I have been reading conflicting information regarding visits to Parliament. We will be in London 3/29-4/4 and will not be able to take one of the Saturday tours. Can one just go in and walk around? Do you need reservations? What about Prime Minister's Questions? Will appreciate any input. Thanks
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3391 posts
You most certainly can't go in and just walk around! It isn't open to the public except on certain days of the week. You can queue on certain days and hope to get in but a reservation will guarantee it and it won't waste your time.
Here's the website to visit Parliament
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5326 posts
Questions is one of the most popular times to visit, so without a reservation that is only obtainable by residents via their MP you would be lucky to get in, although any spare seats are filled from the queue. No reservations for other business, although the queue can easily be 1-2 hours for the Commons (less for the Lords and some committees).
Posted by
Mission Viejo, Calif., USA
1010 posts
Well my husband and I were there in June, 2012. We walked over from our hotel (Doubletree, Westminister area) to Parliament in the morning. We inquired about tours. We were told to come back around 1:00 PM. At that time, we were allowed to have a tour, with one other couple. We visited both houses and were allowed to stay as long as we wanted. One of the courts had plexiglass from the top of the railing to the ceiling. We saw the barristers in their robes and wigs. We were surprised that the participants in one of the houses were so loud and vocal. They argued and yelled at each other, We totally enjoyed our visit to Parliament. The other couple were from New Zealand and they enjoyed the tour also.