots for either multimedia or guided tours as long as they are between 9 am and 4:15 pm.

Contact the ticket offices at Portcullis House, Victoria Embankment for further information on guided tours in French, Spanish, Italian, and German, all of which are available on selected dates. 

Visits Without Tours:

There are three options. Firstly, you can watch the Prime Minister’s Questions or Minister’s Questions without a guide. These take place in the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Secondly, you can see a parliamentary debate or a committee at work. Thirdly, there are parliamentary talks, events, petitions, and Private Members’ Bills where visitors are permitted.

Address: Palace of Westminster

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How Long To Spend at the U.K. Parliament

Short answer: 75 minutes for a guided tour; 90 minutes for the multimedia tour.

Your tour includes visits to the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and Westminster Hall. This talk covers the history of the building, the creation of Parliament, and the democratic and legislative processes within Parliament today. Since both tours are for set times, you’re unlikely to run over.

However, if you’re attending a separate ticketed parliamentary event, it all depends on the times for the event itself.

What To See in and Near the U.K. Parliament 

• Commons Chamber: Prime Minister’s Question Time, Parliamentary debates
• The Lords Chamber: Question Time, Debates, and Legislation Work
• The House of Lords Committee Rooms: Select Committee work
• The Parliamentary Archives 
• The Churchill Arch
• Statues in the Palace
• The Speaker’s Chair
• The Royal Gallery
• Central Lobby
• The Cloisters
• Parliament Square (includes statues of Nelson Mandela, Ghandi, and Winston Churchill)
• Auguste Rodin’s sculpture The Burghers of Calais (in Victoria Tower Gardens, next to Parliament)

Facts and History of the U.K. Parliament

• The Houses of Parliament are also known as the Palace of Westminster. 
• Westminster Hall was built in 1097 by William II, son of William the Conqueror. It was the biggest and grandest hall in Europe at that time. It’s the oldest building in the Houses of Parliament.
• The first English Parliament was held in 1265, when French nobleman Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, led a group of rebellious barons seeking representational democracy and the curbing of Henry III’s absolute power. 
• The medieval parliament burned down in 1834. The fire destroyed most of the Palace of Westminster. 
• Oliver Cromwell was sworn in as Lord Protector in Westminster Hall. He was anti-royal but was sworn in wearing regal-looking robes. 
• In 1605, a zealot Catholic called Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament. He was caught in the House of Lords basement with barrels of gunpowder.
• The Queen is banned from the House of Commons. This convention was introduced in 1642 after King Charles I entered the Commons with soldiers to try and arrest five MPs for treason.
• A parliamentary official with the title Black Rod has the Commons door ceremoniously slammed in his face before the Queen’s Speech. After this ritual, he bangs on the door three times with his rod. This traditional act occurs when he summons MPs from the Commons Chambers to hear the Queen’s Speech. The slamming of the door represents the independence of the Commons.

Places To Eat Nearby

There’s a café in the Palace of Westminster. But you’re just as likely to find healthy, filling snacks and meals—and perhaps rub shoulders with politicians—in the nearby cafés and restaurants. For more options, check out the full list of best restaurants nearby .

Jubilee Café : £££ | Coffee Shop —This café in Westminster Hall has a selection of snacks, paninis, and sandwiches, plus pastries, sweets, and cakes. The quaint English Jubilee cream tea is a visitor favourite, but there’s also barista coffee and other beverages.

Riverside Café : ££ | River Views —This is a short but soul-lifting walk through parklands known as Victory Tower Gardens, and then over Lambeth Bridge. The café has the best views of Parliament and the Thames river compared to other eateries in the area. It serves a full English Breakfast, of course, as well as pizza, burgers, baguettes, salads, and hot and cold beverages.

The Cinnamon Club : £££+ | Former Victorian Library —There’s an elegant and exclusive atmosphere to this classy Indian restaurant. The curry, seafood, and soup dishes have a gourmet touch. Traditional English game such as venison is served in an artisanal Indian culinary style. There are a few menu surprises, too, like snake!

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Fat Tire Tours Approved

Fully-Guided Houses of Parliament Tour with Special Access & No Wait Westminster Abbey Tour

Approximately 3.75 hours

From  €156

Step into the heart of the British democracy with the only fully-guided visit through Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Only a handful of London tour guides are allowed to lead Parliament tours, so you’re extremely fortunate to have one just for your group on this all-access visit inside London’s most exclusive building. Visiting only on Saturdays, you’ll be able to visit the House of Commons, as well as many of the other beautiful halls and chambers in which the laws of Great Britain are decided.

Your day begins with first entry into Westminster Abbey, the most serene time to see Britain’s most cherished church. With roots dating back over 1,000 years, this Gothic masterpiece is the traditional coronation site and burial ground of kings and queens, along with national heroes like Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and William Wilberforce. In more recent history, Wesminster Abbey hosted the somber funeral of Princess Diana, and happier events such as the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Then it’s on to Parliament. The tour begins in the oldest part, Westminster Hall, which has been hosting state functions for nearly 1,000 years and is one of the finest surviving examples of medieval timber architecture in the world. You’ll peek into the room where the King dons his crown and ermine-trimmed cape before he officially opens the sessions of each new parliament. Inside, you’ll learn how people become peers based on their expertise in fields like sports, medicine, and technology. After learning some of the highlights of the building’s history, you’ll head into two of the most unique rooms in the building: the Division Lobbies. It’s in these rooms that, according to a tradition that dates back to Ancient Rome, opposing sides gather before a parliamentary vote, the ‘Ayes’ in one room, the ‘Noes’ in another. As you stroll these halls, you are walking in the footsteps of men like Henry VIII and Winston Churchill.

History, legend, lore, and a lot of pomp and circumstance mix and mingle as you take in nearly 1,000 years of history from one of the most knowledgeable expert guides in London.

Tour Details

What’s included.

• Skip the Line entrance to Westminster Abbey
• Guided tour inside Westminster Abbey
• Exclusive entrance to Houses of Parliament
• Guided tour inside Houses of Parliament

Good to Know

• Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
• Our tours run rain or shine. We encourage guests to consult the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
• The meeting time is 15 minutes before tour departure time. We do not have the luxury of waiting for guests, or catching them up after the fact.
• There is a security checkpoint prior to entering Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
• Photographs are not permitted inside Westminster Abbey nor the Houses of Parliament.

