Our visit to the House of Commons began smoothly when the coach arrived on time at The Festival Hall and took us on a comfortable journey into Westminster. We were dropped off beside the Thames, giving us an exciting first glimpse of the heart of British politics and setting the tone for a memorable day.

After passing through security and receiving our visitor headsets, we entered the magnificent Westminster Hall and joined our guided tours. The guides were excellent, bringing the building to life with fascinating historical detail as they led us through the debating chamber and on to the House of Lords, whose rich decoration and grandeur fully deserved its reputation as a ‘golden chamber’. Along the way, we learned a great deal about both the history of Parliament and the way it works today.

There was plenty to take in, from the impressive architecture to the many steps and slopes throughout the House of Commons, just as we had been warned. Everyone was clearly in awe of the building and its long history. The guides then directed us to Committee Room 14, where our local East Hampshire MP Damien Hinds answered our questions. He was charming, informative, and entertaining, which made the session especially enjoyable. After time for refreshments and a visit to the shop, we climbed back onto the coach feeling tired but delighted by everything we had seen and heard. It was a marvellous day out and a wonderful opportunity to experience Parliament at work.

Last Updated on 24th June 2026