Ultimate Guide to Visiting Big Ben

The most famous timepiece in the country, Big Ben is one of the most iconic landmarks in London. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to to visiting Big Ben to help you out!
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Any ultimate guide to visiting Big Ben should start with a clarification: the Elizabeth tower (commonly known as Big Ben) was renamed in 2012 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II, replacing the original less inspiring name, the Clock Tower. The tower is 315 feet tall and 334 steps. Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside the tower, which is a whopping 13.5 tonnes! The origin of the bell’s name is likely to be Benjamin Hall, who installed the bell (but accounts differ). It’s an iconic part of the London landscape, and a must for many visitors. However, it is currently under renovation and so be aware of this before your visit. You can come and learn all about Parliament and Big Ben on our Free London Walking Tours, which run 11am&2pm daily, at Westminster tube station.

Currently closed for renovations

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