Please note that the Westminster Abbey is subject to closure during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. If this occurs during your visit, we will run an alternative itinerary that includes and explanation of the Abbey from the outside.

• 1 Expert tour guide
• 2 Skip the Line access to Westminster Abbey
• 3 Interior tour of Houses of Parliament
• 5 River Thames
• 6 Parliament Square

Meeting Point

This tour meets at the Winston Churchill statue, Parliament Square, Westminster, London, SW1P 3JX. Please note that there are several statues within Parliament Square. The Churchill statue is the largest and located on the north east corner of the square, closest to Big Ben. The name ‘CHURCHILL’ is written on the stone base of the statue.

The closest underground station is Westminster (Jubilee, Circle, and District lines).

Frequently Asked Questions

General tour questions, what is your cancellation policy.

Activities including tickets or special entrances, such as this one, may only be rescheduled for free up to 72 hours in advance. These activities are also only refundable more than 72 hours in advance of the activity start time. Within 72 hours, we will only be able to issue a partial refund or future credit.

*See restrictions here

Where is the meeting point?

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. We do not have the luxury of waiting for guests, or catching them up after the fact.

Are reservations required?

Yes, reservations are required for all tours.

Do we go inside the museums and monuments?

Yes, this tour enters both Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Your tour includes a fully expert guided tour of the exterior and interior of both of these buildings.

Is this tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers on this tour. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Other Questions

What does 'fat tire tours approved' mean.

We’ve been perfecting our tours since 1999, and we are always looking for new ways to improve our tour menu for our guests. We are committed to expanding the activities offered during your stay to make for an unforgettable experience. So for all of the experiences that we aren’t able to deliver on our own, we’ve hand-selected the best local providers to offer a wide-range of unique and fun activities for our guests.

With anything Fat Tire Tours Approved, you still receive our spectacular customer service ready to assist you in any way we can, 24/7, as well as the guarantee that we have hand selected the best possible partners to supplement our tour menu.

What is your weather policy?

All tours run rain or shine.

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Visit The Houses of Parliament

This post is about how to take a tour of the Houses of Parliament, as well as attend public debates. It covers security, dress codes, and other important tips.

And be sure to take one of our walking tours that cover the palace.

• Where is the Palace of Westminster?
• Public Tours
• Attending Public Debates
• Security and Dress Code
• Things to Do in London
• Other Royal Palaces
• Big Ben Tours

HOW TO GET TO THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Be sure to check out our tour of Westminster and read how to get into Westminster Abbey for free .

The Houses of Parliament is located entirely within the Palace of Westminster, in the City of Westminster on the western bank of the River Thames.

We recommend using this Google map for directions to the palace from anywhere in London.

Due to its central location, it is within walking distance to many popular London attractions (see green circles above).

The closest Underground station is Westminster, which is served by the Jubilee, Circle and District lines.

It is also near the Embankment station, which is also serviced by the Bakerloo and Northern lines.

Be sure to read our post on navigating the London Underground and choosing the right travel pass .

If you are considering using one of the hop-on-hop-off buses while you are in London, note that all have stops at the Palace of Westminster.

We have a post that compares all of the various bus tour options in London.

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT TOUR

One of the ways is to take a paid guided tour offered through the Houses of Parliament.

Reviews for this tour are mostly favorable, with an average of  4.5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor.

Some guests say that without a guided tour, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information that is on display. Many people note that the guides are very friendly and easy to understand.

Here is the information you need to know to plan your visit:

• You can pre-book tickets online or purchase them on the same day from the Ticket Office in front of Portcullis House on Victoria Embankment. The Ticket Office is open on Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturday from 8.45 am to 4.45 pm.
• Guided tours run Saturdays until 28 September 2024 and also on few select dates in May and June 2024.
• Guided tours in English start every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day between 10:15 am and 3:45 pm.
• Guided tours in French, German, Italian, and Spanish are offered every tour day but at set times.
• Tours run about 1 hour and 30 minutes

Guided Tour Prices -

• Adults: £32
• Concessions (over 60s, students, members of the UK Armed Forces): £26
• Children (5-15 years): £16
• Children (under 5): Free, but will require a ticket for admission. ( Note : This tour is not recommended for young children due to the length of the tour and the amount of walking)
• Disabled visitors: Standard prices as listed above (escorts have free entry but will require a ticket for admission)
• Note: Residents of the UK can visit for free by writing to your MP to request a free tour which will be delivered by an ‘in-house’ Parliament guide.

For any other information visit the official  guided tour page for more information .

In addition to the guided tour provided by the Houses of Parliament, this company also offers exclusive access to the site on two separate tours.

Their main outing includes a tour of both the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, allowing you to see and learn about both landmarks at the same time with special access to each.

Alternatively, you may also want to consider their after-hours Houses of Parliament tour which makes it easy to avoid the crowds.

Houses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey Tour ( affiliate disclosure )

Note: The tour is currently unavailable as of March 2024.

• £89/Adults, Students | £84/Children
• Duration: 3 ½ – 4 hours
• Hours: 9 am, 1:30 pm
• Includes Westminster Abbey admission.
• Includes Houses of Parliament admission.

Behind the Scenes After Hours Parliament Tour ( affiliate disclosure )

• £59/Adults, Students | £55/Children
• Duration: 2 hours
• Hours: 4 pm
• Includes after-hours Houses of Parliament admission.
• Includes tour of the House of Commons.
• Includes tour of the House of Lords.

Reviews for Take Walks are generally very positive, with most customers indicating they offer top-of-the-line tours.

Many guests feel that their guides are very knowledgeable and friendly, willing to answer any and all questions you may have.

Self-Guided Audio Tours

After years of offering guided tours of the palace, there is now an  audio tour available to the public .

Guests are provided with headphones and guided along the line route whilst listening to the history and current politics of the Houses of Parliament.

Important figures in Parliament help provide some of the commentaries on the audio guide so guests will get to listen to people such as Black Rod and the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Reviews on TripAdvisor indicate that these self-guided audio tours are pretty darn good.

