Westminster AbbeyvsHouses of Parliament
Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament are both highly recommended by travel writers. On balance, Westminster Abbey scores marginally better than Houses of Parliament. Westminster Abbey scores 94 with positive reviews from 14 reviews including Lonely Planet, Michelin Guide and Lonely Planet.
Westminster Abbey
Fodor's
Concierge
Frommer's
Lonely Planet
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
Let's Go Michelin Guide Show All Reviews
Broad Sanctuary, London SW1P 3PA
From $0/night
Fodor's "Steeped in millennia of rich and often bloody history, Westminster Abbey is one of England's most iconic buildings." Full review
Concierge "Westminster Abbey, the huge Gothic church beside the Houses of Parliament, has been the setting for every coronation since 1066."
Frommer's "The Abbey is not just one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical architecture in Europe, it's also the shrine of the nation where monarchs are anointed before their God." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Westminster Abbey is a mixture of architectural styles, but considered the finest example of Early English Gothic (1190–1300). It's not merely a beautiful place of worship, though." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"Built at Henry VII's behest in the early 16C, this magnificent chapel is a fine example of the Perpendicular style." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Beyond the walkway, head through the oratory, resting place of Henry V, hero of Agincourt. At the centre, the tomb of St Edward who died in 1066, is surrounded by those of five kings and..." Full review
Michelin Guide 0 Stars
"The Chapter House is set in the precincts of Westminster Abbey. St Faith Chapel, the old sacristy, is reserved for private prayer (southern transept). " Full review
Michelin Guide 0 Stars
"The Abbey Museum is part of Westminster Abbey and is reached by a dark vaulted passageway...the museum is home to historical documents, reproductions of royal insignia, gold plates, and wax." Full review
Let's Go "Nearly all important British church ceremonies take place here—including William and Kate’s wedding." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"Built at Henry VII's behest in the early 16C, this magnificent chapel is a fine example of the Perpendicular style." Full review
Houses of Parliament Fodor's Concierge
Travel + Leisure
Time Out Michelin Guide Let's Go Travel + Leisure
U.S. News & World Report Frommer's Lonely Planet
Westminster, Old Palace Yard, London SW1A 0AA
From $0/night
Fodor's "The easiest time to get into the Commons is during an evening session—Parliament is still sitting if the top of the Clock Tower is illuminated." Full review
Concierge "The mother of all parliaments, the Palace of Westminster comprises Big Ben (which is the bell, not the tower) as well as the chambers of both Houses, Commons and Lords."
Travel + Leisure "Tour the Queen’s Robing Room, where she dons the Imperial State Crown before the annual opening of Parliament, and the Abbey, the Hall’s elder neighbor, which embodies British history " Full review
Time Out "Tours of the Houses of Parliament offer a unique combination of one thousand years of history, modern day politics, and stunning art and architecture." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Undoubtedly the most richly decorated chamber of the Palace of Westminster, the House of Lords bears witness to the exuberant neo-Gothic imagination of Pugin." Full review
Let's Go "Debates in both Houses are generally open to the public... visitors can queue for admission." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Step inside the Palace of Westminster and learn about the events and people who have shaped Britain today." Full review
U.S. News & World Report16.0
"The Houses of Parliament, composed of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, fill the massive Palace of Westminster." Full review
Frommer's "The image of the Palace of Westminster... and its clocktower known as Big Ben... has become an icon of icons." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"The Houses of Parliament's oldest part is 11th-century Westminster Hall, which is one of only a few sections that survived a catastrophic fire in 1834." Full review
