Motumotu

What are the things to be done at Big Ben and Houses of Parliament. Is entry into the buildings allowed? If so, how much is the fees?

flanneruk

To visit the Houses of Parliament you:
- can attend, by appointment, outreach sessions (http://news.parliament.uk/2010/02/pa...op-in-sessions)
- can queue to watch debates
- can ask your MP for a free tour if you're a UK resident (whatever your nationality)
- during the summer recess, buy (doable online) tickets for a paid tour

The Clock Tower tour is available only to UK residents, and must be arranged through your MP

http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/index.cfm

tod

My guide book says this:

HOUSE OF COMMONS: Visitors Galleries are open 2.30pm - 10pm Mon to Thurs. Fridays 9.30am to 3pm at the St Stephens entrance.
Question time from 2.30pm until 3.30pm Mon-Thurs.
UK residents apply in advance to their local MP, others apply to Public Information Office or their national embassy.

HOUSE OF LORDS: Visitors Gallery open 2.30pm onwards Mon-Thurs, some Fridays. Same application to visit applies as House of Commons.

Just a note: No photography!

Cholmondley_Warner

Another thing to remember is there is very heavy security there – so they won’t let you bring things like penknives in.

flanneruk

The guide book's out of date.

Commons Question Time's now 1130 on Wed and 1030 on Thurs. In practice, tickets are needed, available only for residents only through an MP or Peer. Non ticket holders may queue, but almost certainly won't get into the Wed one (the Prmine Minster's). Embassies have very, very, limited numbers of introduction cards, which almost never get you into PMQs

Padraig

Just to be pernickety, I would point out that very few visitors to London get to see Big Ben. He lives indoors.

janisj

"What are the things to be done at Big Ben and Houses of Parliament. Is entry into the buildings allowed? If so, how much is the fees?"

the practical answer for your short visit is: Walk by the clock tower and look up -- listen for the hour strike. Walk around the corner and look at the outside of the Parliament buildings. That is it -- you won't be able to go inside and there really isn't anything else to do. Then walk across the street and go inside Westminster Abbey . . . . Then -- maybe walk across the river and ride the Eye.

PatrickLondon

http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/vi...asvisitors.cfm

Otzi

Just don't ride a motorcycle with Big Ben.

emily71

Actually, you can go inside and watch a debate in one of the chambers, Monday to Thursday in the afternoon and evening until 10pm. If you're at all interested in government or architecture I'd recommend watching a debate(you can leave at your leisure). No cameras or bags are allowed but the guards will hold your bags.

twk

If you're not a UK subject, and you're not there during the recess in September(? or is it August and September?), then having a look on the outside and going in for a debate are your options. If you go in for a debate, you don't get to just wander through the building, but I found it to be worthwhile. I would reccommend going to an evening sitting. Also, when going to see a debate, you have a choice between the Commons and the Lords. The line for the Commons will be longer, so if time is an issue, you can opt for the Lords and see their rather grander chamber.

janisj

"Actually, you can go inside and watch a debate in one of the chambers,"

Yes - however, for this OP the only practical option is to walk past the outside. They are only in London for 3 days - And much of that will be spent at Mme Tussauds and some other time-eaters.