Guests who enjoyed this tour suggest that it is the best option for those who wish to experience the Houses of Parliament at their own pace which is nice if you’re hoping to take your time.

• Audio tours follow the same schedule as the guided tours above.
• Audio tours last 75 minutes and are available in many languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin and Brazilian Portuguese, and Welsh.
• There is also a separate audio guide aimed at children aged 7 - 12.

Audio Guide Tour Prices

• Adults: £25
• Concessions (over 60s, students, members of the UK Armed Forces): £18
• Children (5-15 years): One child is free with each paying adult, but will require a ticket for admission, £8 for each additional child
• Children (under 5): Free, but will require a ticket for admission
• Click  here to book your tour of the Houses of Parliament!

If you can't make it to Parliament for a tour, then view the video clips below.

They cover tours of the House of Commons, and the House of Lords as well as parts of the Palace of Westminster, such as Westminster Hall.

Visit the Public Galleries for the Houses of Common and Lords For Free

For visitors who are interested in witnessing the world's oldest democratic body in action without the cost of a public tour, it is possible to do so by sitting in one or both of the public galleries.

All the legislative work of the Houses of Parliament takes place in either the House of Commons or the House of Lords - and both of these chambers have sections that are open to the public.

Video tour of the House of Commons.  Click here for a tour of the House of Lords .

The House of Commons Public Gallery is located behind bullet-proof glass and visitors are escorted up the back stairs of the House of Commons to sit on the balcony and observe the debates.

The House of Lords Public Gallery is also up a set of back stairs but this Gallery has no glass which means guests are actually sitting on a balcony inside the House of Lords itself.

Throughout both chambers, there are microphones built into the benches to bring the sound of the MPs and Lords working into the Galleries.

Sitting in the Galleries of both the Commons and the Lords is entirely free. In fact, taking in the debates is #3 on our list of top 10 free things to do in London .

Access is only accessible when either House is in session.

When Parliament is not sitting, the Galleries are closed to the public and whenever Parliament is in session (even as late as 11:00 pm) guests are allowed inside.

Occasionally you may find that there is a queue to get in, and visitors are put into a first-come-first-serve system inside the Palace.

This is particularly true for Wednesday mornings when the Prime Minister addresses the House of Commons.

Visitor access to the galleries, while the Prime Minister is speaking, is limited to ticket holders only, who obtain their tickets by contacting their Member of Parliament.

For this reason, it's advisable for most to avoid visiting the galleries at this time.

To gain access, go to the main entrance at Cromwell Green (see map link and the image below) and speak to the Visitor Assistants (wearing gold and blue) outside, who will let you know if the Houses are in session, what they are debating, and how long the wait may be.

To find out which days Parliament will be sitting, simply visit their website to plan your trip: www.Parliament.uk

Also note: Children under 5 are not allowed into the Public Gallery and older children can be denied access if the doorkeepers feel this necessary.

SECURITY AND DRESS CODE

The visitor entry point to the Palace of Westminster is located at 3 St. Margaret's Street ( map ), just across from St. Margaret's Church.

The closest Underground Station is Westminster, which services the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines.

Visitors coming to the Houses of Parliament - either for the tours or to attend the debates - are subject to tight security screening.

Described as "airport-style security" guests must pass through metal detectors and have all bags x-rayed and searched.

Guests will then have their photographs taken and issued a temporary pass which must be worn at all times and marks them out as visitors.

Certain items are restricted when visiting the Houses of Parliament and visitors should be aware that possession of these materials may see them prevented from entering.

In general, most lists of banned items on airplanes match with the list of banned items in Parliament. So sharp objects like scissors or blades of any sort are forbidden as are some aerosol sprays.

You can get more information on what's prohibited here.

Guests will also need to leave their belongings at the Doorkeepers before entering any of the Public Galleries as mobile phones, cameras, and any other personal effects are banned in the Galleries.

There is no dress code for the tour through the Palace of Westminster. Although we do recommend choosing inoffensive attire, you are pretty much free to wear whatever is comfortable.

Big Ben and Other Nearby Attractions

There is a lot to see in the area. We have a useful post on things to do in Westminster , but below are some of the highlights.

• Trafalgar Square
• Changing of the Guard
• Buckingham Palace
• 10 Downing Street
• Westminster Abbey
• The Churchill War Rooms
• The Horse Guards
• St. James's Palace

OUR TOURS THAT COVER THE PALACE

**Tip:   Come along on one of our  Westminster Tours !

The tour finishes at the Palace of Westminster and your guide will show you the facade of the Palace during your walk and will point you in the right direction for your visit to Parliament once the tour has finished.

On Saturdays, you can buy a ticket for a guided tour of the Palace.

During the week, your tour will finish in the perfect time for you to get a space in the Public Gallery.

Also, check out how to get into Westminster Abbey for free .

When it comes to ratings and reviews on TripAdvisor , it’s clear that a lot of guests have enjoyed our Westminster tour. Our London service rated 5 out of 5 stars.  

Reviewers mention that our guides are very friendly and informative, which is definitely an experience we strive to provide. One word keeps popping up more than any other among these reviews: historic.

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Visiting London's Houses of Parliament

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

The Parliament of the United Kingdom is one of the oldest representative assemblies in the world. Parliament consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The site of the Houses of Parliament is the Palace of Westminster, a royal palace and former residence of kings on the River Thames . Edward the Confessor had the original palace built in the 11th century.

The layout of the palace is intricate, with its existing buildings containing nearly 1,200 rooms, 100 staircases, and well more than two miles of hallways. Among the original historic buildings is Westminster Hall, now used for major public ceremonial events. The iconic Big Ben , a symbol of London, rises above the Parliament buildings. 

Getting There

Dennis K. Johnson / Getty Images

The Houses of Parliament are directly opposite the London Underground's Westminster station exit. You can't miss Big Ben as you leave the station. Use  Journey Planner  to plan your route by public transport.

