Westminster Hall — Attraction in London

We’ve had the privilege of visiting Westminster Hall multiple times—both for functions and events and, most memorably, to pay our respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her Lying-in-State. Each visit has left us in awe of the sheer history and significance of this remarkable hall.

As the oldest surviving part of the Palace of Westminster, dating back to 1097, Westminster Hall has witnessed over 900 years of British history. It has hosted everything from royal banquets and coronation feasts to the trials of historic figures like Sir Thomas More and King Charles I. Walking beneath its incredible hammer-beam ceiling, one of the largest medieval timber roofs in Europe, you can almost feel the weight of history surrounding you.

During the Queen’s funeral, the hall took on an even more solemn and poignant atmosphere. Standing in line to pay our respects, we were struck by the grandeur and timelessness of the space, knowing that generations before us had stood in the very same place for moments of national mourning and remembrance.

For those visiting today, Westminster Hall is part of the Houses of Parliament tour, which we highly recommend. Seeing the hall as part of a guided tour gives a deeper understanding of its role in British democracy and history.

Visitor Information: • Opening Times: As part of the Houses of Parliament tours, typically on Saturdays and some weekdays during recess. Check the official Parliament website for up-to-date details. • Tickets: Entry to Westminster Hall is included with a Parliament tour (£25.50 per adult), but UK residents can also visit for free by attending debates or committee sessions.

Whether you visit for a special event, a tour, or a moment of remembrance, Westminster Hall is one of London’s most historic and atmospheric landmarks—a true must-see for anyone interested in...

Iconic! The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is the iconic seat of the British Parliament comprising the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The history of the Palace of Westminster begins with Edward the Confessor who had the original palace built here around 1050. Until the fire of 1512, this palace was the seat of the English kings; Eduard I Longshanks is the only king born here. Though built as the seat of royal power, it has been the seat and symbol of democratic power since the first meeting of the English Parliament on 20 January 1265. What Guy Fawkes failed to do on November 5, 1605, a great fire succeeded in 1834: the palace was largely reduced to ashes. The design competition that was launched on this was won by Charles Barry. Between 1840 and 1876, a huge, more than 1,000-room building in Gothic Revival and Perpendicular Gothic Style was built. Barry was assisted in the interior design by Augstus Pugin. The most famous part of the Palace of Westminster is of course Big Ben (officially the Elizabeth Tower since 2012), but the large, square Victoria Tower is also a striking feature. The oldest part of the building is Westminster Hall, parts of which date back to Norman times. A tour of the democratic heart of the UK is very interesting, but a view from the outside is...

During our Easter holiday, we had the chance to visit Westminster in London, one of the most iconic areas in the city. It was an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture, and beautiful architecture.

The atmosphere was both festive and peaceful. Many people gathered around Westminster Abbey, a stunning Gothic church where royal coronations and weddings take place. I even attended a special Easter service, which was very moving and well-organized.

After the service, we walked around Parliament Square, where I saw famous statues of historical figures like Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela. Of course, we also admired the Houses of Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower, where Big Ben is located. The weather was sunny, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

There were plenty of tourists, but it didn’t feel too crowded. The area was decorated with spring flowers, and the local cafés were full of people enjoying hot cross buns and tea. I also took a walk along the River Thames, which gave me a great view of the London Eye across the water.

Overall, spending Easter in Westminster was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting London during the...