Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, the iconic clock tower at the Houses of Parliament. Completed in 1859, the tower stands 96 meters tall and houses the most famous clock in the world. Big Ben itself weighs 13.5 tons and has been keeping time for over 160 years. The tower underwent extensive restoration from 2017-2022 and is now open for public tours, offering a chance to climb 334 steps to see the bell and clock mechanism up close.
FREE exterior viewing. Interior tours only for UK residents via MP - extremely limited. Best viewed from Westminster Bridge or South Bank
Tickets sell out in ~10 minutes when released. Be ready to book exactly at 10am on release day. View the tower anytime from Westminster Bridge
Westminster Tube station (Jubilee, District, Circle lines) exits directly at the Houses of Parliament. Also accessible from Waterloo station across Westminster Bridge.
A strenuous but rewarding climb up a narrow spiral staircase inside a historic clock tower. You'll see the intricate clock mechanism, stand next to the massive Big Ben bell (especially thrilling when it chimes), and look behind the 6.9m diameter clock dials. Guides share the tower's fascinating history.
Exterior 24/7. 96m tall Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben is the bell (13.5 tonnes), not the tower. Completed 1859. Chimes every 15 min.
faq.subtitle Big Ben & Elizabeth Tower
Tours have limited capacity due to the narrow staircase and safety requirements. Tickets for 3 months are released on one day and typically sell out within 10 minutes. Set a reminder for the second Wednesday of the month at 10am UK time.
Absolutely! The tower is visible from many locations, but the best views are from Westminster Bridge, the South Bank, or Parliament Square. At night it's beautifully illuminated. The clock faces are visible from the street - just not the bell inside.
Useful tips for visiting Big Ben & Elizabeth Tower
Tours require climbing 334 spiral steps - no lift exists. Wear comfortable shoes. No photography inside the tower. Ear defenders provided for the loud bell. Book maximum 8 tickets per person. Children under 11 not permitted.
Westminster Tube station (Jubilee, District, Circle lines) exits directly at the Houses of Parliament. Also accessible from Waterloo station across Westminster Bridge
A strenuous but rewarding climb up a narrow spiral staircase inside a historic clock tower. You'll see the intricate clock mechanism, stand next to the massive Big Ben bell (especially thrilling when it chimes), and look behind the 6.9m diameter clock dials. Guides share the tower's fascinating history.
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