Stop for Lunch or Dinner

There is a cafe inside the Houses of Parliament where you can stop once you are inside the building after your tour, but if you want to have lunch before your visit you have several convenient options. The ​Central Hall is a two-minute walk from the Houses of Parliament and has a peaceful cafe on the lower ground floor. The cafe is open daily and serves a full English breakfast, sandwiches, salads, hot lunches, and desserts, cakes. 

Another great little-known location for a cuppa is the Supreme Court, which is on the other side of Parliament Square and has a free permanent exhibition and a basement cafe worth knowing about.

Houses of Parliament Tours

David Murray / Getty Images

Tours of the Houses of Parliament last an hour and 15 minutes, and tours start every 15 minutes. You'll be in a group of about 20 people with a Blue Badge qualified guide. The tours are usually at their busiest in the afternoon so try to get there in the morning for a chance at a smaller group if you would like more opportunities to ask questions.

Tours are available every Saturday all year and during the summer recess of Parliament in August and September, when Parliament is not in session, or as the Brits say, does not sit. During the recess, you can take a tour from Monday to Saturday. There are no tours on Sunday or on bank holidays. Check the dates for the summer recess on the official website when you are making plans for a tour.

Tours include the chambers of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, plus highlights such as the Queen's Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, Central Lobby, and St. Stephen's Hall. A bit of bad news: You won't be able to take photos except in Westminster Hall.

Seeing Parliament in Action

WPA Pool / Getty Images Europe

If you just want to turn up and go to the public galleries to watch a debate and maybe history being made, you can simply join the public queue outside St. Stephen's Entrance, but there is usually a one- or two-hour wait in the afternoons. To keep your waiting time down, it's best to arrive at 1 p.m. or later. The House of Commons Information Office can let you know in advance what is to be debated on specific days in the House of Commons. The public gallery is open when the House is sitting (​check the website for official times).

You can also sit in the public gallery and watch the House of Lords, which usually has a shorter waiting time.

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Top Sight Tours Group

London’s Amazing Palaces & Parliament Walking Tour

Westminster tours.

This 3 hour Westminster tour is all about the British Royal Family & London’s most amazing area. 

Sights we will see on this Westminster walking tour include :

4 Royal Palaces (Buckingham Palace, Whitehall Palace, St James Palace & Westminster Palace) Westminster Abbey. The mounted soldiers at Horse Guard Parade (The Queens bodyguard!) & many many more

We start in Green Park and head to Buckingham Palace where we will witness the Changing of the Guard Ceremony! You will get some great photos of the Palace & The Guards

After this impressive ritual we then walk through the main streets of Westminster, passing amazing buildings, statues & sights

Along the way we will share with you fun information & funny stories about the area, its heroes, the buildings we see, the British Monarchy and many more facts. Its a great interactive tour for everyone

We end at Parliament Square which is surrounded by Whitehall Palace, The Houses of Parliament (Westminster Palace & Big Ben) & Westminster Abbey

NOTE: Changing of the Guard will take place daily in June & July, otherwise only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. 10am tour only.

15+ sights in a 3 hour Westminster guided tour with a friendly local guide.

Know before you go

What’s included:

• Fun local guide!
• 15+ Top sights of London
• Small Tour Group Size (10 – 15 guests per group)

Please bring with you

• An umbrella if its raining
• Comfy Shoes
• Drinks & Snacks
• Camera (for all the photos you’ll be taking!)

Where we meet

We meet outside the Ritz Hotel (W1J 9BR). Next to two red telephone boxes. Nearest underground station is Green Park.

Once you have booked, we will send you a confirmation email with all the details of how, where, and who to meet on the day of your tour.

Tour Highlights

Westminster tour sights include:

• Buckingham Palace
• Queen Victoria Fountain
• St James Park
• Changing of the Guard ceremony
• Admiralty Arch
• Downing Street
• Westminster Abbey
• Houses of Parliament (Westminster Palace)
• Trafalgar Square
• Nelson Column
• Parliament Square
• Horse Guards Museum
• Churchill’s WW2 Bunker

For a Private Westminster Tour Click here .

Private London Tours of the Top 30 attractions in London. Click here

Fancy a London Food tour ? Click here

Want Southbank Tours? (London Bridge area) Click here

For more London Tours : Click here

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London & Paris

About this tour.

From cosmopolitan London to romantic Paris, cross the English Channel via train and take in the best of these iconic cities. Take a walking tour to Westminster to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Personalize your stay in Paris by choosing to savor a thrilling dinner and cabaret show at the Paradis Latin theatre or indulge in a traditional brasserie dinner before sliding into the backseat of a retro Citroën classic car for a drive through the city’s chic boulevards. Dine at the Eiffel Tower and cruise the River Seine at night.

Your Tour Includes

• 2 Handpicked Accommodations
• 4 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Buckingham Palace
• Covent Garden
• Eurostar Train

Your Tour at a Glance

7 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

$1,399.00 pp

Optional Excursions

Starting at $65.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Embark on a tour of London with a local expert.

Cross the English Channel aboard the Eurostar Train.

Cultural Experiences:

Take advantage of a full day of leisure in both London and Paris.

• Cruise along the Seine against a backdrop of Paris' glittering skyline.

Discover London on a walking tour to Westminster and see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Culinary Inclusions:

Enjoy London’s culinary renaissance at a dinner featuring contemporary British cuisine.

Savor an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, featuring delicious cuisine and breathtaking views.

• Choices on Tour
• Arc de Triomphe
• Eiffel Tower Dinner
• Seine River Cruise

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

Share This Tour

Looking to add your itinerary for friends and family? Share your Itinerary

Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Tour Extensions

• Choice On Tour

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

In Paris, you have the choice between 2 activities. Your first choice is to gain an overview of the French capital during a panoramic bus tour. With your local guide, take in the most iconic sights of Paris such as the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Place de la Concorde. OR, join a local expert on a walking tour. Travel like a Parisian as you hop on Le Métro bound for the hilltop neighborhood of Montmartre and its iconic Sacré-Cœur basilica. Explore the winding streets, home to classical painters and cultural provocateurs and learn the history of this artistic village in the heart of Paris.

