Parliament is open to overseas visitors on Saturdays and during the "Summer Opening" that generally occurs in August and September of each year. Tours are offered between 9:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and last about 75 minutes.
The standard admission ticket price is 15 pounds as of January 2011. You can buy tickets at the Parliament Ticket Office on the day of your visit, or pay for them ahead of time by following the link from the Parliament "Overseas visitors" page to the Ticketmaster website. Families should note that that tours are not suitable for very young children because of the amount of walking involved.
Overseas visitors can also get an insider's view of Parliamentary proceedings by visiting the public galleries in the House of Commons or House of Lords on Mondays through Thursday and on some Fridays.
The "sitting times" schedule varies, and visitors should consult the "Attend Debates" page on the Parliament website for specific details. Admission to the galleries is free, however, the Parliament website advises that you can expect to wait up to two hours to gain admission.
Tourists with an interest in historical research can visit the Parliamentary Archives. The archives contain millions of records pertaining to parliamentary affairs over the centuries. These are open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You need "proof of identity" to enter the Archives Search Room, but you don't need a ticket. The Parliament website advises that seating in the Search Room is limited. Tourists should call the contact number on the "Visit the Parliamentary Archives" page to book a seat or to inquire about availability of records.
Visitors to Parliament are subjected to airport-type searches before entering the facility. Bags larger than the size permitted on airplanes are prohibited. Parliament does not have a bag check area, so you won't be allowed to tour if your bag is too big, or if it contains anything that looks like a weapon. Cell phones can remain on your person but must be turned off during the tour. Cameras are only allowed in Westminster Hall.
