Big Ben’s tower has survived fires, wars, and the test of time. Not everything in London can take the heat (except maybe a crème brûlée donut getting torched to perfection). Here’s how to see the city’s most famous clock up close.
Visiting Big Ben
According to Britannica, the tower was originally known as St. Stephens Tower. It was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honour of the Queen’s 60th Jubilee. Technically, only the bell is nicknamed Big Ben, but if you say “Big Ben,” everyone will know you mean more than just the bell. It has been a pillar of timekeeping for decades.
Great news for travelers: Big Ben is back in action! After a six-year restoration, it reopened to the public in 2023. Now, you can step inside, immerse yourself in history, and experience the timeless charm of this iconic clock tower. Let’s jump into the most important things you need to know about visiting Big Ben in London.
Big Ben underwent extensive restoration from 2017 to 2023. The Great Bell (nicknamed Big Ben) has just been repaired. And the clock tower (Elizabeth Tower) has recently had all the scaffolding removed and is ready to show off in all your pictures.
Previously, only UK residents had the privilege of touring Big Ben. However, there’s great news! Now, both UK-based and international visitors aged 11 and over are warmly welcomed to experience the magnificence of Big Ben.
Here are some important things to know before your visit to Big Ben:
Get ready for a climb! It’s 334 steps to the top!
Wear comfortable shoes.
Be prepared for any weather conditions as you ascend to a height of 62 meters.
Be aware of the high noise levels from the clock mechanism and bells.
Remember, no eating or drinking allowed in the Elizabeth Tower, so hydrate beforehand.
The closest metro stations to Big Ben are Westminster Station and Waterloo Station. Both stations are within walking distance of Big Ben.
Tickets:
Tickets for tours in the first half of 2024 are sold out.
Tickets are released every second Wednesday of the month at 10:00 am local time for two months ahead
Tour tickets cost £30 for adults and £15 for children aged 11-17.
Tour Tickets sell out within minutes of release!
UK residents can get a free tour by contacting a Member of the House of Commons or House of Lords.
Tickets can only be purchased online through the UK Parliament website.
Each person can book up to eight tickets, depending on availability.
In total, you should plan for two hours for your visit to Big Ben,which includes arriving 30 minutes prior to your tour start time and 90-minute tour duration. This extra time allows for any necessary preparations before the tour begins and ensures you have ample time to enjoy the experience.
On this tour, you will see the inner workings of the clock mechanism, stand next to the world-famous Big Ben bell as it strikes the hour, and step behind the dials each spanning 6.9m in diameter. You are also welcome to explore medieval Westminster Hall after your visit to the Elizabeth Tower.
Pro tip: Stand anywhere on Westminster Bridge for great views of Big Ben. Or even better, stand just in front of the statue of Queen Boadicea at the foot of Westminster Bridge, close to Westminster tube station. There you can enjoy unobstructed views as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are just across the road.
Check Out Our Best Day Trips from London
Top-Rated Tour
The Magic of Harry Potter: Warner Bros Studios & Walking Tour of London
On this full-day Harry Potter experience, immerse yourself in the world of witchcraft and wizardry. With your expert, Harry Potter loving guide, explore the filming sights in London before heading to Warner Bros Studios by Private Coach. See the real Hogwarts, Sorting Hat and more on this memorable experience.
(10)
Starting at €149
Top-Rated Tour
Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip from London
Join this full-day trip from London for the ultimate day through British history and culture with an expert guide. At Windsor Castle, skip the lines and see how the English Royals live. At Stonehenge, immerse yourself in the mystery of the 4000-year-old Neolithic structures. Lastly in Bath, take in the Roman Baths from the first century AD, the best symbol of Roman Britain.
Here are some interesting facts about Big Ben from the official Parliament website to help you understand how incredible this timekeeping monument is.
It’s commonly known as Big Ben but that’s just the nickname for the bell (which isn’t visible from the street). Also, the bell’s real name is the Great Bell and the clock tower is called the Elizabeth Tower.
It was built in 1848 during the Victorian period.
Big Ben (the bell) weighs 13.76 tons, and the tower is 96 metres tall.
The clock tower has 399 steps. Visitors are warned they need to be fit enough to manage the steps.
Pennies carefully placed on the bell’s pendulum ensure the chiming is always accurate.
There are four other smaller bells in the clock tower.
Not even World War II could stop Big Ben’s chimes. It suffered a direct hit during the war but continued its hourly bongs.
The government planned to use fake Big Ben bongs during World War II to confuse Nazi planes trying to find Westminster.
There are no credible historical references as to why it is called Big Ben. Some say it honours a 19th-century heavyweight boxing champion called Benjamin Caunt whose nickname was Big Ben.
It’s not quite the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but Big Ben does lean very slightly by 4 degrees.
The renovations, which will be completed in 2022, are the most extensive in its history.
Places To Eat Nearby
With Big Ben closed for refurbishments, there is no on-site café or restaurant. However, there are many options nearby, one of which has amazing views.
Westminster Abbey Kiosk: ££ | Quick Snack—Although it’s not indoors, nonetheless, it’s handy for a quick bite to eat. Light snacks, sandwiches, hotdogs, pastries, and cakes as well as hot and cold drinks. You’ll find it near the Sanctuary at the Westminster Abbey west gates.
Storey’s Gate Café: ££ | Coffee Shop—This building was once the home of King Charles II’s birdkeeper Edward Storey. It now sells healthy snacks and light lunches. Vegans and vegetarians will find it has an attractive selection.
Riverside Café: ££ | Great Views—There’s an enjoyable walk through the scenic Victoria Tower Gardens, next to Parliament to get to this café. It has the best views of the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames. Moreover, it serves a full English breakfast as well as pizza, paninis, pasta, and sandwiches. You can also buy beverages like tea, lattes, coffee, cappuccinos, mochas, and cold drinks.
Deciding where to stay at a great hotel in London can take some effort since it’s a massive city. Make your decision easier with our list of the best neighborhoods and hotels in London.
Leave a Comment