Big Ben
Big Ben, strictly speaking, is the name of the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower rather than the tower itself, though the name is universally used for the whole clock tower at the north end of the Houses of Parliament. The tower and its four clock faces, completed in 1859, are one of the most recognisable symbols of London and Britain more broadly, and the bell's chimes have marked the hour continuously (barring maintenance periods) for over 160 years.
The tower underwent a major multi-year restoration completed in 2022, cleaning the clock faces back to their original blue and gold colour scheme and repairing the stonework and bell mechanism. Unlike most London landmarks, general public access to climb the tower is restricted, generally limited to UK residents who arrange a tour via their MP, though everyone can view and photograph it freely from the surrounding streets and Westminster Bridge.
Most visitors simply view it from outside, best combined with a walk along Westminster Bridge or through Parliament Square; five minutes is enough for photos, though the area rewards a longer wander given the concentration of sights nearby.
Big Ben FAQs
General public tours of the Elizabeth Tower are restricted to UK residents, arranged through a Member of Parliament; international visitors typically only view it from outside.
Technically the name refers to the Great Bell inside the tower, officially named the Elizabeth Tower, though 'Big Ben' is commonly used for the whole structure.
A major restoration project ran for several years and was completed in 2022, cleaning the clock faces back to their original blue and gold colours and repairing the tower's stonework and mechanism.
Westminster Bridge and Parliament Square both offer classic views, with the bridge giving a good angle alongside the London Eye across the river.
Westminster underground station sits right beside the Houses of Parliament, making it the most direct way to reach it by public transport.
Reviews/Comments
No comments yet — be the first.