Houses of Parliament & Big Ben Tours
45 Reviews
Few landmarks epitomize central London as perfectly as Big Ben, the iconic clock tower that stands at the east end of the Houses of Parliament. Heralding the location of Great Britain's political nucleus in Westminster, Big Ben—or the Elizabeth Tower, renamed in honor of the Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee—stands proud as a symbol of London and the striking centerpiece of the Thames waterfront. The Palace of Westminster, the home of the Houses of Parliament, is another historic monument, as behind the grand Gothic facade, politicians have dictated local laws since 1215, when King John's Magna Carta signified the birth of parliament in the United Kingdom.
The Basics
The Basics
The most exciting ways to see the UK Parliament and Big Ben's great clock face are from a capsule on the nearby London Eye Ferris wheel or on a Thames River cruise, both of which offer magnificent views of the 315-foot (96-meter) clock tower and the Neo-Gothic Palace of Westminster while allowing you to avoid the crowds that gather at Big Ben's base. The landmarks can be experienced at their most atmospheric on a night tour of London, when Big Ben is dramatically illuminated.
Travelers wanting to learn about British politics, with its complex system of monarchs, lords, and elected members of parliament, can arrange an official tour of the Houses of Parliament or even watch a debate from the public galleries. Big Ben, however, is only accessible to UK residents, who must request permission from their local member of parliament to visit. For everyone else, the clock tower is best admired from afar on a city tour that includes stops at other London attractions, such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to Big Ben
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are located on the north bank of the Thames River, easily accessible from the Westminster underground tube station, which is serviced by the Jubilee, Circle, and District lines. Alternatively, hop off at Waterloo station to wander along the vibrant South Bank past the London Eye, then walk across Westminster Bridge to Big Ben.
- Big Ben is visited on most half- and full-day tours of London, whether a walking, biking, or bus tour.
- Take 10 minutes to admire the statues of Parliament Square, all of which depict famous political figures.
- Guided tours of the Houses of Parliament run most Saturdays, and the public galleries are open when parliament is in sessionâtime your visit wisely to watch opposing political parties in fierce debate.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are located on the north bank of the Thames River, easily accessible from the Westminster underground tube station, which is serviced by the Jubilee, Circle, and District lines. Alternatively, hop off at Waterloo station to wander along the vibrant South Bank past the London Eye, then walk across Westminster Bridge to Big Ben.
When to Get There
Holiday travelers can join the crowds to watch London's legendary New Year's Eve fireworks, which take place right in front of Big Ben and ignite the sky in a riot of color. Ensure you book tickets for the firework display well in advance to avoid disappointment and guarantee an unforgettable evening.
Address: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, England
Hours: Daily when parliament is in session
Admission: £14-£16.50 (adults)
361 Tours and Activities to Experience Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
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London in One Day Sightseeing Tour Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard with Optional London Eye Upgrade
Get to know London in one day on this sight-packed, full-day tour with a guide. Traveling by air-conditioned coach, see top London attractions such as Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, and enjoy fast-track entry and a guided tour of St. Paul's Cathedral. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and then visit the Tower of London. Break for a pub lunch, and receive a ticket for a Thames River sightseeing cruise to use after your tour or another day. For a bird's-eye view of the city, upgrade to include a ticket for the London Eye in the evening.
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From
$96.05
From
$96.05
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise with Optional London Eye
Discover the grandeur of London aboard the open-top, double-decker Big Bus on this hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. With your 1-, 2-, or 3-day ticket, design a personal itinerary with stops including Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, St. Paul’s Cathedral and more. Enjoy unobstructed views and onboard commentary as you view the city’s highlights and upgrade to The Big London Day Out option to get an aerial view of the city aboard the London Eye giant observation wheel. Hop off to enjoy a Thames River cruise, currently operating Friday to Sunday only.
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From
$48.86
From
$48.86
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Best of London Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, with a Cream Tea or London Eye Upgrade
See the English capital’s top landmarks on this most comprehensive of London magical tours. Take a tour of beautiful St Paul’s Cathedral, then make a photo stop at Westminster Abbey. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and visit the Tower of London, where you'll have free time for lunch (own expense). Enjoy an extended river sightseeing cruise, and upgrade to cap everything with a London Eye flight or cream tea at Harrods.
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From
$137.81
From
$137.81
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
London In a Day: Tower of London, Westminster Abbey & Changing of the Guard
Limited time in London doesn’t have to mean a limited view of the capital. Soak up the key sights in just one action-packed day on this guided small-group tour. Explore Westminster Abbey and watch the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. Then cruise the Thames River to Tower Bridge and explore its inner workings before delving into British history at the Tower of London.
