Explore the historic Westminster Palace in London, home to the Parliament for over 800 years.

Imagine stepping into a living, breathing piece of history where the fate of a nation is decided daily. That's Westminster Palace for you. This isn't just another stuffy old building – it's a Gothic masterpiece that'll make amaze you. From the iconic Big Ben to the grand Westminster Hall, every nook screams with centuries of drama and intrigue. You'll feel like you've stumbled onto the set of a political thriller, only it's all real. And get this – you can actually watch lawmakers in action, debating the hot topics of the day. Trust me, it's way more exciting than it sounds on paper. Read on to know more!

Palace of Westminster - In A Nutshell

Why is the Palace of Westminster worth visiting?

• The Palace of Westminster is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Buckingham Palace neighborhood of London.
• The building was reconstructed by Charles Barry in the Gothic Revival style and is an outstanding example of Neo-Gothic architecture.
• The Palace of Westminster is home to Big Ben, the iconic clock tower that characterizes London's cityscape.
• The Palace of Westminster was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
• The Palace has been featured in many films and TV series, including V for Vendetta and Sherlock.

The Palace of Westminster Tickets

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History of the Palace of Westminster

It all began in the aftermath of the Great Fire of 1834, when the talented architect Charles Barry was tasked with reconstructing the building. Since then, the Palace has survived numerous challenges, including the devastation of World War II, to become the magnificent structure we see today.

Did you know that the Palace of Westminster was commissioned by William II, son of William the Conqueror, and has played a crucial role in establishing the Crown as the ruler of the United Kingdom? Despite narrowly escaping destruction during the Blitz, it remains an iconic symbol of British heritage and history, even hosting the late Queen Elizabeth II's lying-in-state.

Architecture of the Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster is a massive complex that covers eight acres, boasting over 1100 rooms, 100 staircases, and an extensive network of 4.8 km of passageways. Spanning nearly 300 meters from the Victoria Tower in the south to the Clock Tower in the north, the Palace contains state apartments for the two houses' presiding officers, along with the official residence of the Speaker located at the northern end.

Four acres of grounds and lush lawns surround the Palace, including the public Victoria Tower grounds park along the river south of the building.

Westminster Abbey vs. Palace of Westminster

While often confused due to their proximity and similar names, Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster are two distinct landmarks in London, each with its own unique purpose and history.

Westminster Abbey

• A historic church and UNESCO World Heritage site
• Primarily serves as a place of worship
• Hosts royal ceremonies such as coronations and weddings
• Contains tombs and memorials of many British monarchs and notable figures

Palace of Westminster

• Home to the UK Parliament, including the House of Commons and House of Lords
• Also known as the Houses of Parliament
• Center of British politics and lawmaking
• Features the iconic clock tower housing Big Ben

Highlights of Palace of Westminster

1. House of Commons

The lower house of the British Parliament is called the House of Commons. To represent the views and worries of its citizens in the House of Commons, the UK picks 650 Members of Parliament (MPs). In addition to considering and putting forth new legislation, members of parliament can examine government actions by interrogating ministers in committee or in the Commons Chamber on current matters.

2. House of Lords

The House of Lords is the UK Parliament's second chamber. It is essential for reviewing bills, challenging governmental decisions, and researching public policy.

3. Westminster Hall

Dating back to 1097, Westminster Hall serves as a timeless testimony to the rich history of the Houses of Parliament. As one of Europe's largest medieval halls, it boasts an awe-inspiring hammer-beam roof and magnificent architecture that is sure to leave visitors breathless. Today, visitors can learn about the hall's remarkable legacy and gain a deeper appreciation for its enduring significance.

4. St. Stephen's Hall

St Stephen's Hall hosted the House of Commons from 1945 to 1950 after the bombing of the Commons Chamber. The decorative hall showcases statues of famous parliamentarians and early Kings and Queens of England. Its ten stained glass windows display parliamentary cities' arms, while its walls feature paintings of pivotal moments in British history.

