Hotels near Big Ben, London, United Kingdom

Yes, Big Ben inside tours are available, however visitors must be at least 11 years old and able to climb the 334 steps to access the Elizabeth Tower within 90 minutes. This is the tower which houses the famous bell known as Big Ben.

UK residents can also arrange a free tour through their Member of Parliament. If purchasing tickets online, it’s recommended to book well in advance as Big Ben tours are both limited and popular.

There are also several nearby attractions worth exploring, including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the iconic Westminster Bridge, all within easy walking distance. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours of the Parliament buildings, offering insight into British political history and stunning interior architecture.

When visiting Big Ben no photos may be taken inside. This is in line with other areas of Westminster Palace for security, health, safety and copyright reasons.

However, photography is permitted from the outside, with excellent opportunities to capture the intricate clock faces and the tower’s Gothic Revival architecture. Popular viewpoints for photos include Westminster Bridge, the South Bank of the River Thames and Parliament Square, where you can frame Big Ben alongside other London landmarks.

Remember to be mindful of security restrictions in the area.

The history behind the nickname ‘Big Ben’ is an interesting story. It originally referred to the largest bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, not the tower or clock itself as is often assumed.

The name is believed to honour Sir Benjamin Hall, the First Commissioner of Works during the bell’s installation in the mid-19th century, or alternatively heavyweight boxer Benjamin Caunt. Over time, ‘Big Ben’ became synonymous with the entire clock tower, which was officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

This charming bit of history adds character to one of London’s most iconic landmarks.

Yes, Big Ben at night is a striking sight. It is beautifully illuminated, making it stand out along the London skyline.

The lights are typically turned on at dusk and left on until late evening, enhancing the clock faces and tower details for visitors and people passing by. Some good spots to view Big Ben at night include Westminster Bridge, the South Bank promenade and along the River Thames, where reflections add to the atmosphere.

The lighting schedule may vary seasonally or during special occasions.

Big Ben’s chimes can be heard clearly in the immediate vicinity of the Elizabeth Tower, especially around Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge. The sound carries well on quieter days.

However, due to city noise and distance, the chimes become less audible further away.

Big Ben’s chimes sound every fifteen minutes on the quarter-hour, with the full hourly bell being the most recognisable and celebrated.