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From
$179.56
From
$179.56
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
London Thames River Dinner Cruise
Take to the Thames for a sparkling river dinner sailing past London’s waterfront sights. Settle at your table to savor a delectable dinner and admire floodlit city sights such as Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Big Ben as you eat and relax, and enjoy enchanting live entertainment.
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From
$151.72
From
$151.72
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Royal London Walking Tour: Early Access Tower of London & Changing of The Guard
Discover London’s royal history and sights on a London tour by foot and boat. Start with an early access visit to the Tower of London to see the opening ceremony and Crown Jewels without the usual daytime crowds. Then, take to the water on a half-hour River Thames sightseeing cruise. Stroll to Horse Guard’s Parade or Buckingham Palace to see the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, and learn all about the British Royal Family from a knowledgeable local guide.
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From
$109.97
From
$109.97
London in a Day Private Custom Tour
Discover the spectacular sights of London according to your own personal itinerary on a private custom tour of the vibrant capital with a knowledgeable guide. Opt to enjoy a half- or full-day tour and customize your itinerary according to your cultural and historical interests. Allow your expert guide to pre-plan logistics like public transportation and reservations, and then delve into the capital’s rich history by listening to illuminating commentary. See iconic attractions like Big Ben and the Tower of London, and stray from the conventional tourist trail for a unique experience of London.
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From
$158.28
Price varies by group size
From
$158.28
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
The Original Tour London: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
See the best of London without the stress of rigid tour times and massive crowds on this hop-on hop-off bus tour. With your flexible pass, hop aboard the double-decker, open-top bus for a comfortable sightseeing excursion. Great for kids and adults, your pass offers multiple route options with stops at main attractions like Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and more. Bonus features include a free city walking tour, a Thames River cruise, and local discounts.
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From
$41.76
From
$41.76
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament Tour in London
Get acquainted with two iconic London monuments on a half-day tour of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. While gaining fascinating insight into the royal history of Great Britain, absorb the Gothic grandeur of Westminster Abbey’s interior and head inside the Houses of Parliament—home to the renowned Big Ben—to see highlights like the House of Commons and Lord’s Chamber. From your guide, learn about the United Kingdom’s political system and major historic events while touring the prominent landmarks.
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$36.19
From
$36.19
Skip the Line into Houses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey Fully-Guided Tour
Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament are two of London’s highlight landmarks—and on this tour, you’ll have special access to both. Skip the line at Westminster Abbey and head inside the soaring church, where your guide will share facts about its royal history. Next, you’ll have the rare opportunity to explore parts of the interior of the Houses of Parliament, which is frequently off-limits to the public.
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From
$123.89
From
$123.89
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Historical London Walking Tour in Westminster & Entry to Churchill War Rooms
Immerse yourself in the rich history of World War II on an enriching and emotionally stirring tour of London Westminster with a knowledgeable guide. Descend to the subterranean Churchill War Rooms, an underground network of bunkers that functioned as wartime offices, and enrich your knowledge of British history with commentary that covers little known facts. As you explore, see iconic London sights like the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, and delve into the life and work of former British prime minister, Winston Churchill.
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From
$82.13
Price varies by group size
From
$82.13
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Full Day Private London Taxi Sightseeing Experience
Discover the highlights of London with efficiency and style when booking your own private driver-guide to explore the English capital. Travel in a traditional black cab to attractions including Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and Westminster Abbey. With your own dedicated transportation and insightful guide, you can take in more sights without the hassles of navigating the busy streets on your own.
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From
$519.90
per group
$29.93 savings
From
$519.90
per group
$29.93 savings
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Sir Winston Churchill Private Walking Tour & War Rooms
Follow in the footsteps of one of Britain’s most celebrated Prime Ministers and historic figures on this private, Winston Churchill-themed walking tour. Following pickup from your hotel or another convenient meeting point, you’ll explore the areas of Mayfair, Westminster, and Piccadilly associated with Churchill, from his childhood home and 10 Downing Street to the cigar shop he once frequented. Your final stop is at the Churchill War Rooms, the secret bunker from which he ran World War II.
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From
$213.57
Price varies by group size
From
$213.57
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Thames 24 Hour Hop-On Hop-Off River Cruise
Discover the sights and history of London from the water on this leisurely cruise down the Thames River. With your 24-hour pass, enjoy unobstructed views of the city’s main riverside attractions like the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament from within an all-weather vessel, and hop on or off at any stop along the way. Create your own London adventure.
