Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster)

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Palace of Westminster, St. Margaret Street, London, SW1A 0PW, United Kingdom

Featured in Dr No (1962), Goldfinger (1964), On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), The World Is Not Enough (1999), Die Another Day (2002) and Casino Royale (2006)

Profile

The Palace of Westminster (or Houses of Parliament as it's more commonly known) has featured in a number of films, usually in an establishing shot identifying London as the location. Perhaps the most famous appearance is during the boat chase during the pre-title sequence of The World Is Not Enough. Bond speeds down the river in the Q-Boat attempting to find out more information about the mysterious 'Cigar Girl' in her Sunseeker.

In Die Another Day, the palace features briefly after Bond is given a key at the London fencing club Blades. He gets out of a taxi on the other side of Westminster bridge and uses the key to open a door leading to an abandoned underground station where he meets M.

About

Perhaps one of the most famous sites in London, the majestic houses of parliament alongside the towering Big Ben come together to form the Palace of Westminster. The seat of the British Govement, the UK Parliament is one of the oldest representative assemblies in the world, having its origins in the mid-13th Century. Today, the United Kingdom Parliament today comprises members from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Trivia

You can gain access to the public gallery through the St Stephen's Gate entrance, which is clearly marked. However be prepared for a wait as the queues can be long. Parliament is usually in session from mid-October to late-July.

Perhaps the best views of the palace is across the Westminster Bridge, and then down the steps on the right.

A large number of permits had to be obtained before two speeding boats, gun fire and explosions could be used on the Thames during the opening sequence to The World Is Not Enough, especially when passing the palace. Can't imagine why!

The nearest tube station for the Houses of Parliament is Westminster. §