Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
trance(withthetouristramp,nexttotheSt.Stephen'sEntrance—iflost,askaguard).Asyou
enter,you'llbeaskedifyouwanttovisittheHouseofCommonsortheHouseofLords.The
HouseofLordshasmorepageantry,shorterlines,butlesslivelydebates(tel.020/7219-3107
for schedule, visit
www.parliamentlive.tv
for a preview). Inquire about the wait—an hour or
twoisnotunusual.Ifthere'salonglinefortheHouseofCommonsandyoujustwantaquick
look inside the grand halls of this majestic building, start with the House of Lords. Once in-
side, you can switch if you like. If you have questions, ask one of the attendants (wearing
yellow ties).
Just past security (where you'll be photographed and given a badge to wear around your
neck), you enter the vast and historic
Westminster Hall,
which survived the 1834 fire. The
cavernous hall was built in the 11th century, and its famous self-supporting hammer-beam
roofwasaddedin1397.RacksofbrochureshereexplainhowtheBritishgovernmentworks,
and plaques describe the hall. The Jubilee Café, open to the public, has live video feeds
showingexactlywhat'sgoingonineachhouse.Justseeingthecafévideoisafunexperience
(and can help you decide which house—if either—you'd like to see). Walking through the
hall and up the stairs, you'll enter the busy world of government with all its high-powered
goings-on.
Jewel Tower:
Across the street from the Parliament building's St. Stephen's Gate, the
Jewel Tower is a rare remnant of the old Palace of Westminster, used by kings until Henry
VIII. The crude stone tower (1365-1366) was a guard tower in the palace wall, overlook-
ing a moat. It contains a fine little exhibit on Parliament and the tower (£3, daily March-Oct
10:00-17:00, Nov-Feb 10:00-16:00, tel. 020/7222-2219). Next to the tower (and free) is a
quiet courtyard with picnic-friendly benches.
Big Ben:
The 315-foot-high clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster is
named for its 13-ton bell, Ben. The light above the clock is lit when the House of Commons
is sitting. The face of the clock is huge—you can actually see the minute hand moving. For
a good view of it, walk halfway over Westminster Bridge.
This excellent sight offers a fascinating walk through the underground headquarters of the
British government's fight against the Nazis in the darkest days of the Battle for Britain. It
hastwoparts:thewarroomsthemselves,andatop-notchmuseumdedicatedtothemanwho
steered the war from here, Winston Churchill. For details on all the blood, sweat, toil, and
tears, pick up the excellent, essential, and included audioguide at the entry, and dive in.
Cost and Hours:
£17 (includes 10 percent optional donation), £5 guidebook, daily
9:30-18:00, last entry one hour before closing; on King Charles Street, 200 yards off White-
