Big Ben Travel Guide: Explore London’s Most Iconic Clock Tower

Welcome to Big Ben, one of the most iconic landmarks in London and a symbol of the United Kingdom’s heritage. As your personal travel guide, I’ll walk you through its fascinating history, share fun facts, and help you make the most of your visit to this timeless attraction.
 

Whether you’re gazing at the tower from Westminster Bridge or hearing its famous chimes ring out across the city, Big Ben is a must-see for any visitor to London.

📍 Where Is Big Ben?

Big Ben is located in Westminster, at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, which houses the UK Parliament.

Address:
Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom

Nearest Tube Station:

Westminster Station (Jubilee, District & Circle Lines) – 1-minute walk

Big Ben overlooks the River Thames and is within walking distance of Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and 10 Downing Street.

🏛️ What Is Big Ben?

Although most people call the tower “Big Ben,” the name originally refers only to the Great Bell inside the tower.

The breakdown:

The Clock Tower was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

Big Ben refers specifically to the 13.5-ton bell housed inside the tower.

The tower stands at 96 meters (316 feet) tall and contains four clock faces, each 7 meters in diameter.

🕰️ A Brief History of Big Ben

Construction began in 1843 and was completed in 1859.

Designed by Augustus Pugin in Gothic Revival style.

The tower was part of the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster after a fire in 1834.

The clock began ticking on 31 May 1859, and Big Ben rang for the first time on 11 July 1859.

The tower underwent major renovations from 2017 to 2022 to restore the structure and update its mechanisms.

🧭 Can You Visit Big Ben?

As of now, UK residents can book tours inside the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) through their local MP or Member of the House of Lords.

Unfortunately, international tourists cannot enter the tower, but don’t worry! There are many fantastic ways to experience Big Ben from the outside.

Tours for UK residents include:

Climbing 334 steps to the top

Visiting the clock mechanism room

Seeing Big Ben up close

Witnessing panoramic views over London

📸 Best Places to See and Photograph Big Ben

Big Ben is highly photogenic and visible from many angles in Westminster. Here are the best viewing spots:

Westminster Bridge – classic postcard shot with the River Thames

Parliament Square Garden – frontal view with greenery

South Bank (near London Eye) – Big Ben and Parliament across the river

Victoria Tower Gardens – peaceful and less crowded

From a Thames river cruise – stunning view from the water

🔍 Big Ben Facts & Trivia

Big Ben’s chime is in the note E, and the bell rings every hour.

The clock is accurate to within 1 second, thanks to a stack of coins on the pendulum used for time correction.

During WWII, the clock tower survived bombing raids and continued ticking.

The bell has a crack from early use but still chimes beautifully.

Big Ben has appeared in countless films, from Peter Pan to V for Vendetta.

🗺️ What’s Nearby? Top Attractions Near Big Ben

Big Ben is located in the heart of London, surrounded by famous landmarks. Here’s what you can visit nearby:

1. Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster)

Stunning Gothic architecture and home to UK politics. Book a guided tour to learn about British governance.

2. Westminster Abbey

Just a 2-minute walk away, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is where British monarchs are crowned.

3. London Eye

Take a ride for panoramic views of Big Ben, the Thames, and central London (10-minute walk).

4. St. James’s Park

A beautiful green space where you can rest and enjoy a picnic with a view of Buckingham Palace (10-minute walk).

5. Churchill War Rooms

An underground WWII bunker where Churchill directed the war effort—just a 5-minute walk.

🎟️ Entry Fees and Opening Hours

Big Ben itself is not open to international tourists, but the exterior is visible 24/7, and nearby landmarks are accessible daily.

☕ Cafés and Restaurants Nearby

Quick Bites:

Pret A Manger – Sandwiches and coffee near Westminster

Caffè Nero – Cosy café with outdoor seating

Sit-Down Meals:

The Red Lion – Classic British pub just a minute away

Quirinale – Upscale Italian dining

Roux at Parliament Square – Michelin-starred modern European cuisine

🏨 Where to Stay Near Big Ben

Luxury:

The Corinthia London – Opulent rooms with spa

Marriott Hotel County Hall – Right across the river, amazing Big Ben views

Mid-Range:

CitizenM London Bankside – Stylish and modern

Hub by Premier Inn Westminster – Budget-friendly with great location

🚶‍♂️ Walking Tours Featuring Big Ben

Many London walking tours include Big Ben as a key highlight. Consider joining:

Westminster Walking Tour

London Landmarks Tour

Harry Potter Filming Locations Tour (features views of Parliament and the Thames)

These tours often include historical insights, secret spots, and amazing photo opportunities.

🚌 How to Get There

By Underground:

Take the Jubilee, District, or Circle Line to Westminster Station.

By Bus:

Buses 11, 24, 148, and 211 stop nearby.

By Boat:

Thames Clippers river boats dock at Westminster Pier.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late evening: Fewer crowds and golden-hour lighting for photos

Spring (April–June): Blooming parks and mild weather

Evenings in winter: The tower beautifully lit against the night sky

♿ Accessibility

Big Ben’s viewing areas are accessible from street level.

Step-free access around Westminster Bridge

Accessible paths through Parliament Square and Victoria Tower Gardens

Nearby public restrooms with disability access

🧒 Fun for Families and Kids

Watch the chimes and explain how old clocks work

Use Big Ben as a fun scavenger hunt landmark

Combine with a ride on the London Eye for an exciting day out

📚 Educational & Cultural Significance

A symbol of British democracy and resilience

Appears in literature, pop culture, and news broadcasts worldwide

Rings during national celebrations and state events, such as the New Year and royal coronations

🎉 Fun Events Featuring Big Ben

New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Big Ben chimes signal the start of the new year

Remembrance Sunday – Solemn ceremonies at nearby Cenotaph

Royal Events – Big Ben chimes during coronations and jubilees

💬 Final Thoughts: Why Visit Big Ben?

Big Ben isn’t just a clock—it’s a living monument to British history, architecture, and culture. Whether you’re admiring it from across the Thames, snapping photos on Westminster Bridge, or simply listening to its timeless chimes, Big Ben captures the essence of London.

It’s a free, iconic, and unforgettable part of any trip to the UK capital—and one that deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.