10. Visit Parliament

A visit from the parentals gave a good opportunity to visit parliament.  There are a few ways that you can get into Westminster palace (including writing to your local MP for access to Big Ben...I think I may do this as well because that would be pretty cool) but I opted for the Saturday guided tour option.  Despite being the 21st century and things generally working 7 days a week, parliament runs in the old fashioned way and is closed for work at the weekends which provides a great opportunity to be open to the public for a guided tour.

I would say our tour guide was functional, she gave us the facts but lacked a sense of humour and any additions.  It was a lovely tour though and you get taken through both the House of Lords and House of Commons and get shown the ins and outs of how parliament works (overly complex but fascinating).

Unfortunately you are not allowed to take any photos, with the exception of in Westminster Hall which is not something that really identifies it as parliament.  The photo I've added is me in Westminster Hall by the Diamond Jubilee window which will soon be installed elsewhere so I feel pretty luck to have been able to see it up close!

12 down....18 to go!