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Visiting Big Ben in London: Everything Visitors Need to Know

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Explore Big Ben, the UK's most iconic landmark

Big Ben needs no introduction. It’s one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world and a symbol of London that everyone has seen on screen. It’s such a special experience to stand on Westminster Bridge, gaze at the clock and hear the chimes for the first time.

To make your visit worthwhile, here we’ll run through how to see Big Ben for free, how to go inside, what to expect and what else to do while you’re in the neighbourhood.
Fun fact: Big Ben is actually the name of the clock inside the tower. The tower itself is called the Elizabeth Tower. But we all call it Big Ben, especially Londoners.

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Can you go inside Big Ben?

Yes, you can go inside Big Ben. The Elizabeth Tower, where Big Ben hangs, is open for guided tours. Tours are available on Saturdays and during parliamentary recess, but not every day.


On your tour, you’ll head up 334 spiral steps to the belfry where Big Ben, the Great Bell, hangs. You get to stand next to the bell as it strikes the hour. Don’t worry, ear defenders are provided as it is extremely loud when the bell strikes. Along the walk up, your guide will explain the tower’s history, you’ll get to see the inner workings of the clock mechanism and step behind the dials. The full tour takes around 90 minutes.


If you’re travelling with children, they must be at least 11 to climb the clock tower. Everyone in your party must also be able to climb the 334 steps unaided, and the tour isn’t suitable for anyone with mobility difficulties.


Tickets are released three months in advance on the second Wednesday of every month at 10am. They sell out fast, especially in the summer. So check the UK Parliament website for availability. It’s £35 for adults and £20 for children aged 11-17.

Seeing Big Ben for free

If you’re not sure whether you can handle the noise, you can still enjoy Big Ben for free at any time. It’s always worth building into any London itinerary and can be viewed 24 hours a day, seven days a week without the need to buy a ticket.


Some of the best free viewpoints include:


  • Westminster Bridge: Walk to the middle for the classic postcard shot with the Thames in the foreground.

  • Parliament Square: Head here to get some wide shots with Big Ben in the background. You’ll get greenery and the occasional red double-decker bus in frame.

  • Victoria Embankment: This offers a slightly different angle along the riverbank, but still shows Big Ben in all its glory.

  • South Bank: Cross the river for a wider perspective with the Thames between you and the tower.


Remember that Big Ben chimes every 15 minutes. If you position yourself nearby just before the hour, you’ll get the full effect. The best time to visit is early morning on a weekday, as the crowds are fewer and the light is ideal for photography. Late afternoon into the early evening is wonderful too, as the tower will be illuminated.

Houses of Parliament

Exploring the Houses of Parliament

Big Ben is part of the Houses of Parliament (the Palace of Westminster), with the Elizabeth Tower located at the north end of the building. The Houses of Parliament are also open to the public for tours, offering a fascinating look inside one of the world's most famous democratic buildings.


Your guided tour will cover Westminster Hall, the Central Lobby, the House of Commons Chamber, and the House of Lords Chamber. Or you can enjoy a self-guided tour – they’re available in multiple languages – if you’d prefer to explore at your own pace.


You can book a tour on the UK Parliament website. Adult tickets cost £34, a young person ticket (16-24) costs £28 and a child ticket (5-15) is £18 – under fives are free. The guided tour lasts 90 minutes, and you’re advised to arrive at least 20 minutes before as there are security checks, similar to an airport.


Tours can occasionally be cancelled due to parliamentary business, so it’s worth checking online before you travel.

What else to see in Westminster

Westminster is one of London's most history-packed neighbourhoods. Almost everything worth seeing is within easy walking distance. A half-day exploring Westminster on foot is one of the best introductions to London you can get.

Some of the top sights include:

Westminster Abbey (2-minute walk)

Westminster Abbey is a visually breathtaking masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the most significant buildings in British history. Royal coronations, weddings, and burials have taken place here since the time of William the Conqueror in 1066.

Churchill War Rooms (5-minute walk)

Take a short walk to the Churchill War Rooms, the underground bunker where Winston Churchill directed Britain's WWII strategy. It’s one of the city’s most fascinating museums and houses an interactive museum that brings wartime London to life. It’s a bit of a hidden gem and something that’s often missed by first-time visitors. We think it’s well worth a visit.

Buckingham Palace (15-minute walk)

Just a 15-minute walk away, you’ll find one of the most famous buildings on the planet. Buckingham Palace is the King’s official London residence. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at 11am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (make sure you get here early to get a good spot) and you can even go inside to discover the State Rooms during the summer.

Trafalgar Square (15-minute walk)

Trafalgar Square is a quarter of an hour away on foot. It’s home to the majestic Nelson’s Column and its accompanying lions. You can stroll around the square before heading inside the National Gallery – which is free to enter.

The London Eye (across Westminster Bridge)

After your visit to Big Ben, walk south across Westminster Bridge to the South Bank. You can’t miss the London Eye as it sits proudly next to the water. Hop on the giant observation wheel to enjoy spectacular views of London. You can see Big Ben from a different perspective, as well as Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.

Getting to Big Ben from Heathrow

It’s simple to reach Westminster from Heathrow. And the journey itself will show you how easy it is to get around London.

The first step is to take the Heathrow Express from the airport. It’s the fastest way into Central London from Heathrow. You’ll arrive into London Paddington in just 15 minutes from Heathrow Central and 21 minutes from Terminal 5 station. Trains run every 15 minutes.

Once you arrive at Paddington, head down to the London Underground. Take either the Circle or District line direct to Westminster station. It’s then just a two-minute walk to Big Ben.

Your total journey time from Heathrow to Big Ben is around 40 minutes.

Tips for first-time visitors

These helpful tips will help you get the most out of your visit to Big Ben:

  • Book the Big Ben tower tour as far ahead as possible: Tickets are released three months in advance and can go quickly.

  • Combine with the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the Churchill War Rooms for a full day: You’ll learn plenty about London’s history and politics.

  • Time your visit: The area is busiest in the summer and on weekends. The best time to come is in the early morning before 9am. It’s noticeably quieter at this time.

  • Comfortable shoes are essential: You’ll be walking up and down 334 steps. Westminster is also best explored on foot and you'll cover a lot of ground.

  • Don't rush: Allow time to simply sit by the Thames and take it all in.

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