A UK Parliament tour might not be at the top of your Days Out With Kids wish list yet, but it definitely deserves to be. And because winter is the perfect time to visit, we’ve found some great tours for you to take right now.
A UK Parliament tour is a day out with a difference this winter
What will you see on a tour?
You can book a ticket to explore the magnificent Palace of Westminster – home of the UK Parliament – on a tour which includes the famous House of Commons Chamber, House of Lords Chamber and Central Lobby: which you may have seen on TV. The tour begins in medieval Westminster Hall, which is pretty special all by itself with its gothic architecture and connections to key historical figures like Guy Fawkes and King Charles I. And if there are Big Ben enthusiasts in your family, they’re sure to enjoy the close-up view of the clock tower’s exterior as the tour sets off.
Close up of Big Ben on Westminster tour
Not only is the tour fascinating, it’s also a unique experience to share as a family. Younger children can get actively involved through puzzles and specially created content on self-guided audio tours. Older ones will really enjoy getting under the skin of the UK Parliament. And learning what happens here, how it affects their lives and also how they can get involved, appeals to kids all ages: who doesn’t want a say in their future?
Exploring the House of Lords on a self-guided UK Parliament tour
What type of UK Parliament tour suits you best
The English-language guided tour is led by an official UK Parliament guide who will take you behind the scenes, explain how the UK Parliament works, and fill you in on all the fascinating historical events that have happened here down the centuries. You can expect to be both highly entertained and significantly more knowledgeable by the end of this enthralling group tour: just two great reasons why it’s so perfect for kids aged 5 and older.
Alternatively, the self-guided audio tour is a good choice for families who prefer to explore at their own pace and create a more personal journey through history. Each family member receives an individual multimedia device with a mix of video and audio content to guide them around the route. It’s your tour, so you can take your time, stop or press pause whenever you like. Plus, children up to the age of 11 have the added bonus of interactive games and content created especially for younger visitors. The audio tour is available in 10 languages.
Behind the scenes in the House of Commons
Make time for tea at the Jubilee Café
Once you’ve explored all the traditions on your UK Parliament tour, make time for another great British tradition: tea and cake at the Jubilee Café. There are plenty of options for non-tea-drinkers, and the sweet treats are many and completely irresistible
You’ll find the Jubilee Café just off Westminster Hall, and while you’re there pop into the Jubilee shop. It’s the place where children can choose a souvenir of their visit or – at this time of year – a highly original decoration for the Christmas tree.
Don’t forget, December is a busy time of year for tours, so if you’re planning a visit soon, it’s always best to book in advance.