There will be a couple of late openings of the Houses of Parliament over the next couple of months, allowing us, the electorate, inside to take a look around.
Westminster Hall (c) ianVisits
The evenings will also mark the 75th anniversary of the rebuilding of the House of Commons Chamber after it was bombed during the Second World War. This self-guided evening offers an opportunity to explore the UK Parliament after hours, including the House of Commons Chamber, the House of Lords Chamber, Central Lobby, and Westminster Hall.
Short talks and a range of activities will give visitors the chance to learn about the rebuilding of the House of Commons Chamber—how it was designed, the materials and artistry involved, and the people who made it possible.
Hear directly from staff in the Heritage Collections team, explore original designs and materials up close, and discover how the new Chamber took shape. You’ll also find out how key spaces in the House of Lords, including the Lords Chamber and Robing Room, were temporarily transformed to keep parliamentary business running during reconstruction.
Entry is £10 per person and tickets must be purchased online from here.
The late openings are on Friday 12th September and Friday 17th October.
Note: You enter via security, so travelling light is wise as it gets you through the metal detectors quicker. Also, photography is allowed in Westminster Hall and St Stephen’s entrance, but once you get to the lobby, that’s where you’re going to be putting your camera away.