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Parliament Tour or join the weekday queue?

Posted by on

Hello! We are a family visiting London in late March and I was trying to evaluate whether we should book a Saturday tour of Parliament or visit during the week when in session. The guidebook indicates both are options and that the rooms you can see are roughly equivalent in both cases.

Benefits of a tour sound like getting a bit more history and context from a live person (as opposed to self-guiding with a book) and being able to enter both chambers. Benefits of a week visit seem to be more flexibility (in terms on which day we visit), a more interesting experience to maybe see legislators in session, and savings some money for family of four tour costs.

Any feedback from locals or those who have experience with this? Is there any recommendations or other considerations that I'm not taking into account?

Posted by
1334 posts

If you’re joining during the weekday, all you’re going to get is to sit in the audience watching the Lords or Commons, you can’t wander.

The tours are only Saturday, usually don’t sell out completely but you might want to book in advance to guarantee a particular time.

Posted by
2693 posts

I finally toured Parliament last April and I must say, it was one of the most fascinating tours of anywhere I've ever been. I booked a Saturday at 3 pm, probably a month ahead--their schedule is not predictable, so best to start checking now.

Posted by
470 posts

Don't know where you are from
UK citizens can arrange free tours through their Member of Parliament

Posted by
6713 posts

We took the tour and loved it -- lots of information, enthusiastic guide, got to sit in the chambers where the members would be if they were meeting. I don't think the tour spent much (or any) time in Westminster Hall, which is worth giving some additional time on the way in or out.

Just because the Lords or Commons are in session doesn't mean it will be very interesting to watch from the gallery. Prime Minister's question time -- sure (you can watch it on C-SPAN at home). A vote on something interesting -- sure. But it's hit or miss.

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