Parliament Square
Plaza Public square in London framed by major government buildings.
In central London, Parliament Square faces the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey; its statues and open space attract photographers, political demonstrations and tourists en route to the Houses of Parliament.
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Parliament Square is a public square in central London immediately outside the Palace of Westminster, serving as a civic and ceremonial space. It is lined with statues of statesmen and public figures and is a focal point for political demonstrations and national commemorations.
The square provides viewpoints of the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey and is used frequently for public gatherings, protests and media coverage of political events. Pathways, lawns and paved areas accommodate both pedestrians and organized demonstrations.
Created in the 19th century as part of urban improvements around the Houses of Parliament, the square has since been the scene of many high-profile public events and remains an active site for civic engagement. Its central location places it within walking distance of other central London landmarks and transport connections.
Situated on the north side of the River Thames in the City of Westminster, the square is in the heart of London and lies adjacent to the Parliamentary estate and other governmental buildings.
- Location and civic use: Located directly outside the Palace of Westminster and adjacent to Westminster Abbey, making it the principal civic space for political demonstrations and ceremonial events in central London.
- Statues and access: Contains numerous statues of statesmen and public figures and is served by Westminster Underground station one block away for easy public access.
How to Get to Parliament Square #
Parliament Square sits in Westminster in central London immediately adjacent to Parliament Street and Whitehall. The nearest Underground station is Westminster (Circle, District and Jubilee lines) - the square is a 2-4 minute walk from the station exits. It is also within easy walking distance of St James’s Park and Westminster Bridge.
By road it is in the heart of central London (City of Westminster); access by private car is possible but restricted at times for security and traffic - approach via Parliament Street/Whitehall. Numerous central London buses stop on Whitehall and nearby roads for short walks to the square.
Tips for Visiting Parliament Square #
- Visit early on weekday mornings (shortly after sunrise) for the clearest light on the Palace of Westminster and far fewer tourists and protest groups than midday; Westminster tube (exit for Parliament/Westminster Station) puts you closest to the square.
- Use the pedestrian crossings on Parliament Street/Bridge Road to position yourself for iconic photos that include both the Houses of Parliament and the statues around the square-moving to the raised pavement areas around the statues often gives a less-crowded viewpoint.
- Check for planned demonstrations or police cordons before you go (Parliament Square is a common protest site); if there's an event, approach from alternative Westminster-area streets to avoid long closures and security checks.
Best Time to Visit Parliament Square #
Best visited in late spring or early autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds; summer is lively but busy.
Weather & Climate near Parliament Square #
Parliament Square's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (645 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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