In Paris, you have the choice between 2 evening activities. Your first choice is to cross into the Latin Quarter for an eventful dinner at the legendary Paradis Latin,* the city’s oldest cabaret theatre, complete with wine, champagne and a captivating show. Your second choice is to explore Paris’ culinary scene during a traditional brasserie dinner, before sliding into the backseat of a retro Citroën classic car for a drive through the city’s chic boulevards. * The Paradis Latin show features some tasteful nudity and may be considered unsuitable for children - consult your Tour Manager.

Extend your stay in London with a 2-night pre extension. A locally guided walking tour begins by on the London Underground tube before you explore along the River Thames discovering the iconic buildings of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern Gallery and Shakespeare’s, ending at the food stalls of Borough Market. An included ticket to the Tower of London lets you peek into the city’s storied past independently uncovering the secrets of this 11th-century fortress. Spend ample free time exploring the best of London.

• Overnight Flight
• You’re on your way to London, where you will arrive early and enjoy an additional 2-night stay to explore your way.
• Arrive in dynamic London, a sophisticated, historic city metropolis with a timeless style of its own. The day is yours to explore independently.
• Navigate the city with a local expert. Using your included Oyster card, hop on the famous underground Tube. Take a walking tour along the River Thames, where you will see St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tate Modern Art Gallery and Shakespeare’s Globe. End at Borough market, London’s premier Food Market, dating back over 1000 years. You will love independently strolling the small, specialty produce stalls and sumptuous street food traders. Enjoy the afternoon to further explore the city.
• See London your way today! Be sure to take advantage of your included ticket to the Tower of London to peek into the city’s storied past and uncover the secrets of this 11th-century fortress. Later today meet your fellow travelers to start your tour.

Extend your stay with 3 nights in Amsterdam. Arrive via high-speed train before getting acquainted with the city during a locally guided food walking tour. Enjoy ample time at leisure, giving you the opportunity to peruse the city’s many iconic museums or take a cruise along the canals. This 3-night stay is ideal for taking in the art, architecture, culture, and picturesque canals of Amsterdam.

• Paris - Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Board a high-speed train and take off for Amsterdam, the thriving 800-year-old capital of Holland. After some time to settle in, meet up with a local guide to get acquainted with the Jordaan District of Amsterdam. Explore this charming neighborhood and learn of its rich multicultural roots during a walking food tour where you’ll taste traditional Dutch fare as you walk along the canals and historic homes between stops.
• Stroll through the city with a local expert. Get acquainted with the cozy lanes and quintessential Dutch houses as you wander along the canals that lead to Amsterdam’s museum district. Explore the Rijksmuseum with your local guide and experience works from the great Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. Enjoy an afternoon on your own to do as you please. Perhaps you’ll choose to explore the Anne Frank House,* a museum dedicated to the memory of the young diarist who documented her time in hiding during WWII.
• The day is yours. Explore the narrow canals, stone bridges, and bike-brimmed roads at your leisure. Perhaps you’ll choose to see the city from a different perspective and embark on a canal cruise or spend some time relaxing at a café. Maybe take the train to The Hague to see the renowned Girl with a Pearl Earring in the Mauritshuis Museum.
• Amsterdam - Tour Ends
• Bid Amsterdam farewell as your tour comes to a close today.

Enjoy an interesting visit to the incomparable Palace of Versailles. The palace and gardens of Versailles reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." On this excursion, travel by coach to Versailles where your local guide will recount the history of the palace and lead you through the various rooms of the State Apartments. Of particular interest are the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. You then have leisure time to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete.

Join us for a guided tour of the world-renowned Louvre Museum. Begin your exploration of the museum by entering through I. M. Pei’s famous Louvre Pyramid, a magnificent glass pyramid rising out of the courtyard of the Louvre. A local expert will provide commentary as you venture through the countless masterpieces that line the halls of the museum, including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa.

Step into the formal world of the British Monarchy when you visit the stately and expansive Windsor Castle. His Majesty King Charles III uses Windsor as both a private home and as a Royal residence where formal duties of state are performed. Windsor’s 1,000 rooms comprise the largest inhabited castle in the world. It dates back to the 1070s, when William the Conqueror built the original wooden structure, now replaced by the grand stone edifices. Explore one of Britain’s most visited historic buildings, its precincts, and the State Apartments, which house a delightful collection of Royal art treasures. Enjoy time for lunch in the quaint town of Windsor before heading back to London. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the castle that houses so much British history and lore is not to be missed!

Cruise along the Seine against a backdrop of Paris' glittering skyline.

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Europe Day 2024: European institutions across Europe welcome citizens to their Open Day events  

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• On Europe Day, 9 May, the EU celebrates its achievements of unity and long-term peace, commemorating the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950.  
• A month ahead of the European elections (6-9 June), the institutions invite citizens to visit, participate in debates, live performances, games and other activities.  

A month ahead of the European elections, EU institutions celebrate 74 years of European democracy with their citizens.

On the occasion of Europe Day, citizens will have the opportunity to visit all the EU institutions in Brussels and beyond, learning more about what Europe does for and with them.

European Parliament

The Europe Day event in the European Parliament on 4 May will start with an opening ceremony with Vice-President Marc Angel (S&D, LU). The day will continue with activities for all ages, with info stands and short sessions on fight against disinformation, women in politics and campaigning for the elections. Citizens will be invited to learn how to vote in the European elections, why voting matters, and how to make a difference in protecting democracy. There will be guided tours of the VOTE exhibition (Parlamentarium) in Brussels. See the full programme here and the events organised in the 27 EU countries here .

Council of the European Union

On 4 May, at the Council in Brussels, visitors will have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of EU leaders. Guided tours will be organised throughout the day, without prior registration, allowing citizens to explore also the architecture of the Council buildings. Younger visitors will enjoy a series of dedicated animations including a treasure hunt. Each of the 27 Member States will have a stand putting on display national traditions, food specialities and touristic attractions. Visitors will be able to discover these in an interactive manner and attend live performances. An exhibition will be dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement. More information available here .

European Commission

On 4 May, citizens are invited to visit the Berlaymont building. The Commission will give citizens the opportunity to learn about its role, explore thematic villages set up for the occasion and discover the history of the EU and our values. Visitors will have the chance to find out what the Commission does to defend our democracy, diversity and how we are building a more digital and greener future. A dedicated section will showcase our support to Ukraine. Special activities will highlight the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement, 25 years of the euro and 30 years of the Single Market. The full programme is available here . The Representations in the Member States will also organise events .

