Parliament Square Plaza

Address: Parliament Square, Westminster, London SW1, United Kingdom

Website: https://www.parliament.uk/

Hours: Open 24 hours

Admission: Free (public square)

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.

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.

• 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.