Exclusive Houses of Parliament Tour with Guided Visit & Skip-the-Line Westminster Abbey Tour

Description

Westminster Abbey
This tour will take you to where the laws of Great Britain are decided. Hear unique stories and learn about traditions from your knowledgeable tour guide and see how the past and present combine within the House of Commons and House of Lords to create a society both modern and deeply historic. Your tour will start at Westminster Abbey. With roots dating back more than 1,000 years, the Gothic masterpiece offers a panoramic view while the golden spires and statues of kings are reflected in the river. It is the traditional coronation site and burial ground of many English and British monarchs and people of note, including Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Your expert guide will provide interesting facts about how the British monarchy helped shape the country’s conversion to democracy, as well as titbits about Winston Churchill, one of the only non-royals to ever lie in the state in the Abbey after his death. 

Houses of Parliament
Your tour around the Houses of Parliament will begin in Westminster Hall. Functions have been hosted in the hall for nearly 1,000 years and it is one of the finest surviving examples of medieval timber architecture in the world.  Your tour guide will lead you to one of the most impressive rooms in the Palace where the King dons his crown and ermine-trimmed cape before officially opening the session of each new parliament. Next, you will head into the Chamber of the House of Commons. Your guide will tell you about the centuries-old ceremonies that keep the modern legislative body firmly connected to its past. Hear intriguing stories and lore about the building and enjoy the incredible fact that you are walking in the footsteps of men like Henry VIII and Winston Churchill as you stroll the halls.