This summer visitors to London will have a unique opportunity to get behind the scenes of UK Parliament through a programme of summer events.
Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower talks
In 2019 the Great Clock and Big Ben celebrates 160 years of keeping time for Parliament. In 1859 the Great Clock, designed by Edmund Beckett Denison and built by Edward John Dent and his son, Frederick Dent, was installed in the Elizabeth Tower. Shortly afterwards, the Great Bell (now known as Big Ben) was hoisted into position and began to strike the hour. Discover more about this fascinating clock and the Elizabeth Tower at one of these entertaining and informative morning talks, which run until 27 June 2019. Further information available here.
Summer Tours
Discover the history and heritage of Parliament on a fun and informative tour delivered by an expert guide or take self-guided tour using a multimedia guide. Available now on Saturdays, and most weekdays throughout August during the parliamentary recess. Further information available here.
‘Parliament & Peterloo’ exhibition
This free exhibition in Westminster Hall between 4 July and 26 September 2019 explores the political and social background to the Peterloo massacre and Parliament’s reaction to it. Researchers from Royal Holloway, University of London and the History of Parliament Trust contributed to the exhibition. This event is free but requires a ticket to attend. Further information available here.
Public talks and events
Attend one of our one-off talks and events at Westminster. Covering a broad range of topics, from ‘Women of Westminster: The MPs who changed politics’ by Rachel Reeves MP to ‘Peterloo: from page to screen’ by Dr Jacqueline Riding. Many talks are free but advance booking is essential. Further information available here.
Royalty and Splendour Dinner and Tour
New Royalty and Splendour tour and dinner experiences are available for summer 2019. These experiences combine a guided tour which focuses on the art and decorative style of the House of Lords with a special Victorian inspired three course dinner to celebrate the 200th anniversaries of the births of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Further information available here.
