Summer is finally here and with recess approaching its time to get in the spirit of things, so I present the Recess Monkey Guide to the Parliamentary Rooftops.

Researchers will soon be able to enjoy lunch on the Terrace or a picnic in New Palace Yard, but nothing beats getting up to the rooftops to enjoy the sun. But do you know where to go?

1. Palace of Westminster Roof Terrace
The original and the best. Nowhere else in London will you feel more important whilst eating your sandwich.
How do I get there? From Central Lobby take the corridor next to the SAA desk, go past the Admissions Order Office, climb the staircase to the Strangers Gallery and keep going to the top. Or take the lift.
Pros - All the cache of being on the roof of Parliament, the best views over London, and a fair amount of chairs and tables. Reminisce about Ian Richardson in House of Cards.
Cons - Fairly sparse and the most likely to get crowded when the sun comes out, though the long trek up there will deter the lazy. And whilst the views are great, the prescence of huts that look like temporary classrooms sitting on top of the Royal Palace spoils the mood a bit.
Spot for a tryst? Infamous for a couple being caught at it on the roof by the residents of a 6th floor office in Portcullis House, but out of hours it’s actually quite a good choice for a romantic liaison. Just take some care to stay on the river side of the Terrace and make sure the huts are empty!

2. Bellamy’s Roof Garden
The hidden garden in 1 Parliament Street isn’t all that hidden, and yet it’s still pretty quiet.
How do I get there? Get the lifts in 1 Parliament Street to Floor 2. Take a left to the end of the corridor, and then left again.
Pros - The most beautiful outdoor option on the estate and the best escape from the realities of work. A delightful garden with a good mix of plants and shrubs, and a decent number of tables and chairs. Catches the sun nicely at lunchtime and is very close to Bellamy’s bar and cafeteria.
Cons - Overlooked by lots of Portcullis offices, and only gets direct sunlight for a short period of the day.
Spot for a tryst? The greenery affords some protection, but the sheer number of offices overlooking it and the ease of accessibility should discourage all but the drunks and the exhibitionists.

3. Derby Gate Roof Terrace
A secret jealously guarded by denizens of the Library
How do I get there? Get the lifts in Derby Gate to Floor 4 and walk round the corner following the signs.
Pros - A plesant mix of seating and plants, and a good place to watch big events like the State Opening of Parliament.
Cons - Fairly small overall and only a couple of tables. A long way from the usual stomping ground, and researchers are likely to incur suspicious looks from Librarians for invading their turf.
Spot for a tryst? No cover to speak of, far too close to Derby Gate offices, and you could potentially be spotted by workers on the top floor of the Treasury.

4. The 1 Parliament Street Roof
It may only be a fire exit, but it’s a great find.
How do I get there? Get the lifts in 1 Parliament Street to Floor 5, turn right and take the first right through a door down a small corridor. Before the stairs on your right there’s an unmarked white door. Through the door, follow the route of the fire exit around the outside of the building, and duck through a metal door at the end.
Pros - The best spot to look along Whitehall bar none - higher and less restricted than the Derby Gate Roof Terrace - and a good view of Parliament Square too. Enjoy the thrill of the illicit, tempered by the fact the police officer who joined us at the weekend to watch the Tour de France from there didn’t seem at all bothered by our prescence.
Cons - No furniture or plant life whatsoever. Not the best place to go if you tend to indulge in drunken stunts.
Spot for a tryst? Not for comfort, but the most discreet rooftop location by a country mile.

How many did you know?
1 - Pathetic. You’ve not even tried. You work in Parliament and yet you’ve barely seen it. You should be ashamed of yourself.
2 - Average. You know your way around and run a decent tour for your mates.
3 - Expert. You’ve either been here for a long time or are friends with enough people across the Estate to know all the best places. Top work.
4 - Spiderman. No rooftop too high for you. Either you pour over maps of the Estate in your free time, or you go on drunken adventures around Parliament opening doors at random just to see where they lead.

This spidermonkey seldom ventures into the Norman Shaws, but isn’t aware of any accessible rooftops there. He would love to be corrected if wrong. Red Tamarin.

redtamarin[at]gmail.com