Palace of Westminster: Family Audio Tour
Visit the Palace of Westminster – Explore the Home of the UK Parliament
Looking for a family day out in London with a difference? A visit to the Palace of Westminster – home of the UK Parliament – is a must. Step inside one of the world’s most iconic buildings and explore where history is made.
Family-friendly self-guided tours come with an interactive audio guide, including a special kids’ version packed with fun stories, quizzes, and games.
Highlights include:
- The famous green benches of the House of Commons
- The House of Lords and the stunning Sovereign’s Throne
- Central Lobby, often seen on TV
- The historic Westminster Hall, dating back to 1097
Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy fascinating tales of monarchs, world leaders, rebellion, and intrigue – including the legendary Gunpowder Plot!
Top tip from the KidRated Team:
One child goes FREE with every adult audio tour ticket. Arrive a little early to get through security smoothly and let the kids soak up the surroundings – this place is seriously impressive.
Quick Inspiration
The family-friendly audio tour is ideal for children up to 12, with a special kids’ version full of videos, stories, and games. Guided tours aren’t recommended for under-5s, but they’re welcome. For 12+, the guided tour is great for asking questions, while the audio tour suits families who prefer to explore at their own pace. Plus, one child (5–15) goes free per paying adult on the audio tour.
Roughly 75 to 90 minutes. Just long enough to feel epic, but short enough to avoid eye rolls or snack-related meltdowns. The kids’ version makes it fly by.
Yep — everyone (including pushchairs and bags) goes through airport-style security before entering. It’s quick and straightforward, but if you want the full lowdown on what to expect, check the details on their website.
We recommend booking ahead to guarantee your spot and snap up the best ticket prices. It also means you can sail straight in on the day without any queues. You can buy tickets at the office, but it’s all down to availability — booking online keeps things stress-free.
A little, yes, but keep it quiet. You’ll be in active parliamentary areas, and the grown-ups in charge (MPs and staff) do prefer a bit of hush.
Tours usually run on Saturdays and during Parliamentary recess, so it’s unlikely you’ll catch a live session. That said, it’s a working building, so you might spot a few MPs, Lords, or Baronesses wandering about!
Yes – there’s step-free access, lifts, and accessible toilets throughout most areas, making it wheelchair-friendly. However, not all spaces are pushchair-friendly, and there’s no cloakroom, so you’ll need to keep buggies and belongings with you for the whole visit.
Nope – food and hot drinks aren’t allowed on the tour, but you can bring water in a sealed bottle. After your visit, head to the Jubilee Café for drinks, snacks, and a children’s meal deal. Or, if the weather’s good, nearby spots like Victoria Tower Gardens and St James’s Park are perfect for a family picnic.
