Big Ben

Big Ben London | Everything You Need to Know

Few sounds are as instantly recognisable as the chimes of Big Ben, and few sights say “London” quite like the great clock tower rising above the Palace of Westminster. Officially the Elizabeth Tower, this Gothic Revival masterpiece soars 96 metres over the Thames, its four illuminated clock faces glowing against the night sky and its 13-ton Great Bell ringing out across the city — audible, on a still day, up to five miles away.

For most visitors, Big Ben is the backdrop to a Westminster day out: a photograph from the bridge, the chimes on the hour, the unmistakable silhouette against the sky. But for a fortunate few, there’s more — a rare climb up inside the tower itself, past the workings of one of the world’s most famous clocks. Whether you’re admiring it from the riverbank or stepping inside, Big Ben is unmissable. This guide covers everything you need to know before you go.

Where Is Big Ben?

Big Ben stands at Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, on the north bank of the River Thames, at the northern end of the Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament). Its location couldn’t be more central or more iconic — right beside Westminster Bridge, with Westminster Abbey just across the road and the London Eye directly across the river.

This is the heart of historic, ceremonial London, and Big Ben anchors it all. For navigation, any map app will bring you straight to Parliament Square.

Opening Hours

Big Ben is visible 24 hours a day from the outside — there’s no ticket or time limit to admire it, and it’s free to view at any hour.

Guided tours inside the Elizabeth Tower, when available, typically run on weekdays in set time slots through the day. Tour availability can be limited by conservation work and security arrangements, and slots are released periodically. As schedules change, always check the official UK Parliament visiting page for current tour dates and availability before planning.

How to Get to Big Ben

Big Ben’s central location makes it one of the easiest landmarks in London to reach.

By Underground. Westminster station (Circle, District and Jubilee lines) is a five-minute walk away — the simplest option. St James’s Park (Circle and District lines) is around ten minutes.

By bus. A great many routes stop near Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge, including the 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 87, 88, 148, 159 and 211. The TfL journey planner will find the best option.

By rail. Waterloo and Charing Cross stations are both nearby, a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk or a short Tube hop away.

By riverboat. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers stops at Westminster Pier, just a five-minute walk away — a scenic way to arrive.

By bike. Santander Cycles docking stations are on Millbank and Great College Street, with a lovely riverside cycle route along the Thames.

By car. Parking is limited and expensive in central Westminster. The nearest option is Q-Park Westminster, but public transport is strongly recommended.

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The Best Time to Visit

For viewing and photography, early mornings and late evenings are the sweet spots — quieter, with beautiful light, and especially striking after dark when the clock faces are illuminated. Weekdays are noticeably less crowded than weekends, particularly outside the peak summer season (June to August), and the off-peak months like November and March are calmer still.

If you’re hoping to tour the inside of the Elizabeth Tower, booking well in advance is essential — slots are limited and in very high demand. It’s also worth checking the UK Parliament website for any special events or maintenance closures before you go.

Tickets and Costs

Admiring Big Ben from the outside is completely free — no ticket is needed to enjoy the tower, the chimes and the views around Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge.

The rare guided tours inside the Elizabeth Tower, when running, carry a charge. One important point to note: these internal tours are open only to UK residents with a UK address, due to security protocols, and must be booked in advance through the official UK Parliament website.

Ticket Type	Price
External Viewing	Free
Adult Tour (18+)	~£25 (UK residents only)
Child Tour (11–17)	Free (UK residents only)
Child (under 11)	Not permitted on tours

As prices and availability change, it’s best to verify current details on the official UK Parliament website before booking.

What to Expect

A visit to Big Ben offers external admiration for everyone, and — for UK residents who secure a slot — a memorable climb inside.

From the outside, you can take in the full grandeur of the 96-metre Gothic Revival tower, its four illuminated clock faces and its hourly chimes. The area around Westminster Bridge and Parliament Square is lively with visitors, street performers and endless photo opportunities, with the London Eye and the river just beyond.

Inside (when tours are available), the experience is something special. You climb 334 steps to the belfry, come face to face with the Great Bell itself, and explore the remarkable Victorian clock mechanism. Tours last around 90 minutes, packed with historical insight, and ear defenders are provided — the bells are extraordinarily loud at close range.

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A typical external visit takes fifteen to thirty minutes, while a full tour plus a wander around the surrounding area can fill one and a half to two hours. There are no facilities at the tower itself, but the surrounding Westminster area has everything you might need close by.

Safety and Accessibility

Security. The area around Big Ben is generally very safe, with a notable security presence given its position beside the Palace of Westminster. As with any busy tourist spot, keep an eye on your belongings in crowds. Tours include a safety briefing, and ear defenders are provided for the noise.

Accessibility. The exterior is fully accessible, with level pathways around Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge. However, the Elizabeth Tower tours are not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility difficulties, due to the 334-step climb and the absence of a lift. Accessible tour options may be available for those with specific needs — it’s best to contact UK Parliament directly. Assistance dogs are welcome outside but may be restricted during tours.

