Houses of Parliament London
Although much of the world retains its fascination with British Royalty, the Parliament is the seat of government in Great Britain today. In practical terms, the House of Commons, a democratically elected body of 651 representatives, governs the nation and elects the Prime Minister, the executive head of government.

The British Parliament with its world famous clock tower, Big Ben, may be one of the most recognizable sights in the city. Located on Thames River, the building is one of the most picturesque in the city. The building itself is enormous - 1100 rooms, covering over 8 acres. The structure's gothic architecture speaks of power, while the decor of the interior reinforces the sense of British tradition and ceremony. Daily tours are available and while they may be limited due to the activities of government, they are still an excellent bargain and provide for an interesting combination of history, tradition and modern governmental practice.