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From
$22.83
From
$22.83
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Ghost Bus Tour of London
Tangle with the macabre on a ghost bus tour through London. With your ghoulish guide, visit notorious local haunts (so to speak) of restless spirits, and pass chilling sites of murder, execution, and torture such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the infamous Fleet Street. Hear fascinating facts about London’s gruesome past and make key stops at the city’s eeriest landmarks.
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From
$37.58
From
$37.58
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
London Vintage Bus Tour with Cream Tea at Harrods
Sightsee in London by vintage double-decker bus and modern catamaran on this half-day tour. As you travel around the city, watch out for top London landmarks like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Then, hop out for photos at the Tower of London before taking a cruise along the Thames River. Sparkling wine, cream tea, and scones at Harrods complete the experience.
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From
$87.69
From
$87.69
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
London by Night Sightseeing Open Top Bus Tour with Live Commentary
Have only a limited amount of time in London? See the city’s top sights in the space of a single bus tour—and enjoy a different perspective on the British capital when you explore after dark. Meet in central London as twilight descends, and climb aboard your open-top bus. You’ll discover landmarks ranging from Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Learn the stories behind the sights from your guide’s live commentary; audio guides are additionally available in 11 languages.
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From
$33.41
From
$33.41
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London
Let your adrenaline levels go through the roof during a white-knuckle ride on the Thames River. Climb aboard a modern RIB (rigid-inflatable-boat) and satisfy an appetite for adventure as you soar past iconic landmarks like Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Eye. Enrich your knowledge of English history as you listen to illuminating onboard commentary, and experience the exhilaration of super-fast speeds up to 35 miles (56 km). Enjoy an intimate atmosphere on this small-group tour, limited to 12 people.
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From
$55.61
From
$55.61
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Winston Churchill's London and The Churchill War Rooms - A Private Tour.
Learn all about Winston Churchill’s life on this private, history-themed tour. Pick from several convenient tour times, and set off with just your guide for company. You’ll see where Churchill lived as a child and as a young man, will discover where he purchased his suits, and will even visit his preferred cigar shop. Next, see the church where he married, admire 10 Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament, and explore the Churchill War Rooms; skip-the-line tickets are included to help you beat the crowds and save time.
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From
$201.84
Price varies by group size
From
$201.84
Price varies by group size
Taking safety measures
Private London Landmarks by Car
Skip the hassle of navigating London’s public transport system alone during a private tour by car. As well as beating the crush of the London underground, you’ll benefit from both the undivided attention and insider knowledge of a private guide, who can provide tailored recommendations to last your entire vacation.
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From
$114.42
Price varies by group size
From
$114.42
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Darkest Hour - Parliament and Churchill War Rooms Private Tour
Have the rare opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament—and explore the Churchill War Rooms, too—on this political London tour. Following pickup from your local accommodation, travel to the UNESCO-listed Houses of Parliament, and explore both the Commons Chamber and the Lords Chamber. As you go, learn all about British political history and the fight for democracy. Next, continue to the Churchill War Rooms, located in a bunker deep below street-level. See where the Prime Minister led the war effort, and explore the perfectly preserved setting.
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From
$313.19
From
$313.19
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Private London Tour by Car with pick up from your Hotel or Apartment
With so much to see and do in London, you don’t want to waste a second visiting sights that don’t interest you. Explore England’s capital your way on a private sightseeing tour that lets you create an itinerary to suit your tastes. Plus, you’ll avoid the crush of the London underground by traveling in a private vehicle.
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From
$114.42
Price varies by group size
From
$114.42
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
London Thames River Lunch Cruise
Combine London’s riverside landmarks with a delicious meal on this lunchtime sightseeing cruise along the Thames River. Escape the city’s midday crowds, and relax as you admire the iconic sights ranged along the riverbanks. Enjoy stellar views of the London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and more; all as you savor a starter, main course and dessert freshly conjured up by the expert onboard chefs. A delightful way to spend lunchtime in London with family and friends or to celebrate a special occasion.
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From
$82.13
From
$82.13
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Vintage London Bus Tour Including Thames Cruise with Optional London Eye
See London’s signature sights by vintage Routemaster bus and Thames River cruise on this sightseeing tour. Board a retro, red double-decker bus London Routemaster, and enjoy stellar views of top London attractions including the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey. Then, after a short Thames sightseeing cruise, ride your London double-decker to Buckingham Palace for a photo stop or to witness the colorful Changing of the Guard ceremony. If you wish, upgrade to add a visit to the London Eye, Tower of London, or UNESCO-listed Stonehenge after your tour.
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From
$47.33
From
$47.33
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers