Big Ben is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks, but there is more to visiting it than taking a photo from Westminster Bridge. Big Ben is the nickname of the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. Visitors can admire the tower freely from outside, and official tours also allow eligible visitors to climb inside the tower and see its historic clockwork and belfry.
Quick Answer
You can visit Big Ben from outside at any time, while official Elizabeth Tower tours require advance tickets. As of September 2026, tours are open to UK-based and international visitors aged 11 and over, cost £55 for adults and £35 for ages 11–17, and involve climbing 334 steps.
Key Takeaways
- Big Ben is the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, although the nickname is commonly used for the entire tower.
- Westminster Underground station is the closest Tube station and is served by the Jubilee, Circle and District lines.
- Official Big Ben tours are available to visitors aged 11 and over and require a strenuous 334-step climb.
- Photography is not allowed during the Elizabeth Tower tour, so take your landmark photos outside.
- Westminster Bridge, Parliament Square and the South Bank are among the easiest places to photograph the tower.
The Elizabeth Tower was completed in 1859 and stands about 96 metres, or roughly 315–316 feet, high. Its four clock dials and famous bells have made it a symbol of London and of the UK Parliament. The tower forms part of the Palace of Westminster, which is included with Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting to Big Ben
Big Ben stands at the north end of the Palace of Westminster beside Parliament Square and the River Thames. The easiest public-transport option for most visitors is Westminster Underground station. According to UK Parliament’s visitor directions, Westminster station is served by the Jubilee, Circle and District lines and is fully wheelchair accessible.
When you leave Westminster station, the Elizabeth Tower is only a short walk away. Several station exits place you close to Parliament Square, Westminster Bridge and the Palace of Westminster.
London buses also serve the Westminster area, while cycling and walking are practical options for visitors already in central London. If you are approaching on foot from the South Bank, crossing Westminster Bridge provides one of the best first views of the tower.
Pro Tip: If you only want exterior photos, you do not need a Big Ben tour ticket. Walk between Parliament Square, Westminster Bridge and the South Bank to see the tower from several different angles.
Visiting the Elizabeth Tower
An official Big Ben tour takes visitors inside the Elizabeth Tower rather than simply around the Palace of Westminster. The experience includes the tower’s spiral staircase, exhibition spaces, clock mechanism room, clock dials and belfry where the Great Bell hangs.
Big Ben Tour Tickets and Prices
Official Big Ben tours are currently available to UK-based and international visitors. For tours taking place from August 1, 2026, UK Parliament lists adult tickets at £55 and tickets for children aged 11–17 at £35. Prices and availability can change, so check the official booking page before making travel plans.
Visitors must be at least 11 years old. UK residents may also be able to request a limited number of free Big Ben tour tickets through their Member of Parliament.
How Difficult Is the Big Ben Climb?
The standard tour requires visitors to climb 334 steps on a stone spiral staircase to reach the belfry. The route also includes narrow passages and uneven surfaces. UK Parliament states that visitors must complete the ascent and descent during the approximately 90-minute tour, although planned pauses are built into the route.
The Elizabeth Tower has 281 steps to the clock faces and 334 steps to the belfry where Big Ben hangs.
Warning: The Big Ben tour is physically demanding. It includes 334 steps, confined areas, high noise levels and exposure to outside weather in the belfry. Anyone with a health condition that could be affected by sustained exertion should review the official suitability guidance before booking.
What to Wear and Bring
Visitors should wear comfortable clothing and enclosed, flat-soled shoes with good grip. High heels, sandals, flip-flops, backless shoes and other unsuitable footwear are not permitted on the tower climb.
Bring essential medication if you need it. Cameras, phones and other belongings must be placed in secure lockers before the tower tour. Eating and drinking are not permitted inside Elizabeth Tower, so hydrate before the tour begins.
High noise levels occur near the clock mechanism and bells. Hearing protection is provided as part of the experience.
Note: UK Parliament advises visitors to arrive about 30 minutes before their scheduled Big Ben tour so there is enough time for entry and security procedures.
Big Ben’s History and Architecture
The Elizabeth Tower was created as part of the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster after the old palace was badly damaged by fire in 1834. Architect Charles Barry won the commission for the new Palace, while Augustus Welby Pugin played an important role in bringing its Gothic Revival design and decorative details to life.
Construction of the Clock Tower began in 1843. The Great Clock began keeping time on May 31, 1859, and the Great Bell’s strikes were heard for the first time later that year.
The history of the clock mechanism is different from the architecture of the tower. UK Parliament records that Edmund Beckett Denison designed the Great Clock mechanism and Edward John Dent was appointed to build it. The mechanism remains an important example of Victorian clock engineering.
Each of the four clock dials is about 7 metres across. The restored dials contain hundreds of pieces of opal glass and use distinctive Gothic-style detailing designed to complement the architecture of the Palace.
Big Ben itself weighs 13.7 tonnes. The bell is fixed in place and is struck from the outside by a hammer rather than swinging like many church bells.
Why Is It Called Big Ben?
The exact origin of the nickname is not proven. UK Parliament says the Great Bell is thought to have been named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who was Chief Commissioner of Works when the bell was installed. Another explanation has occasionally been suggested, but the Sir Benjamin Hall story remains the one most commonly associated with Parliament’s history of the bell.
The tower was known officially as the Clock Tower for most of its history. It was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in recognition of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.
Restoration of Elizabeth Tower
The most extensive conservation programme in the tower’s history began in 2017. Work included repairing stone and metalwork, restoring the clock mechanism, improving fire and safety systems and returning decorative elements to their historic colour scheme. The conservation project was completed in 2022, and Big Ben returned to regular service.
The Palace of Westminster is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property officially called Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church. Elizabeth Tower is therefore part of the wider World Heritage property rather than a separate UNESCO site on its own.
Best Times to Visit Big Ben
There is no single perfect time to see Big Ben. The best time depends on whether you want quieter streets, good photography light or an official tower tour.
Early morning is often the easiest time for exterior sightseeing because Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge can become busier later in the day. Morning light can also produce softer photographs around the Thames.
Late afternoon and sunset can be especially attractive when the tower and Palace are illuminated by warmer light. After dark, the lit clock dials create another classic London view.
If you have booked an official tour, your ticket time determines when you enter. Arrive early rather than planning your transport around the exact start time.
Major national occasions and New Year celebrations can make Westminster much busier than usual. Expect crowd controls, transport changes, security measures and road restrictions during large events.
Touring the Houses of Parliament
A Big Ben tour and a Palace of Westminster tour are separate experiences. If you want to learn more about British democracy as well as the clock tower, consider booking both.
Guided Tours of the Houses of Parliament
UK Parliament offers guided and self-guided tours that take visitors through important spaces within the Palace of Westminster. Depending on the tour route and parliamentary business, these can include the House of Commons, House of Lords, Central Lobby and Westminster Hall.
Because Parliament is a working building, tour routes and access can occasionally change. Booking ahead is recommended.
Exploring the Palace of Westminster
Westminster Hall is one of the most historically significant parts of the Palace. Construction began in 1097, making it far older than most of the present Palace of Westminster, which largely dates from the 19th-century rebuilding after the 1834 fire.
The Hall has been associated with major events in British history, while the wider Palace contains important artworks, architecture and ceremonial spaces connected with Parliament.
A Broader Understanding of London’s History
Combining an Elizabeth Tower tour with a Palace of Westminster tour helps explain why Big Ben is more than a London photo landmark. The bell, clock, tower and Palace are connected with the history of Parliament, national ceremonies, broadcasting and public life in Britain.
Tips for Taking Photos of Big Ben
For exterior photography, try several viewpoints rather than stopping at the first place you see the tower. Westminster Bridge gives a close angle that can include the Palace and River Thames, while the South Bank allows you to photograph more of the Westminster skyline from across the river.
Parliament Square works well for closer architectural details. Walking farther along the South Bank can give you more space and a broader composition.
Early morning and late afternoon usually produce softer light than the middle of the day. At night, the illuminated clock faces stand out clearly against the darker sky.
Foreground elements such as red buses, traditional lamps, bridge railings or the River Thames can add context to a photograph, but keep pedestrian routes clear if you stop to compose a shot.
Important: Photography is not permitted during the official Big Ben tour inside Elizabeth Tower. Cameras, phones and other belongings are stored in lockers before the tower experience begins. You may take photographs in permitted areas such as Westminster Hall and from public viewpoints outside.
Nearby Attractions and Things to Do
Big Ben is surrounded by several major London attractions, so it is easy to combine a visit with a half-day or full day in Westminster.
Westminster Abbey stands directly across Parliament Square. The Abbey has served as the coronation church since 1066 and contains memorials and burial places connected with many important figures in British history. Because it remains a working church, opening arrangements can change for services and special events. Check the official Westminster Abbey visitor information before going.
The London Eye is across Westminster Bridge on the South Bank. Its observation capsules provide elevated views across central London, including the Palace of Westminster and Elizabeth Tower.
Tate Britain, farther along the Thames in Millbank, is another option for visitors interested in British art.
