Westminster on foot
Westminster is the part of central London around Parliament Square. The Elizabeth Tower, with the bell called Big Ben, belongs to the Palace of Westminster. Whitehall leads north from the square toward Trafalgar Square, and Horse Guards, Downing Street and the Churchill War Rooms lie in the government district beside it.
For guided tours of the palace, the public galleries and Westminster Hall, see our separate Houses of Parliament guide.
The UNESCO World Heritage listing covers the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church. That does not mean a shared ticket. Each place has its own entry rules. This guide is independent and has no link to Parliament, the Abbey or any attraction.
Parliament Square
The classic view of the tower.
Parliament Square lies opposite Parliament and gives you a view of Big Ben from outside. You do not need a ticket to stand there. Looking at the tower from the street is not the same as going inside it. The inside is open only on a booked tower tour, and entry to the tower is a separate matter from the rest of the Palace.
For photo ideas by place and time of day, see the guide to the best views. For the tower tour itself, who can join and how to book, read the pages on the tour and on getting inside.
Tower tour
Adults £55 and ages 11 to 17 £35 for tours from 1 August 2026. Tickets are sold online only and are not refundable, apart from a refund when the provider cancels.
Tower tour and tickets →Who can go up
The route has 334 steps and a narrow spiral stair, with no lift. It is not a promise that every visitor can join.
Can you go inside? →Our picks: Westminster walks
Guided walks past Parliament, the Abbey and Buckingham Palace.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Westminster walk with Churchill War Rooms
A small-group walk past more than 20 sights, with War Rooms entry included. Big Ben and Buckingham Palace are seen from outside; food, drinks and hotel transfer are extra.
Check availability →
Westminster and Buckingham Palace tour
Five hours with a local guide and a pre-booked Westminster Abbey ticket. Buckingham Palace and Big Ben are seen from outside; their entry is not included.
Check availability →Tours and tickets around Westminster
Walking tours, bus tours and river trips that start near Parliament Square, with live prices and availability.
Whitehall and Horse Guards
The street of government and the parade ground behind it.
Whitehall
Whitehall runs north from Parliament Square. Buses stop north of the square, heading toward Trafalgar Square. Horse Guards stands among the government buildings and near Downing Street and the War Rooms.
Horse Guards Parade
This is a ceremonial parade ground in St James's Park. Trooping the Colour takes place here in June, for the official birthday of the King. Do not confuse it with the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.
Mounted guards
The Royal Parks list mounted guards every day from 10:00 to 16:00, with a change each hour. The regular change of the King's Life Guard is Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00. A less formal inspection takes place on Saturday at 11:00 and on Sunday at 10:00. Ceremonies can change, so there is no guarantee for any particular day.
Downing Street
There is no regular public access. You can look from outside the secured gates, but there is no route to the front door.
Buckingham Palace
Horse Guards is the official entry to St James's and Buckingham Palace. Palace visits and openings are a separate topic with their own site and are not covered here.
Houses of Parliament
A guided tour of the Palace of Westminster is a different product from the tower tour. The Houses of Parliament have their own site, and this one covers the tower and the area around it.
Westminster sights at a glance
Adult prices and hours in 2026.
| Sight | Adult price | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster Abbey | £32 | Mon to Fri 09:30 to 16:30 (last entry 15:30); Sat 09:00 to 16:00 (last entry 15:00) | Services take the place of sightseeing on Sunday; book ahead in busy periods |
| Churchill War Rooms | £34 (2 September 2026 to 31 March 2027) | 09:00 to 18:00, last entry 17:00; from September to May opens 09:30 | Address: Clive Steps, King Charles Street, SW1A 2AQ; timed tickets |
| London Eye | From £29 online, £39 walk-up | Hours vary; 11:00 to 18:00 was listed in October 2026 | The ride takes about 30 minutes; closed on 25 December |
| Parliament Square | Free | – | An outside viewpoint for the tower |
The Abbey closed fully on 1 and 17 October 2026 and had shorter entry on some days in late September. Check the Abbey calendar before you go. Ask the museum about lifts and step-free access before you go.
Getting there
Westminster is easy to reach by tube, bus or on foot.
Tube
Westminster station is on the Circle, District and Jubilee lines. An adult pay-as-you-go trip within Zone 1 costs £3.10 at peak and £3.00 off-peak since March 2026.
Bus
A single fare is £1.75, rising to £1.85 from 1 November 2026 at 04:30. The daily cap goes from £5.25 to £5.55 on the same date.
On foot
Victoria, Charing Cross and Waterloo stations are about 20 minutes from Parliament on foot. Westminster Abbey is about 300 m, or 4 minutes, from Westminster station.
By car
Parking is limited. The Congestion Charge is £18 when paid in advance or on the day, and £21 up to midnight of the third day after. The payments page lists Monday to Friday 07:00 to 18:00 and weekends and holidays 12:00 to 18:00. Check the hours with Transport for London before you drive.
Things to do in Westminster: frequently asked questions
Can I see Big Ben for free?
Yes, from outside, for example from Parliament Square. Going inside the Elizabeth Tower needs a booked tour.
What is the changing of the guard at Horse Guards?
The King's Life Guard changes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00. Mounted guards are listed every day from 10:00 to 16:00. Times can change.
Can I visit Downing Street?
Not in the regular way. There is no public access to the street and no walkable route to the front door.
How much time do I need for Westminster?
That depends on what you enter. The streets and viewpoints are quick. The Abbey and the War Rooms each need their own visit, and the War Rooms are timed. Choose one or two paid sights for a day.
Is Westminster Abbey open on Sunday?
Sunday is for services instead of sightseeing. Plan your visit for another day.
Where do I find Buckingham Palace?
It is a separate sight and is not covered on this site. Horse Guards is described as the official entry to St James's and Buckingham Palace.