Where to Stay Near Big Ben

Staying near Big Ben places you in the heart of royal and political London — within walking distance of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and St James’s Park, and superbly connected to the rest of the city. It’s one of the most prestigious and convenient areas to base yourself.

A few neighbourhoods worth considering:

• Westminster & Victoria — the most convenient option, with Big Ben, the Abbey and the parks all within walking distance, and Victoria’s transport links close by.
• Southbank & Waterloo — just across Westminster Bridge, with wonderful views back towards Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and often better value than the Westminster side.
• St James’s & Mayfair — elegant and refined, a short walk north through the park, with excellent dining and a quieter evening atmosphere.

Central London accommodation fills quickly around major events and in summer, so booking ahead — especially for weekends — is strongly advisable.

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A Brief History of Big Ben

Big Ben and its tower were completed in 1859, part of the grand rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster after a devastating fire destroyed much of the old palace in 1834. The architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin designed the tower in the Perpendicular Gothic Revival style, adorning it with intricate stone carvings and symbols representing the four nations of the United Kingdom.

The name “Big Ben” originally referred not to the tower but to the Great Bell within it — a colossal bell weighing 13.7 tons, thought to be named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw its installation. It chimes every hour, with smaller bells marking each quarter. The tower itself was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012, in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, and underwent a major, painstaking restoration completed in recent years to preserve both its structure and its famous clock.

A detail that delights clock enthusiasts: the clock’s remarkable accuracy is maintained by a unique mechanism called a gravity escapement, which keeps the timekeeping steady regardless of external factors like wind or even birds landing on the hands.

Nearby Attractions

Big Ben sits at the centre of one of London’s richest areas for sightseeing, with iconic landmarks in every direction.

Attraction	Why Visit	Distance
Houses of Parliament	Tour the historic chambers or watch a live debate, right next door	~1-min walk
Westminster Abbey	The Gothic coronation church, with over 1,000 years of royal history	~5-min walk
London Eye	Panoramic views across the capital from across the river	~10-min walk
Tate Britain	The national collection of British art from 1500 to today	~15-min walk
Buckingham Palace	The monarch’s official London residence, with the Changing of the Guard	~20-min walk

A natural day out: photograph Big Ben and tour the Houses of Parliament, walk across Westminster Bridge for a ride on the London Eye, then stroll through St James’s Park towards Buckingham Palace.

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Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Book tours early. Elizabeth Tower tours (UK residents only) sell out quickly — reserve well ahead via the UK Parliament website.
• Overseas visitor? The UK uses Type G plugs — a UK travel adapter is essential for charging your devices.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes. Westminster rewards exploring on foot, and tours involve a 334-step climb.
• Bring a compact travel umbrella. London weather is unpredictable, and most of your time here will be outdoors.
• Shoot at night. The illuminated clock faces after dark make for some of the most stunning photos in London.
• Travel light. There are no storage facilities for tours, so avoid large bags.
• Best photo spot. Westminster Bridge and the South Bank opposite offer the classic, full-tower view.
• Respect the area. The Palace of Westminster is a working government building — follow security guidance and keep decorum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours of Big Ben London?

Big Ben is visible 24/7 from the outside, free of charge. Guided tours inside the Elizabeth Tower, when available, typically run on weekdays in set time slots, but availability is limited. Check the official UK Parliament website for current tour schedules.

How much does it cost to visit Big Ben London?

Viewing Big Ben from the outside is completely free. Guided tours inside the Elizabeth Tower cost around £25 for adults (free for ages 11–17), but are open only to UK residents with a UK address, due to security protocols.

Is Big Ben suitable for children?

External viewing is suitable for all ages. The inside tours are recommended for ages 11 and over (under-11s are not permitted) due to the 334-step climb and the loud bells.

Are there any discounts available for Big Ben London?

External viewing is free, so no discount is needed. Tour concessions may apply for eligible UK residents — check the UK Parliament website for details.

How long does a visit to Big Ben take?

External viewing takes around fifteen to thirty minutes. A full inside tour lasts about 90 minutes, including the climb and historical commentary.

Is photography allowed at Big Ben London?

Yes — photography is permitted both outside and during tours. The illuminated clock faces at night make for particularly spectacular shots.

Are there guided tours available at Big Ben?

Yes — guided tours of the Elizabeth Tower run when it’s not under conservation, bookable via the official UK Parliament website. Note that these tours are currently open only to UK residents.

What’s the best way to get to Big Ben from the city centre?

Take the Underground to Westminster station (Circle, District or Jubilee lines), a five-minute walk away. Many buses stop nearby, and the riverboat to Westminster Pier is a scenic alternative.

Is Big Ben wheelchair accessible?

The exterior and surrounding area are fully accessible with level pathways. The Elizabeth Tower tours are not wheelchair accessible due to the 334-step climb and lack of a lift. Accessible tour options may be available — contact UK Parliament.

Are there dining options near Big Ben London?

There are no facilities at the tower itself, but the surrounding Westminster area and the South Bank just across the river offer a wide range of cafés and restaurants within a short walk.