The Palace of Westminster or the Houses of Parliament as it is more commonly referred to stands on a property that has been continuously occupied for almost a thousand years. Several ecclesiastic buildings stood here originally succeeded by an Anglo Saxon Royal Palace. Westminster Palace, a great medieval structure came after that and was the main residence of the Kings of England until a fire destroyed much of it in the 16th century. Four sections of the palace survive and are part of today’s Westminster Palace with Westminster Hall being the only part that has survived in its original form. This cavernous space is used for celebratory events and from the 12th to the 19th century was where coronation banquets were hosted. Another great fire ravaged the building in the 19th century after which it was completely reconstructed in the Gothic style with over a thousand rooms arranged around two courtyards. Parliament has been meeting at Westminster palace since the 13th century. Situated in fashionable Belgravia, the Halkin by COMO London offers calm, modern public and private spaces for leisure and relaxation after a day in the city.
Westminster Palace the centre of political life in the UK with its Gothic spires, setting by the River Thames and its clock tower with Big Ben is one of the most easily identifiable sites in the world. This UNESCO heritage site is among the most visited tourist attractions in London. Although casual visitors may not be able to enter the palace, a limited number of overseas visitors are allowed in when parliament is in session. Guided tours of the two chambers of the house and Westminster Hall are available when Parliament has adjourned for the summer. Unfortunately not many people are allowed into the restaurants and bars on the premises either. Westminster palace is easily accessed via the underground. As a popular luxury boutique hotel London, guests at the Halkin can enjoy its unique wellness programs among other luxuries.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