5. Central Lobby

The Central Lobby serves as a meeting place for Members of Parliament and their constituents. Its impressive features include a mosaic-covered vault and a tiled floor. The Central Tower is situated above the lobby, where the corridors from the Lords, Commons, and Westminster Halls converge.

6. Queen's Robing Room

The Robing Room primarily serves as a preparation room for the Sovereign during the State Opening of Parliament. Here, the Queen dons the Imperial State Crown and ceremonial robes before proceeding to the House of Lords.

7. Victoria Tower

Piercing the London skyline, the Victoria Tower stands tall as the highest tower in the Palace of Westminster. A regal tribute to Queen Victoria, it once held the distinction of being the tallest and largest stone square tower globally, towering to a height of 98.5 meters (325 feet) above ground level.

8. Royal Gallery

Enormous works of art, including depictions of the battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar and royal portraits, can be found in this room.

9. Norman Porch

The Royal Staircase, starting from the base of Victoria Tower, marks the beginning of the ceremonial path taken by the Monarch. The Norman Porch, originally meant to showcase statues of the Norman monarchs, is so named due to its architectural style.

10. Members' Lobby

The Members' Lobby is a gathering place for alll the members of the House of Commons in the Palace of Westminster. When they are not attending to their official duties, Members of Parliament use this hallway for informal discussions and meetings.

Best time to visit Palace of Westminster

To explore the Palace of Westminster, it's recommended to book your tour in advance and plan your visit during the summer recess when the Parliament is not in session. This allows for a complete tour of the building without any interruptions.

Additionally you can learn more about the Best time to visit London.

Palace of Westminster opening hours

• The Westminster Palace is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
• The operating hours on Wednesdays are limited to 1pm to 4pm
• The Palace remains closed every weekend.

Getting There

• Railway stations: Charing Cross, Victoria, Waterloo, and Waterloo East
• Underground: You can use Circle, District, or Jubilee lines and get off at Westminster.
  
• Bus: Several lines available, including 3, 11, 12, 87, 88, 148, 159, 211, and 453

Note: To experience a distinct viewpoint, consider taking a river bus service from Westminster Pier, which is also a designated stop for City Cruises' sightseeing boat tours.

Insider tips to visiting Palace of Westminster

• To visit the inside of Westminster Palace, you need to book a tour in advance.
• You can watch a parliamentary debate, committee meeting or attend Prime Minister's Questions.
• The Lords Chamber can be viewed for free or on a private tour on Saturdays when Parliament's not in session, and during the summer recess.
• A highly rated walking tour includes the Houses of Commons, House of Lords, and Parliament, with an audio guide to help understand how Parliament works.
• Book a guided tour for the building's history and architecture, with combined tours of Westminster Palace and Abbey available.

Interesting facts about Palace of Westminster

• The Houses of Parliament have been in operation here since 1265, making it one of the oldest parliaments houses in the world.
• After more than thirty years of reconstruction, a new complex in the neo-Gothic design was finished in 1870, incorporating the buildings that had survived the fire.
• The magnificent clock tower, which Charles Barry the architect designed, is the most well-known feature. After the tower's greatest bell, it was once known as St. Stephen's Tower but quickly adopted the appellation Big Ben.
• The oldest edifice in Parliament, Westminster Hall is essentially the only piece of the historic Palace of Westminster to still exist in almost its original state.
• The exterior of the Palace of Westminster is adorned with over 800 statues of kings, queens, and other historical figures. The interior is equally impressive, featuring ornate chambers, grand halls, and intricate frescoes.
• The House of Commons has featured green benches for 300 years. Westminster Bridge was later painted the same shade of green to match this iconic feature.
• The Chapel of St. Stephen, which was first recorded in 1184, was the King's private chapel at the Palace of Westminster, and it stood where St. Stephen's Hall presently stands.

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