It’s been a busy but exciting time for Ticketmaster Groups this past month, having just moved and settled into our fantastic new office (complete with our very own bar and slide to get to it!), located in the heart of the hustle and bustle of trendy Angel. You wouldn’t believe it judging by the weather we have had recently, but we are halfway through spring and fast approaching summer. At Ticketmaster Groups we know just how important it is for GTOs to plan early when deciding on those all-important summer group excursions. With this in mind, we are delighted to announce Houses of Parliament Tours Summer Opening is now on sale exclusively through Ticketmaster Groups.

St Stephen's Hall

The Summer Opening 2013 is a great time for groups to visit as this period provides more tour options and therefore offers a lot more flexibility with your planning. Throughout August, tours run six days a week, Monday to Saturday, and for an hour later than usual until 5.30pm. In addition, between 17^th September and 5^th October, tours are available Tuesday to Saturday until 4.30pm. We do advise that you reserve your tickets early to secure the most popular time slots. Most of what is seen on the tour was built in the mid-19th century following a devastating fire in 1834, but the route also incorporates Westminster Hall which dates from 1097. The tours start by following the route taken by The Queen at the State Opening of Parliament: from The Queen’s Robing Room, through the Royal Gallery and Prince’s Chamber, into the majestic Lords Chamber. Groups then move on through Central Lobby, Members’ Lobby and one of the voting lobbies before entering the Commons Chamber, scene of numerous lively debates. Passing through St. Stephen’s Hall, the tours end in Westminster Hall where many historic trials have taken place and where Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama have addressed Parliament in more recent years.Each Blue Badge tour guide can take a party of up to 25 people but larger groups are easily accommodated with additional parties starting their tours only a few minutes apart. Tours are also available in Spanish, Italian, French, German and (new for 2013) Russian. Just off Westminster Hall, the Jubilee Cafe serves a selection of light snacks and refreshments. Discounted rates for groups of ten or more are available. Prices vary according to the tour start time: £9 per person in the early morning (9.15am to 10am), £12 in the afternoon (after 1.15pm) and £13 for the highly sought after late morning tours (10.15am to 12.30pm).

Lord's Chamber