You can also walk along the Thames, continue through St James’s Park toward Buckingham Palace, or explore Whitehall and Trafalgar Square.
Dining and Shopping Near Big Ben
The Westminster area has cafés, pubs and restaurants serving everything from traditional British food to international dishes. Prices can be higher immediately around major tourist attractions, so walking several streets away can provide more choice.
The Cellarium Café & Terrace at Westminster Abbey is a convenient nearby option when it is open to visitors. If you are visiting Parliament, the Jubilee Café beside Westminster Hall serves light meals as well as hot and cold drinks.
For shopping, Victoria Street has high-street stores and everyday services. Visitors looking specifically for Parliament souvenirs can use the Houses of Parliament Shop at 12 Bridge Street or the Jubilee Shop when accessible as part of a Parliament visit.
Before paying for any attraction, tour or ticket online, use the official attraction or UK Parliament website whenever possible so that you can check current prices, entry conditions, cancellation rules and visitor restrictions directly.
Accessibility and Facilities at Big Ben
The streets and public areas around Parliament Square are generally easier to access than the interior of Elizabeth Tower. Westminster Underground station is step-free, and UK Parliament provides accessibility support for many Palace visits.
The standard Big Ben tour is different. Visitors normally need to climb all 334 steps, and there is currently no lift or step-free route for the standard experience.
UK Parliament also offers a limited number of accessible Big Ben tours for visitors who may find parts of the normal experience challenging. These tours can be adapted to individual needs, but they still do not include use of a lift. Visitors with accessibility requirements should review the official information before booking.
People who cannot undertake the tower climb can still see Big Ben from outside and explore Parliament’s online Elizabeth Tower virtual tour.
There are no toilets inside Elizabeth Tower. Toilet facilities are available before and after the tour in the wider parliamentary visitor area, and visitors are encouraged to use them before the tower portion begins.
Other visitor facilities at Parliament include the Jubilee Café, shops, accessible toilets and visitor-assistance services.
Etiquette and Respectful Behavior at Big Ben
The Palace of Westminster is both a historic landmark and a working parliamentary complex. Follow security instructions, remain within public areas and do not climb on statues, barriers or protected structures.
Outside, avoid blocking pavements, bridge walkways or entrances while taking photographs. Westminster can become extremely busy, especially around Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge.
Inside Parliament, follow staff instructions about phones, photography, food, drinks and restricted areas. For a Big Ben tour, cameras and mobile phones must be stored before entering the tower.
Keep litter with you until you find a bin, respect other visitors and remember that access can change at short notice because of parliamentary business, security or major public events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Big Ben?
Big Ben is the nickname of the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. The name is also commonly used informally for the tower and clock.
Can tourists visit Big Ben?
Yes. Official Big Ben tours are currently available to UK-based and international visitors aged 11 and over. The standard tour requires a 334-step climb inside Elizabeth Tower.
How much does a Big Ben tour cost?
As of September 2026, UK Parliament lists tickets for tours from August 1, 2026 at £55 for adults and £35 for children aged 11–17. Check the official booking page before your visit because prices and availability can change.
How many steps are in the Big Ben tour?
Visitors climb 334 steps to reach the belfry where Big Ben hangs. The tour includes planned pauses, but participants must be comfortable completing the full climb and descent.
Can I take photos inside Big Ben?
No. Photography is prohibited during the Elizabeth Tower tour. Cameras, mobile phones and other belongings are placed in secure lockers before the tour. Exterior photography from public areas is allowed.
How can I see Big Ben without taking a tour?
You can see the Elizabeth Tower freely from public areas around Westminster. Popular viewpoints include Westminster Bridge, Parliament Square and the South Bank of the Thames.
What is the nearest Tube station to Big Ben?
Westminster is the nearest Underground station. It is served by the Jubilee, Circle and District lines and is only a short walk from the Palace of Westminster.
Is the Big Ben tour wheelchair accessible?
The standard tower tour is not step-free and requires 334 stairs. Limited accessible Big Ben tours can be requested and adapted for some visitor needs, but they do not include use of a lift. Check with UK Parliament before booking if you have accessibility requirements.
Sources
- UK Parliament — Big Ben tours — current ticket prices, age requirements, tour duration and physical requirements.
- UK Parliament — Big Ben facts and figures — tower height, steps, clock and bell specifications.
- UK Parliament — Constructing the Great Clock — clock design, engineering and 1859 installation history.
- UK Parliament — Getting here — Westminster station and visitor transport information.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — World Heritage status of the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church.
- Westminster Abbey — official visitor information for the nearby Abbey.
