Houses of Parliament Open over the Holidays

The Commons Chamber
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You may remember that I was raving about a visit to the Houses of Parliament last summer. Well, now there's some very good news. One of London’s most popular activities, tours inside the Houses of Parliament, are available for the first time over the Christmas and New Year period.

The ‘Blue Badge’ guided tours take visitors on a 75-minute journey combining one thousand years of history, modern day politics, and stunning art and architecture. Tours highlights include the Lords and Commons Chambers, the Queen’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, Central Lobby, Members’ Lobby and Westminster Hall (over 900 years old and home to Parliament’s Christmas tree).

The Members Lobby
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Festive opening dates have been confirmed for:

·         Saturday 21 December

·         Friday 27 December

·         Saturday 28 December

·         Thursday 2 January

·         Friday 3 January

·         Saturday 4 January

English language tours run at 15 minute intervals throughout the day between 9.15am and to 4.30pm. Tours in Spanish, Italian, French, German and Russian tours are offered at various times on all opening days.

Tickets cost £16.50 for adults with concessions for seniors, students and the armed forces at £14. One child is admitted free with each paying adult, otherwise tickets are £7 per additional child aged 5 to 15. Special rates for groups of 10 or more range between £9 and £13 per person depending on the tour start time.

The Royal Gallery
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Information and reservations are available from Ticketmaster on 0844 847 1672 or 0844 847 2498 for groups, or by visiting www.parliament.uk/visiting.