Visitors to the Houses of Parliament begin their tour by going through the Sovereign's Entrance and underneath Victoria Tower, at the south of the Palace of Westminster.

At 323 feet high (98.2 metres), the tower was the tallest square tower in the world when it was built. It now houses the Lords' Record Office.

On the day of the state opening of Parliament, the Queen's coach goes through the Sovereign's Entrance and under the tower. She descends in front of the Norman Porch and walks up the Royal Staircase towards the Queen's Robing Room.