It is now possible to tour London’s Houses of Parliament on Saturday. This means
that for the first time guided tours of the Palace of Westminster are available to visitors throughout the year.
The 75-minute tours describe the history and politics that lie within one of the
most recognisable buildings in the world. The tours, led by Blue Badge guides,
include the Lords and Commons Chambers plus other highlights such as Westminster
Hall, the Queen’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, Peers’ Lobby, Central Lobby,
Members’ Lobby and St Stephen’s Hall.
Victor Launert, the head of visitor services, said, “First and foremost the building is a working Parliament but to be able to offer these tours when parliament is not sitting is very important. The tours are not only entertaining but also offer people an insight to the UK’s political process and to the building’s 1000 years of history that have shaped the nation.”
Saturday tours take place from 9.15am and 4.30pm. Weekday tours take place during the summer recess, when Parliament does not sit and Members work away from Westminster. Foreign language tours in French, Spanish, Italian and German are offered at set times. If a group of visitors books out an entire tour time, an interpreter for that language may be brought along by the group and escort the group free of charge.
The prices for the guided tours are set to cover costs and not to make a profit.
Tickets cost £14 for adults and £9 for under-16s, and are available through
Ticketmaster.
The Blue Badge for tour guides is awarded by the Institute of Tourist Guiding and is the highest guiding qualification in Britain. To be awarded a Blue Badge, guides undergo detailed and comprehensive training and rigorous examinations.
Tel: +44 844 847 1672 (tickets)
Websites: www.parliament.uk
Go Back: [Top of Page] [News Main Page]
|