European Central Bank

Citizens will have the chance to learn about the euro, the common currency of 20 EU countries, the digital euro project and what the ECB does to keep prices stable and banks safe and sound. On 4 May, citizens will be able to meet ECB experts at the European Commission in Brussels (more information here ). Also that evening, the ECB will open its doors in Frankfurt to pre-registered visitors as part of the “ Night of the Museums ” initiative and on 9 May will join Frankfurt’s Europe Festival .

European Court of Auditors

On 9 May, EU auditors in Luxembourg will offer interactive engaging games, and a possibility for citizens to take a quiz to test their audit skills. Families and people of all ages will be able to learn how the Court helps to protect EU citizens’ money. Full programme here .

European External Action Service

Visitors to the European External Action Service are invited on 4 May to immerse themselves in the dynamic work of the EU diplomatic service in Brussels and around the world. They will engage in talks with EU ambassadors and learn about the EU’s role in promoting peace, human rights and sustainable development in the world. They will enjoy live music, dance performances, workshops and collect culinary inspirations from various places around the world. The immersive journey will be further enriched with screenings of diverse movies in the cinema room. Kids will be our special guests with a lot of fun activities, including a puppet show. Full programme here .

E uropean Economic and Social Committee

The house of EU organised civil society will open its doors in Brussels on 4 May. The Committee members will engage in lively discussions with people and will hear their concerns. The programme of the day includes interactive games, an EU quiz, live music and activities for children. When visiting the EESC building, citizens will also be able to welcome EESC members and staff as they finish a cycling race to raise awareness on the European elections. Full agenda here .

European Committee of the Regions

The EU's assembly of regions and cities will open its Brussels premises on 4 May to bring citizens together with regional and local elected politicians. Interactive stands and activities will offer the chance to get to know more about the Committee of the Regions’ role and commitment to narrowing the distance between the EU and its local communities. To mark the day – and the Committee's 30th anniversary – there will be a festival of regions and cities with tastings, quiz games and a digital show, providing an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our territories. More information here .

European Investment Bank

At the European Investment Bank's stand for Europe Day in Brussels on 4 May and in Luxembourg on 9 May (see details here ), visitors can explore the iconic projects financed by the Bank in their country. They may also discover EIB-funded initiatives such as local hospitals, transportation infrastructure like trains or metros, or flood barriers safeguarding their hometowns. They will be able to engage with EU-related information and participate in a quiz for a chance to win a prize!

On 9 May, Europe commemorates the founding document of the EU – the Schuman Declaration . Signed on 9 May 1950, the declaration was the stepping-stone to cooperation in Europe, and peace on our continent. Europe Day is a symbol of the EU’s openness, transparency, democracy, and unity.

This year’s Europe Day edition takes place 45 years after the first European elections in 1979, and shortly before the elections of 2024 that will take place between 6-9 June in all EU countries.

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Details of UK’s first menopause education and support network announced in Parliament

Yesterday at the House of Commons, a UCL team of researchers announced new details about the UK’s first menopause education and support network.

Last year, experts at UCL teamed up with leading women’s health charities to design a new education and support programme for women across the country experiencing menopause.

Since then, the team have been listening to the public through a survey, focus groups and workshop, to co-design the programme.  

Today, the team revealed that the programme will be called ‘In Tune’ – as they hope it will allow people to be in tune with menopause, in tune with their bodies, and in tune with each other. 

They also announced that they are developing two programmes. The main programme will be aimed at people experiencing perimenopause (when symptoms have started) and the menopause (when periods have stopped) and will be modelled on antenatal classes, combining education and peer support, and will be rigorously evaluated using complex intervention frameworks.

And this summer they will also be launching “Be Prepared for Menopause”, aimed at women and people under 40 who have not reached the perimenopause, and men, to improve menopause awareness and knowledge.

For both programmes, interactive teaching methods will be used. The programmes will be accessible, and use evidence-based menopause education and support to improve menopause awareness for everyone who needs it.

The programmes will be offered both online and face-to-face.

The UCL team is led by Professor Joyce Harper (UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health), Dr Shema Tariq (UCL Institute for Global Health) and Dr Nicky Keay (UCL Medicine). It is in partnership with the charities Wellbeing of Women and Sophia Forum and has the support of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and British Menopause Society (BMS).

An advisory group of key stakeholders has also been providing critical guidance.

Professor Joyce Harper said: “We need to teach everyone about their reproductive health at key life stages and menopause education is critical. Too many people enter this life stage with no idea what is going to happen to them, and it seriously affects their quality of life. This has to change. Our name ‘ In Tune ’ reflects that women should be in tune with their menopause, in tune with their bodies and in tune with each other.” 

Recent research led by Professor Harper has shown that more than 90% of women were never educated about the menopause at school. Over 60% only started looking for information about it once they began to experience menopausal symptoms*.

The event at the House of Commons discussed the need to provide education and support for menopause and was chaired by Carolyn Harris MP, who is Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Menopause, and Professor Dame Lesley Regan.

Speaking at the event, Carolyn Harris praised the "fantastic” initiative for giving women information and support about the menopause that is currently so difficult to access. She said: “A lot of women come to the realisation, when they are quite old and desperate, that if I knew then what I know now, it would have been a completely different life path.”

Over the last year the UCL team have made inclusion a priority and in their research have included those with early menopause, surgical menopause, breast cancer, as well as people who are neurodiverse, culturally diverse and from the LGBT community.

Dr Shem Tariq said: "I'm so excited about launching ‘In Tune’, and taking the next steps to scale up this important project. Fundamentally, ‘In Tune’ recognises that with the right information and support, delivered to the right people, at the right time, we can empower communities to manage their health and wellbeing through this key life shift."

At the House of Commons event, Chief Executive of Wellbeing of Women, Janet Lindsay discussed the charity’s work on menopause and the menopause pledge.

Dr Geeta Kumar spoke about the work of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology on menopause care and the importance of guidelines and patient education resources .

