Take an accessible tour

Book in advance
Big Ben Tours
What to expect on your Palace of Westminster Tour
Wheelchair and step-free access
Induction loops and sign language
Taking a tour from home

Book in advance

If you have accessibility needs, contact us in advance about alternatives before you book and how we can best support you on your visit. 

• Call 020 7219 4114
• For Text phone dial 18001 followed by 020 7219 4114
• Email the Bookings team

Big Ben Tours

Accessible tours of Big Ben are designed for visitors who may find parts of the standard Big Ben tour challenging. The tour does not include use of the lift.  There is limited availability for these accessible tours. 

• You can see inside the Elizabeth Tower on our virtual tour and see what the stairs look on the further information before you book page. 

The acccessible tour is adaptive, which means the route and access will vary based on your needs. If your accessible tour request is successful, we will discuss with you which rooms you will be able to access including the belfry (which contains the bells, including Big Ben). 

To request an accessible tour, complete the online request form. This form lets you to tell us more about your needs, with an option for you to request a phone call with our team. You will find the available tour dates on the form.  

After your form has been submitted, we will contact you within two weeks.

If we are able to offer a tour slot, we will then organise a phone call. We will also let you know within two weeks if we were unable to accommodate your request.

• Learn more about the standard tour and how to book. 

What to expect on your Palace of Westminster Tour 

We want your visit to feel comfortable and enjoyable. This page explains what will happen on the day, what you will see, and what the experience might feel like. You can take your time and ask for help at any point. Our team is here to support you. 

What are the tour highlights? 

Your tour will take you through some of the most historic and important spaces in UK Parliament. These are:  

• Westminster Hall – the oldest part of Parliament, with a huge stone floor and a tall wooden roof.
• St Stephen’s Hall – is a busy part of the building. There are places to sit here and the guided tour has a planned stop here. 
• House of Commons Chamber – where Members of Parliament (MPs) debate. You will notice the famous green benches.
• House of Lords Chamber – a richly decorated room with red benches and gold details.
• Central Lobby – a busy space where people meet their MPs. 

Parliament is a working building so you may not be able to see everything on your tour. On a guided tour, your guide will explain the tour route when you arrive. For audio tours, the route you will follow on the device, which you can follow. There is also signs to help direct you and you can ask visitor assistants for help if you need it.  

What will happen on the day? 

Before your tour: Have your tickets on your phone or printed. You can also bring your own headphones to use with the multimedia device (for audio tours) or the headset (for guided tours) which helps you hear clearly in busy spaces.  

Arrival: You will go through security checks, like at an airport. Our staff will be there to help and answer questions. 

Access: Our staff are trained to support visitors with a wide range of access needs and can offer extra time, guidance, or alternative queuing options if needed. We recognise the Access Card which will help you get faster entry,  and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower (HDS) network, for visitors with non‑visible disabilities. 

Starting your tour 

If you have a guided tour, a friendly guide will explain the plan and lead the group.

If you have an audio tour, staff will help you collect your multimedia guide and show you how to use it. 

During the tour

On a guided tour, your guide shares stories and answers questions as you walk through several rooms. 

On an audio tour, you can explore at your own pace and listen to commentary about each space. There is a BSL, and audio-described option available.  

Duration: Most tours take about 90 minutes. Audio tours vary depending on how long you spend in each area. 

You are welcome to take breaks whenever you need. If anything feels overwhelming, let a member of staff know and they will help you. 

What it might feel like? 

Sounds: Some areas may be quiet and calm, like Westminster Hall. Other spaces may feel busy, especially near Central Lobby. Large rooms can have echoes. 

Lighting: Most areas are well-lit, but some spaces may feel dim or have bright spotlights. 

Movement: There is lots of walking, and you may need to stand for long periods. 

Crowds: Guided tours are in small groups. Audio tours allow you to move at your own pace. He rooms can be busy, especially on the weekends and during holiday periods. 

Breaks: If you need a quiet space, ask a member of staff, and they will help you. 

You are in control of your visit. You can pause, take a break, or ask for help at any time. 

Tips to prepare 

• Wear comfortable shoes – there is lots of walking.
• Bring water in a sealed bottle if you like.
• If you use ear defenders or sensory aids, you can bring them.
• You can download a map before your visit.

Wheelchair and step-free access

Most of the tour route in the Palace of Westminster is step-free. There are steps at either end of St Stephen's Hall but an alternative route via a lift is available. 

Find more information on step-free access on Access and Assistance Devices page.

Induction loops and sign language

Induction loops are available at the Information Desk in Westminster Hall.  Find more information about induction loops on the Access and Assistance Devices page.

If you are taking a  Inside UK Parliament/Speaker’s House guided your, we can arrange a British Sign Language interpreter. As signers are in heavy demand, please provide as much notice as possible.  

To book a signer:

• Call 020 7219 4114 
• For Text phone dial 18001 followed by 020 7219 4114 
• Email the Bookings team 

Audio described multimedia tour 

Blind and partially sighted who have booked a multimedia tour can now enjoy an audio-described version of the tour, with vivid verbal descriptions of key spaces and features throughout the Palace of Westminster.

If preferred, you can download the audio guide to your own device upon arrival at Westminster Hall. Use the link, download audio guide and select Audio Description from the language options. Don’t forget to bring your own headphones.  

Taking a tour from home