Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)
Tower
Place photograph
5.1
Wildland
Under 1 hour for an exterior look
Time
Check
Cost
Grand
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.1The familiar name belongs to the Great Bell, not the tower: the north-western landmark of the Palace of Westminster is officially Elizabeth Tower. An official tour takes visitors up its spiral staircase to the clock mechanism, four dials and belfry, where the Great Bell hangs.
Big Ben is an urban landmark rather than a wild landscape, but it earns a place for the rare chance to experience Victorian engineering from inside a working parliamentary tower. Its value is in the architecture, the great clock and bell, and the story of Westminster around it.
Grand · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapWestminster, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
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The experience
See the Gothic Revival tower from Westminster, then, if booked and suitable for you, take the official guided climb through its exhibition spaces, clock mechanism room and belfry. The tour also includes a view of medieval Westminster Hall before or after the tower visit.
Things to do
Study the tower from outside
Take time to look at Elizabeth Tower’s clock faces and Gothic Revival exterior. Big Ben is the name of the Great Bell housed inside the tower, rather than the tower itself.
About 20–30 minutes
Take the official tower tour
With an advance booking, climb 334 steps through the tower’s exhibition spaces to the clock mechanism room, four clock dials and belfry, where the Great Bell is housed. Photography is not permitted inside Elizabeth Tower.
About 1 hour 45 minutes including check-in and belongings collection
See Westminster Hall as part of the tour visit
The official tour guidance says visitors can see medieval Westminster Hall before and after their Elizabeth Tower visit. Check the tour arrangements for the day.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 20–30 minutes
A Westminster landmark pause
- 01
View Elizabeth Tower from the public area around Westminster and take in its Gothic Revival silhouette and clock faces.
- 02
Look towards the adjoining Palace of Westminster and the River Thames.
- 03
Check current arrangements before travelling if you want to enter the tower; exterior viewing does not include a tower tour.
Half day · About 1 hour 45 minutes, including check-in and belongings collection
Inside the clock tower
- 01
Book an official Big Ben tour in advance and confirm current eligibility and availability.
- 02
Arrive at the Cromwell Green entrance at least 30 minutes before the start time.
- 03
Climb the 334 steps with the guide, visiting the exhibition spaces, clock mechanism room, four dials and belfry.
- 04
See medieval Westminster Hall before or after the tower tour, as described in the official visitor guidance.
Verified history
Big Ben is the Great Bell within Elizabeth Tower, at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. The official Parliament site presents the landmark’s history through its building, clock, engineers and clockmakers, and conservation. The tower tour offers a view of the mechanism room, four clock dials and belfry; Parliament’s visitor guidance also says medieval Westminster Hall can be seen before or after the tour.
Hidden details
Big Ben is the bell, not the tower — The celebrated name refers to the Great Bell housed inside Elizabeth Tower. The tower itself is officially named Elizabeth Tower.
The workings behind the familiar clock face — An official tour includes the clock mechanism room and the four clock dials, offering a closer look at the engineering behind the landmark.
When to go
January · February · March · April · May · June · July · August · September · October · November · December · For a tower tour, use the booked time and arrive at least 30 minutes beforehand. For an exterior visit, choose a time that suits your wider Westminster plans.
The landmark is an urban architectural and heritage visit rather than a seasonal nature experience. Interior access depends on official tour availability.
The official tour guidance advises dressing for the weather because the security queue starts outside, and recommends a warm layer or windbreaker for conditions at the top of the tower.
Worth pairing with
Westminster Hall
The official Big Ben tour guidance says visitors can see medieval Westminster Hall before or after their Elizabeth Tower visit.
What to look for
From outside, take in the tower’s four clock faces and Gothic Revival detailing. On the official tour, look for the spiral staircase, exhibition spaces, clock mechanism room, four dials and the Great Bell in the belfry. Photography is not permitted inside Elizabeth Tower.
The story
Science
Best time to go
Year-round; check official tour availability before planning an interior visit.
The place can be visited year-round. For an interior visit, check official tour dates and booking requirements first; the tour start time is strict and visitors are asked to arrive 30 minutes early.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour for an exterior look; allow about 1 hour 45 minutes for the official tour.
Perfect for
History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Practical information
Opening & access
The tower can be admired from outside. Entry to the Elizabeth Tower is by an official guided tour; check the UK Parliament website for current availability, eligibility and booking details. The official tour involves climbing 334 steps, and visitors should arrive at the Cromwell Green entrance 30 minutes beforehand. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
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Toilets
There are no toilets inside the tower. The official tour guidance advises using facilities in Westminster Hall before the tour.
Food & drink
The official tour guidance identifies the Jubilee Café beside Westminster Hall as offering light meals and hot and cold drinks. Check current availability.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The standard tower tour involves 334 steps on a narrow spiral staircase. The official guidance refers to accessible tours tailored to visitors’ needs; contact Parliament to discuss requirements and availability.
Cost
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Water
River
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