Juddy Otti, Project Manager at Sophia Forum, talked about the group’s work on developing an education and support programme for women living with HIV. And Haitham Hamoda and Melanie Davies from the BMS discussed how the organisation is training health professionals.

Dr Nicky Keay said: “I am delighted to be working with colleagues on this important project to provide reliable information and support to all those who will experience and be impacted by this stage of the hormone odyssey.”

• Professor Joyce Harper's academic profile
• Dr Shema Tariq's academic profile
• Dr Nicky Keay's academic profile
• UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health
• UCL Institute for Global Health
• UCL Population Health Sciences
• UCL Medical Sciences
• Wellbeing of Women
• Sophia Forum
• Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• British Menopause Society

Images (top-bottom)

• Carolyn Harris MP,  Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Joyce Harper and Shema Tariq (credit: Shema Tariq)
• Speakers and attendees in parliament (credit: Shema Tariq)
• Professor Joyce Harper presenting (credit: Shema Tariq)
• Carolyn Harris MP speaking to attendees (credit: Joyce Harper)

Media contact 

Poppy tombs.

E: p.tombs [at] ucl.ac.uk

Portugal arrests four people suspected of enslaving man for 17 years

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Portugal-based multimedia correspondent reporting on politics, economics, the environment and daily news. Previous experience in local journalism in the UK., co-founded a project telling the stories of Portuguese-speakers living in London, and edited a youth-led news site.

British police arrested 45 people on Thursday during a protest in London against the transfer of asylum seekers staying in a hotel to a barge off southern England.

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Prince’s ‘Musicology’ at 20: A Look at the Album, Tour and Year That Saved His Career

By Jem Aswad

Executive Editor, Music

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Prince had been at a crossroads before, but never like he was at the beginning of 2004.

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On February 8, he opened the 2004 Grammy Awards with a five-minute medley of “Purple Rain,” “Baby I’m a Star” and “Let’s Go Crazy” — with Beyonce — that may be the greatest opening to a music-awards show in television history. Two weeks later, he announced his first major tour in six years, noting that he’d be playing his hits again. “It’s older music, but it’s going to be played in a newer way,” he said, teasing that it might be the last time he played those songs in concert (it wasn’t). Then in March, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where he played a different, much longer medley of his hits during the ceremony — but of course what everyone remembers is his show-stealing solo during the all-star George Harrison tribute, which he finished by throwing his guitar into the audience.

Musically, “Musicology” was a return to accessibility. And although it didn’t reach the peaks of his classic ‘80s material — to be fair, not much music does — it was a vivid sampler of his musical styles that marked the return of the Prince that people knew and loved. It also was a genuine hit: The ticket-CD bundle helped loft the album to No. 3 on the Billboard 200, but it was top 5 in multiple countries all over the world without that boost, even though it didn’t have a big hit single. Recorded over several years, “Musicology”’s musical baseline is the brand of lean funk Prince was raised on — he even shouts out Earth, Wind & Fire, James Brown and others in the album’s lead-off title track, which concludes with brief, scratchy recordings of some of his own hits in a mock scanning-the-radio-dial segment. There are a couple of “Do Me, Baby”-styled bedroom ballads, bombastic rock (“A Million Days”), even the new wave pop he hadn’t done since “I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man” on “Cinnamon Girl,” complete with splashes of vintage synthesizers. It winds down with a sultry, slow-burning burst of Aretha on the soulfully bluesy “On the Couch” and concludes with the breezy “Reflection.”

Even though Prince’s musicianship was at a new peak — his blazing guitar work, multi-tracked harmonies, production and arranging show an artist at the top of his craft — he was making music that was easy to like again, which isn’t to say it was simple; but even at its most sophisticated and complex (like the jazzy interlude at the end of “If I Was the Man in Ur Life”), it went down more smoothly. Indeed, the only area where “Musicology” fell flat is in the lyrics, which, like much of Prince’s later material, could be shockingly insipid. In particular, the album’s catchiest track, “Life of the Party,” is marred by lyrics so tossed-off that it sounds like they were written off the top of his head. (“So you’re havin’ a party?/ Goody for you/ All the beautiful people gonna be there/ Yeah, that’s cool.”) Even when he tried gravitas — about politics, war, global warming and moral decay on “Dear Mr. Man” — it wasn’t much better.

Prince was not an artist who’d ever lacked confidence, but by the end of 2004, the full swagger was back in his step. He’d significantly increased his wealth: The tour grossed nearly $90 million, the album was certified double platinum in the U.S. early in 2005, and it spurred sales of his entire catalog in an era when most people still bought CDs. But more importantly, it also marked the return of the Prince people knew, one who wasn’t completely refusing to be who he’d been, and not just musically: The weird outfits and otherworldly hairstyles had been replaced by sleek, classy suits and a short, trim cut.

The year’s creative efforts also gave him a model for how to pursue the rest of his career. Any time he wanted another million (or ten), he’d hit the road in some new and unusual way. Over the following years he played everything from a months-long Las Vegas residency to a premium-price one at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood; from a series of 21 dates at London’s Wembley Arena to a handful of shows in specific regions of the U.S. — even the Carolinas. He played brief “Hit and Run” tours that were announced just days before they launched; and of course he staged what is universally considered to be the greatest Super Bowl Halftime performance of all time in 2007. By contrast, his last tour, shortly before his death in 2016, was just him accompanying himself on piano. He kept finding new ways to keep himself interested.

And although he wouldn’t again reach the upper echelons of the charts in his lifetime and his albums continued to be frustratingly hit-or-miss, his sense of innovation returned with “3121,” the album that followed “Musicology” — on it, fans of “Sign O’ the Times,” which many regard as the peak of his creativity, could find much to grab onto, at least for the first half of the album. Unfortunately, most of the other albums he released in these years were maddeningly inconsistent (and sometimes appallingly bad) but although you won’t find any hidden “Purple Rain”s, there are overlooked gems to be found on many of them — like “Lavaux” and “Laydown” from “20Ten” (the latter of which features the priceless line, “from the heart of Minnesota/ Here come the purple Yoda”), and “Better With Time” and especially “ Ol’ Skool Company ” from “MPLSoUND.” Every once in a while on those albums and others, the Prince you love pops up with something so great it’s as if he’d never gone anywhere. And that’s really the gift of his scattershot, impossibly vast musical output — even though he’s no longer here, there’ll always be something new to find.

