We have some good news. The UK Parliament is open to visitors again. And sure, we all know it’s a grand building and one of our most important institutions, but did you actually know you can wander around and explore? Because you totally can – and it’s fascinating.
More formally (and impressively) known as the Palace of Westminster, you can treat yourself to a day dedicated to going behind the scenes of the UK’s political system. You can walk amongst the famed green benches in the Commons Chamber and stand at the traditional Despatch Boxes where the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition go head-to-head each week for Prime Minister’s Question Time. (Give ‘em hell, pal.)
There’s more, too. Visit Westminster Hall (the site of the Guy Fawkes trial), or the House of Lords Chamber, where the Queen sits on the gold throne to give her Queen’s Speech at the beginning of each parliamentary session. Or see the ‘New Dawn’ light structure, constructed to commemorate the campaign for women’s votes, which stands at over six-feet high and moves in line with the tides of the Thames. You can even go at your own pace using the multimedia tour.
With more than 1,000 years of history in one place, a tour here will add grandeur and fascinating insight to any exploration of London this summer.
