BIG BEN AND HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

The Houses of Parliament, which covers 8 acres and includes more than 1000 rooms and 100 staircases, are situated on the north bank of the River Thames. The Palace of Westminster has been home to the House of Commons and the House of Lords since 1547. This neo-Gothic building, with its hundreds of delicate finials, replaced the original which burnt down in 1834.

The most famous feature of the building is the four-faced clock which many people mistaken for Big Ben. Big Ben is actually the huge 14 ton bell inside which chimes on the hour.

If you are interested in British politics it is possible and free to view both the House of Lords and House of Commons in session from the Visitors' Gallery (go through the Central Lobby) and the Strangers' Galleries (follow the guard to the Chambers). A flag is flown from Victoria Tower when the Parliament is in session. You must queue at St. Stephen's Entrance (in the centre of the building) as early as possible because the wait may be up to two hours. Call the Houses for dates and times.

Westminster Tube