Family-friendly tours and experiences at the UK Parliament
A family day out with more to discover.
This summer, visiting the Palace of Westminster is even better value for families. With lower ticket prices, reduced-price children’s meals in our café, and a family audio tour where one child goes free with each paying adult, it’s easier to plan a day out together.
There’s plenty for younger visitors to enjoy along the way, from games and quizzes on the audio device to activities designed just for young explorers. It’s a chance to discover spaces that spark curiosity and learning.
Spend time together inside one of London’s most iconic landmarks, with more to see, do and enjoy as a family this summer.
Our tours have won a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award 2025, meaning they were voted among the top 10% of things to do worldwide!
Top 5 places to see and explore inside!
- The House of Commons Chamber with its famous green benches
- The magnificent House of Lords Chamber with its ornate golden throne
- Westminster Hall, almost 1000 years old, and the oldest on the parliamentary estate
- St Stephen’s Hall with lined with statues of famous parliamentarians
- Central Lobby, which you’ve likely seen on the evening news
Family audio tour
Experience the awe and wonder of hundreds of years of fascinating history, at your own pace!
Our family self-guided audio tours are a great choice for families with younger children.
You’ll get a multimedia device with audio and visual content to help you find your way and fully immerse yourselves in the experience. With fun quizzes and games, it’s a great way to learn for children up to age 11. What’s more, one child goes free with each full-paying adult!
Prefer to use your own device? No problem, you can download the kids programme in advance. A link will be provided in your pre-visit email. Download the audio guide in English and then select the kids tour on the next screen. You’ll connect to our free Wi-Fi on arrival.
All ages are permitted on this tour. We recommend you allow 90-minutes to complete the route.
“The family tour on the multimedia guide was great and kept my child engaged for a long time. The quizzes and questions were good and he enjoyed finding things around the building and getting involved with some of the history.” - Visitor Feedback Survey, 2024
Family trail
Prefer to explore without a headset?
Pick up our Family Trail booklet from a guide when you arrive. Made for children aged 5 - 7, it’s packed with fun missions, colourful activities, and curious clues.
Guided Tour
Venture into the heart of the Palace of Westminster accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and discover the history, heritage and work of the UK Parliament.
Visiting with children aged 12 and above? Take our group guided tour (approximately 25 people or less).
You’ll explore together, diving into history and going inside the real House of Commons and House of Lords among other rooms that have witnessed key moments in shaping UK democracy. Hear stories and learn surprising facts about the spaces, people and objects you see along the way. Our friendly and knowledgeable guides will also be happy to answer any questions you may have along the way.
The tour lasts 90 minutes.
“Thank you for a brilliant family day out, it was an incredible experience to walk around such historical spaces and learn about it in an engaging interactive way.” Visitor Feedback Survey, 2025
Age guidance
Groups with children aged 0 - 12: We recommend the family-friendly audio tour if you are visiting with younger children. The multimedia device has a version specifically designed for children up to the age of 12, with engaging video and audio content. We do not recommend the guided tour for children under 5, but all ages are permitted. With the self-guided audio tour, each full-paying adult will get one child (5-15) free.
Groups with children aged 12+: The guided tour is a great option if you would like to ask questions and interact with your knowledgeable guide. If you prefer to go at your own pace, then the self-guided audio tour is a better choice.
Pricing and booking
All tours can be booked online. Book in advance for the best value, and to guarantee entry on the day.
With the self-guided audio tour, each full-paying adult will get one child (5-15) free. There's no charge for children under 5 but they will need a ticket to enter.
Both the guided tour and the self-guided audio tour have a discount for 16-24s.
Our tours are running Saturdays throughout the year. Mondays to Saturdays during parliamentary recesses. There are also dates available during most school holidays. If your children prefer visiting attractions when it’s less busy then opt for an early morning or midweek tour which tends to be quieter.
Planning your trip and making the most of your visit
- Plan your visit - Opening times, accessibility, and cloackroom and buggy information
- How to find us and transport links - Whichever route you choose to get here, look out for the iconic Elizabeth Tower, otherwise known as Big Ben!
- Toilets and changing facilities
- Family dining - Enjoy refreshments in the Jubilee Café situated just off Westminster Hall, before or after your tour. Soak up the charming ambiance of the converted stable block café which offers kids’ meal deals, and the renowned Jubilee Cream Tea.
You might like to order the Parliament Kids' Handbook. It’s great for keeping kids entertained with activities, puzzles and facts.
Be sure to pop into the Jubilee Shop before you leave. Here, you can each pick up a souvenir of your visit, and browse our unique selection of children’s toys, books, gifts and more.
Want to hear more? Sign up to our newsletter to hear about upcoming family events at UK Parliament. When you sign up, tick the box to let us know you are a family and we’ll make sure you get a monthly newsletter with the latest for families.
