Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower: London's Iconic Timekeeper

Discover the iconic Elizabeth Tower and its famous bell, Big Ben, a timeless symbol of London's heritage and British culture.

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Big Ben, the famous bell housed within the Elizabeth Tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Completed in 1859 and designed in Gothic Revival style, the 96-meter tower features four massive clock faces and a resonant bell weighing over 13 tons. Renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, it remains a symbol of British history and culture.

A brief summary to Big Ben

London, SW1A 0AA, GB
+442072194272
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

Listen carefully for the deep, resonant chimes of Big Ben marking the hour, a sound that has echoed through London for over 160 years.
Admire the intricate Gothic Revival architecture and the 324 pieces of opal glass that make up each clock face.
Consider booking a tour well in advance if you are a UK resident, as climbing the 399 steps inside the tower offers a unique perspective.
Visit at dusk or nighttime to see the Ayrton Light glowing when Parliament is in session, adding to the tower’s majestic presence.

Getting There

London Underground

Take the Jubilee or District Line to Westminster Station, located approximately 300 meters from Elizabeth Tower. The journey from central London typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. The station is well-signposted but can be crowded during peak hours. Tickets cost between £2.50 and £6.00 depending on the time and ticket type.
Bus

Several London bus routes stop near Parliament Square, including routes 11, 24, 148, and 211. Travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Buses are accessible and offer a scenic approach but may be slower during rush hours. A standard Oyster card fare applies.
Riverboat

For a scenic arrival, take a Thames riverboat to Westminster Pier, a 5-minute walk from the tower. Riverboat services run frequently during the day with travel times from central piers about 20 to 40 minutes. Prices range from £7 to £15 one way.
Walking

From Trafalgar Square, a pleasant 15-minute walk along the Thames Embankment brings you to Elizabeth Tower. The route is flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors, offering views of the river and city landmarks.

Big Ben location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Rain / Wet Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Big Ben

The Tower’s Origins and Architectural Grandeur

The structure now known as Elizabeth Tower was originally called the Clock Tower and was completed in 1859 as part of the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster after a devastating fire in 1834. Designed by Augustus Pugin in the Gothic Revival style, the tower rises 96 meters (316 feet) high, making it one of the tallest clock towers in Britain. Its four clock faces, each nearly 15 meters wide, are made from hundreds of pieces of opal glass held in cast iron frames, creating a striking visual centerpiece atop the Palace.

Big Ben: The Bell Behind the Name

Contrary to popular belief, Big Ben is not the tower but the name of the Great Bell inside it. This bell weighs over 13 tons and is renowned for its deep, resonant chimes that mark the hour. The nickname 'Big Ben' likely derives from Sir Benjamin Hall, the Commissioner of Works during the bell’s installation, or possibly from a heavyweight boxing champion of the era. The bell is fixed in place and struck by hammers rather than swinging, producing its distinctive sound.

Historical Significance and Cultural Symbolism

Elizabeth Tower stands as a powerful emblem of British heritage and parliamentary democracy. It has witnessed pivotal moments in history, including surviving bombings during World War II with minimal damage while continuing to chime. The tower’s clock has kept remarkably accurate time for over 160 years, symbolizing reliability and tradition. The tower was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, linking it to the monarchy’s enduring presence.

Visitor Experience and Unique Features

Visitors can admire the tower’s intricate stone carvings and the Ayrton Light, a lantern that illuminates the clock faces when Parliament is in session. For the adventurous, climbing the 399 steps inside the tower offers a rare glimpse of the clock’s inner workings and the Great Bell itself. The tower’s location near Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament enhances its dramatic setting, making it a must-see landmark in London.

Architectural Details and Restoration

The tower’s design includes symbolic carvings representing the four countries of the United Kingdom and the Tudor dynasty. Its minute hands measure 14 feet long, comparable to the height of a giraffe, while the hour hands are nearly 9 feet long. After extensive restoration work completed in 2023, the tower’s clock and bell mechanisms have been preserved to maintain their historic function and appearance for future generations.

Enduring Legacy and Global Recognition

Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower have become universal symbols of London and the UK, instantly recognizable worldwide. The tower’s chimes are broadcast by the BBC and have become synonymous with British identity. Despite occasional confusion over names, the distinction between the bell (Big Ben) and the tower (Elizabeth Tower) enriches the landmark’s story, reflecting its layered history and cultural significance.