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When you think of London, what’s the first image that comes to mind? The splendour of Buckingham Palace? The vast expanses of Hyde Park? The charming Oxford Street? Perhaps. But it’s more likely the imposing Elizabeth Tower with the equally famous Big Ben at its summit.
This world-famous bell has indeed been featured in many brochures about the British capital since the mid-19th century. Can you visit Big Ben? And if so, how? We’ll explain everything in this short guide.
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What is Big Ben?
The first question to ask, even before considering whether you can visit Big Ben, is: many tourists confuse the tower with the clock. The first Big Ben bell was cast in 1856 but cracked during testing. A second bell, weighing 13.5 tons—the one we know today—was cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1858.
Where does the name Big Ben come from?
The name “Big Ben” likely refers to Sir Benjamin Hall, a civil engineer responsible for installing the bell, who was known for his great height. Another theory suggests it may have been named after Ben Caunt, a heavyweight boxing champion of the time.
In 2012, to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, the tower, previously known as the Clock Tower, was officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower (still a towering 96 meters tall). But the old name sometimes lingers, especially in the hearts of the British. For many people around the world, the name “Big Ben” is still widely used to refer to both the bell and the tower as a whole. But now you know the difference.
Some numbers on the clock
Now, let’s add a little more to our knowledge of today’s star. Did you know? Big Ben chimed for the first time on May 31, 1859. That was during the long reign of Queen Victoria.
Shortly after its installation, the bell cracked, giving it a very distinctive sound. Rather than replacing it, a solution was found by rotating the bell a quarter turn and using a lighter hammer.
Big Ben has undergone several periods of renovation over the years. The most recent began in 2017 to restore the tower, bell, and clock, which meant the bells were silent for several years, except for significant events. Much to the dismay of the English and visiting tourists – of which we were one.
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Is it possible to visit Big Ben?
This might disappoint some. Indeed, visits to Big Ben, or rather the Elizabeth Tower which houses the famous bell, are quite limited. Generally, direct access is reserved exclusively for UK residents who can obtain permission through a Member of Parliament or a Lord. This is quite different from the Tower of London, which is completely open to the public.
These visits often require planning well in advance, with waiting lists that can extend up to six months. Furthermore, they are only offered during certain times of the year.
For international tourists and those not residing in the UK, it is not possible to visit the interior of the Elizabeth Tower or see Big Ben up close. However, you can admire the exterior of the tower and listen to the iconic chimes of Big Ben from the grounds of the Palace of Westminster or the surrounding area.
In contrast, the Palace of Westminster, home to the British Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower, offers guided tours and audio guides to explore its magnificent architecture and learn about the political history of the United Kingdom. These tours provide a fascinating insight into the workings of Parliament and often include stops in other parts of the Palace, but they do not include access to the Elizabeth Tower itself.
How to get to the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben?
Yes, perhaps we should have started there.
The most convenient way is undoubtedly the London Underground, with several stations located nearby – which also provide access to Westminster Abbey or St. James’s Park:
- Westminster Station: This station is the closest to Big Ben. It is served by the Jubilee , District , and Circle lines . Upon exiting the station, you will find yourself practically at the foot of Big Ben, with only a few minutes’ walk away.
- St. James’s Park Station: Another option is St. James’s Park Station, accessible via the District and Circle lines . From there, Big Ben is about a 10-minute walk through St. James’s Park, making for a pleasant stroll.
Numerous bus routes also pass near Big Ben, with stops providing easy access to the site. Routes 12, 24, 53, 88, 159, and 453 are among the options, with stops in Whitehall or near Westminster Underground station.
For a more original – and elegant – arrival, you can take one of the river services on the Thames. The Westminster Pier and London Eye Pier are the closest.
There you have it! We hope this short guide has helped you refine your idea of visiting Big Ben in London. Feel free to leave a comment.