Tips for visiting Big Ben: All your questions answered

Big Ben, a clock tower at the north end of the Houses of Parliament, is probably one of the first things that come to mind when you think of London. This world-famous landmark has represented the UK’s capital for decades, so it’s no wonder that visiting Big Ben is considered an essential experience for your first time in London.

Of course, you probably have questions. When is Big Ben worth visiting, for instance? And why is it called ‘Big Ben’? In this guide, you’ll get your answers as well as some handy tips for visiting Big Ben.

Know before you go to Big Ben

1. When is the best time to visit Big Ben?

Big Ben is such an unmissable London landmark that the best time to go see it is… practically always. To lessen your chances of large crowds, though, consider visiting in the early mornings and on weekdays. And if you’re looking to hear the iconic Big Ben chimes, come right before the full hour mark. As far as the official tours of the tower are concerned, the experience can be fun and educational all year round, but you should always check online far in advance of your trip as the tickets can sell out quickly.

2. What are the opening hours for Big Ben?

If you’ve got a trip to London planned and are wondering when to visit Big Ben, keep in mind that the tower itself is only accessible via pre-booked tours. Tours are usually available Monday to Saturday, though you should always check for all current information online before adding a Big Ben tour to your itinerary. As for viewing Big Ben from the outside, you can do so 24 hours a day.

3. How much time should I spend at Big Ben?

The official tours of the Elizabeth Tower generally last around 90 minutes, but you should reserve up to 2 hours for the whole visit. What’s more, visitors are to arrive at least half an hour in advance. If you just want to take a stroll across Westminster Bridge and look at Big Ben, 15-30 minutes should be enough. For a more organized and in-depth experience, you can join a London walking tour that includes Big Ben as part of the package.

4. How do I get to Big Ben?

Big Ben is very easy to reach thanks to its location in central London, just a 10-minute walk from the London Eye and a 15-minute walk from Trafalgar Square. The easiest way to get there is by London Underground. Just head to Westminster Station (Jubilee, Circle, and District lines), and ta-da! You’ve reached your destination.

5. Should I book Big Ben tickets in advance?

For a 90-minute tour of the Elizabeth Tower, you are required to book your tickets in advance. Planning to join a guided London walking tour? In that case, you should ideally book beforehand as well. However, if a solo London trip with just you and yourself is what you’re after, it’s entirely possible for go view the tower from the outside at any time of day and at no cost.

6. Is a tour of Big Ben worthwhile?

Interested in learning more about the history of Big Ben, exploring the clock mechanism, and standing next to the legendary bell as it tolls the hour? If the answer is yes, a tour of Big Ben is definitely worth your time. Alternatively, you can join an outside walking tour with an experienced guide who will share bits and pieces of interesting facts as you take in the sights and discover other important attractions nearby, from the Houses of Parliament, which are attached to the tower, to Westminster Abbey or 10 Downing Street.

7. Is Big Ben wheelchair accessible?

Official Big Ben tours are not wheelchair accessible because visitors have to climb 334 steps to reach the top. However, there are several wheelchair-friendly viewpoints of Big Ben, such as Westminster Bridge or Parliament Square. And if you’re on the lookout for an alternative, guided tours of the Palace of Westminster are generally wheelchair accessible, with step-free access and wheelchairs that can be booked in advance.

8. Can I visit Big Ben for free?

While the Elizabeth Tower tour is ticketed, you can get some spectacular views of Big Ben from multiple free vantage points, be it the iconic view from Westminster Bridge or the Instagram-worthy snapshot from Lamberth Bridge.

Highlights at Big Ben

9. What is special about Big Ben?

Big Ben is considered to be a symbol of British identity, representing both London and the UK. It’s also renowned for its architectural and historical significance. Completed in 1859, the tower features 312 pieces of glass in each clock dial, and a special light above the clock is lit when Parliament is in session. Interestingly enough, Big Ben has rarely ever stopped functioning since its construction. It was, however, silenced for four years during major restoration works between 2017-2021.

10. What other attractions are near Big Ben?

Big Ben is located in the heart of London, which means it’s surrounded by several popular attractions. Just a short walk away, you’ll find Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. What’s more, you can reach Buckingham Palace in about 20 minutes on foot, and a 10-minute walk to Trafalgar Square will lead you closer to the iconic streets of Soho.

History and facts about Big Ben

11. Why is Big Ben called Big Ben?

The name Big Ben originally referred to the bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, but it’s now commonly used to talk about the tower as a whole. It is said that the landmark was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, Chief Commissioner of Works at the time of its installation, who was known as Big Ben.

12. How long did it take to build Big Ben?

The clock tower was designed by Edmund Beckett Denison after it’d been included in the designs for the New Palace of Westminster by architect Charles Barry. Construction of the clock tower began in 1843, and the Great Bell tolled for the first time in 1859. Big Ben has been operational since then, with only a few exceptions. The tower is designed in the Gothic Revival architectural style.