I am getting ready to book a timed entry for a Parliament tour for 11 AM. What time do we want to be there for security , etc? Do they only let us thru security right at 11 or can we enter earlier?
Has anyone experienced the Parliament Tea that is offered?
http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visiting-and-tours/tours-of-parliament/tours-teas-of-parliament/
We did this tour about 3 years ago. I think we got there maybe 15-20 minutes early, and security did not take very long. We did the tea as well, but our scheduling was slightly off, so we had to leave our tour slightly early to make it. In terms of the best tea and cakes/sandwiches, probably not, but the view? Incomparable. You are on the the members' deck, on the Thames side of Parliament. I had been there before when I studied abroad during university as one of my friends' interned for an MP and he took us on a tour, but I didn't take a camera at that time (silly college student), and I never thought I'd get back. I'd highly recommend the tea for the view, if nothing else!
Thanks Georgia
I think I will go ahead and try the tea. We actually have a reservation for tea at Orangery earlier in our visit but my husband is not really thrilled about it- this venue will be much more acceptable to him!
Tour at 11, Tea at 12:45? Does that sound about right? We will be doing the audioguide tour, so at our own pace.
Oh well- never mind. Tea is only offered at 3:45PM which makes sense as that is tea time but it doesn't work with our schedule.
We just did the guided tour this summer and it was wonderful. Our guide added little stories and insider information to the tour. Consider taking the guided tour if it fits in your schedule. Security was tight. Well armed police at the entrance. We got there 20 minutes early for the first tour of the day and they did not let us in a minute sooner. The line was around the corner by the time the doors opened.
This just wasn't meant to be for me. I juggled our days around and worked itout so that we could fit the 3:45 Tea.
Turns out the ONLY day in the entire month that the tea is not offered is the day we wanted. 9/27. Oh well.
I'm hoping it has changed, but when I booked a guided tour of Parliament, my confirmation email didn't include the time. I found that to be a bit odd and I had to actually call them on that Saturday to find out what time I'd booked. Security was similar to an airport, without the surly staff. I had my USA passport with me, I think they checked it briefly as we entered.
Keep in mind that you're required to stand for most of the tour, I had my Parliament tour right after a lengthy London Walk, so I was pretty tired at the end. I think I got a lot more out of the guided tour than other people did that used the audio guide. However, I'm a politics and history junkie and I've been watching the UK Parliament on TV ever since they started broadcasting.
Just checked my ticket, it does include the time now
Did the tour and tea in May 2015 on a Saturday afternoon. Security was efficient and fast but very through. Found the tour fascinating but the tea was a big disappointment. Setting was a large white tent - not special to me.
Would recommend spending your money on a tea elsewhere.
Thanks Roy
Not doing tea because it's not offered on the day we needed. After your review of it I think I am glad it didn't work out!
I was there earlier in the year and I went in line about 20-25 minutes early. Security was quick for me. Had a chance to look over the beautiful hall. Took the guided tours and really enjoyed it. Fyi, no photography on the tour, only in the Great Hall where you find your guided and the self guided tour areas.
I had tea in their little cafe, which was prefect for me. Had a nice pot of tea and a sandwich.
Enjoy your visit.