“Musicology” was the end of Prince’s wilderness years, and in every way, it set him up for the remaining dozen years of his much-too-brief life.

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• Breaking Baz: ‘We Are Lady Parts’ Star Faith Omole Pens Debut Play For London Stage; Off-Broadway’s ‘Titanique’ Sets Course For West End

By Baz Bamigboye

Baz Bamigboye

Columnist/International Editor At Large

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EXCLUSIVE : Faith Omole , one of the stars of Nida Manzoor’s Peacock/C4/Working Title punk comedy series  We Are Lady Parts , will have her debut play produced on the London stage next month starring BAFTA Award winner Rakie Ayola.

My Father’s Fable  will run at West London’s Bush Theatre from June 15-July 27.

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‘We Are Lady Parts’ Sets Season 2 Return; Malala Yousafzai & Meera Syal To Guest Star

The thespian, nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance in the glorious Sheffield Theatre, National Theatre and Various Productions musical  Standing at the Sky’s Edge , by Richard Hawley and Chris Bush, stated that  My Father’s Fable  “is about identity, and the more they get to know each other the more people’s world’s start to break a bit. … I found it really cathartic to write.”

The idea for the play, which is not autobiographical, was forged out of “everything that happened” in 2020, the pandemic and the unrest sparked by the murder of George Floyd. “I found a lot of people were trying to understand how people felt — particularly Black people, people of the African diaspora — and not everybody could understand.”

Omole found that the best way to make people hear something “is to put it in a context they can understand. Everybody understands family, everybody understands love, so what we have is a woman who is getting to know herself again in the form of this secret, in the form of her father’s other son.”

She wants the play to help us understand “our identities or about our families. We know what it is to lose somebody, we know what it is to have grief. Those are the things we can connect to.”

She argued that “facts and figures, they’ll always be here, but I don’t know if facts and figures can change a person’s heart in the way that it does to just see another person for who they are in their entirety, warts and all.”

Omole told me that she’s “obsessed” with Ayola’s career. Last year she was awarded the prestigious BAFTA Cymru Sian Phillips Award for services to television, and the same body also named her Best Actress for Season 2 of  The Pact . In 2021, Ayola won the main TV BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress honor for her role in Jimmy McGovern’s  Anthony , which starred  Ted Lasso’s  Toheeb Jimoh in the title role. She also appears in upcoming Netflix drama  Kaos . 

Ayola last appeared at the Bush Theatre five years ago in a revival of Caryl Phillips’s 1980 drama  Strange Fruit  .

Rebekah Murrell ( One Day, The Pact ) will direct  My Father’s Fable , with Ayola, Tiwa Lade and Gabriel Akuwudike in the company, with a fourth role still to be cast.

Omole said she felt “really excited, for me as a Black actress, to write a play where another Black actress can come and take up the mantle. It’s about sharing. It’s about inviting people to the table and empowering more people with voices. It’s incredible for me to sit in a room as a girl who has many times in her career felt like there are not enough roles for Black actresses and to be able to have created a play where I can look at Rakie and to look at Tiwa doing the same.”

Her aim, she said, has been to create “complex characters for the women to play.”

Laughing, she added that she wanted to “create scenes where women can play more than one emotion!”

Shaking her head, Omole cried “one hundred percent. Women are so amazing — they can’t just be summed up in one line.”

Growing up, her home was a Nigerian household. “It was kind of a weird thing,” she said. “You’d go to school and felt like you were someone else, then when you got home and were in a Nigerian home.”

The older she got, she felt she was more able to “bridge the two” cultures.

“Many of us that have an immigrant experience know what it is to feel we put on two different masks when we’re in different areas and the responsibilities we feel towards each area,” Omoloe said. “A lot of people can connect with that whether it be  your culture, or your race or even just the region that you live in.

“You get northerners who are in London and then their accent just kind of softens. And they go back up north, and then suddenly their accent is out in full force, and we’re always wrestling with what it means to be a real person in each area.”

That’s an avenue explored in her play “but in an exciting way. These characters are funny and heartbreaking but powerful.”

Omole told me that she wrote when she was younger and always has loved storytelling in all forms.

Five years ago she got “brave enough” to start writing again. “Once I started, it was like a dam burst,” she said.

An earlier effort, an yet-unproduced play called  Kaleidoscope , won the 2023 Alfred Fagon Award, named after the actor, poet and playwright who died in 1986. The prize recognizes and celebrates British writers of African and Caribbean descent. The Peggy Ramsay Foundation, established after the death of the eminent literary agent Peggy Ramsay, who at one point represented Joe Orton ( Loot ), supports the Fagon Award.

“The bravest thing for me last year was to decide to try and put stuff out because I was quite protective of all these characters and all these stories,” Omole said. “Last year I decided to send these things to people.

“Now we’re in the year of things being made,” she said smiling.

The second season of  We Are Lady Parts  begins May 30 on Peacock/Channel 4.

Omole said that the show dove deeper into the story of her character Bisma, the group’s bass player, “exploring her identity as a woman, as a mother as well, and how people see her in comparison to how she actually is.”

Season 1, she said, “was like a beautiful baby, and Season 2 is like this mutant, this fiery animal. It’s so cool.”

Lynette Linton, the Bush Theatre’s artistic director, described in a statement  My Father’s Fable  as being “a gripping story of grief belonging, and a family on the edge.”

Off-Broadway’s ‘Titanque’ Sets Sail For London’s West End

Producers Eva Price and Michael Harrison are charting a course for musical  Titanique , a musical parody of James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster  Titanic , to open in London later this year.

They have their eye on a West End house, but no deal has been struck. However, I’m officially informed that the plan will be for  Titanique  to drop anchor sometime in 2024.

The spoof show has a spoof Celine Dion commandeering a tour at the Titanic Museum, singing her hits and spilling her truth of what occurred between the film’s Jack and Rose, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. 

Titanique  premiered at NYC’s Asylum Theatre before being towed to the Daryl Roth Theatre, where it has been extended through June 16.

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