London's Houses of Parliament include the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Beautifully ornate buildings on the banks of the River Thames, the Houses of Parliament are where all the big political decisions affecting Great Britain are made.

Close to Westminster Abbey, Whitehall and Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament are situated in the heart of London. Originally the site of a royal palace in the 11th Century, the Houses of Parliament served as the main London residence for the Kings of England before British democracy was born.

The Houses of Parliament in London have been Grade I listed since 1970, ensuring the grand designs and structures will be preserved for ever. One of the most iconic parts of London, Big Ben is the famous clock tower within the Houses of Parliament in London.

The House of Commons is where the main policies and bills are debated and the Prime Minister sits with his MPs and the other publically elected parties. The House of Lords is where all the bills pasted in the House of Commons are further scrutinised and can be rejected before being made law. In this way, the House of Lords acts as a safeguard to radical political reform. The House of Lords used to only contain 'hereditary peers', with seats awarded to descendants only. Recently the house has switched to elected peers.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in London, the Houses of Parliament or Westminster Palace is an essential part of any London tour.

For more information on The Houses of Parliament in London, please phone 0870 9063773

Visiting The Houses of Parliament in London:

Address: Westminster, St Margaret Street, Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA

Telephone: 0870 9063773

Nearest Underground Stations:
Westminster Tube (3 minutes)
St James's Park Tube (9 minutes)

Nearest Hotels: Quality Crown Hotel London Kensington

Official Site: www.parliament.uk