Visiting Parliament at Other Times of the Year

There are ways for UK residents to arrange tours by contacting their MP, and other foreign nationals can apply for a card of introduction, but all of this takes time and planning. What if you just want to turn up and go to the public galleries to watch a debate? You can simply join the public queue outside St Stephen's Entrance but there is usually a 1-2 hour wait in the afternoons. To keep your waiting time down, it's best to arrive at 1pm or later. The House of Commons Information Office can let you know in advance what is to be debated. The public gallery is open when the House is sitting which is usually:

• Mondays: 2.30pm-10.30pm
• Tuesdays: 2.30pm-10.30pm
• Wednesdays: 11.30am-7.30pm
• Thursdays: 10.30am-6.30pm
• Fridays: 9.30am-3pm