The Voice of London
Big Ben is London's most iconic landmark and one of the most photographed structures in the world. Actually, "Big Ben" refers to the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament). However, visitors often ask how to visit Big Ben in London, not realizing there are different ways to experience this magnificent Victorian Gothic masterpiece.
From touring the historic Houses of Parliament where UK laws are made, to climbing the 334 steps inside Elizabeth Tower, to capturing that perfect sunset photo from Westminster Bridge, this guide covers everything you need to know about experiencing one of Britain's greatest treasures.
Common Misconception: "Big Ben" is actually the nickname of the Great Bell, not the tower itself.
- Official Name: Elizabeth Tower (renamed in 2012 for Queen's Diamond Jubilee, previously known as Clock Tower)
- Height: 96 meters (316 feet) / 334 steps to the top
- Built: 1859 (completed)
- The Bell: Big Ben weighs 13.7 tonnes and chimes every hour
- Clock Faces: Four 7-meter diameter clock faces, each with 312 pieces of opal glass
- Accuracy: Regulated by adding or removing old pennies on the pendulum
- Light: When Parliament is sitting after dark, a light shines above the clock faces
Ways to Experience Big Ben
You can view and photograph Big Ben from multiple vantage points without any ticket:
- Westminster Bridge: Classic view with the bridge in the foreground. Best at sunset when the tower is golden-lit.
- Parliament Square: Close-up views of the tower and Westminster Abbey.
- South Bank: Across the Thames, near the London Eye, for wide cityscape shots.
- Embankment Gardens: Quieter spot with trees framing the tower.
Metro: Westminster Station (District, Circle, Jubilee lines) - exit straight into Parliament Square.
Explore the working seat of UK democracy with audio guide or guided tour:
- What You'll See: Westminster Hall (900+ years old), House of Commons (green benches), House of Lords (red benches), historic corridors, and stunning architecture
- Duration: 75-90 minutes (audio guide), 90-105 minutes (guided tour)
- Price: £28.50 adults (audio guide), £35 (guided tour), £12.50 children
- Booking: Book online at parliament.uk/visiting weeks in advance, especially for summer
- When: Saturdays year-round + weekdays during summer recess (August-September). Limited during sitting days.
💡 Pro Tip: Book the 9:00 AM tour to be among the first visitors and get the best photos with fewer people.
The ultimate Big Ben experience - climb 334 steps to the belfry:
- Eligibility: UK residents only. Must be aged 11+.
- Booking: Contact your local MP (Member of Parliament) to request a tour. Book 6-12 months ahead.
- Experience: See the clock mechanism, stand behind the clock faces, visit the belfry with the Great Bell
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Cost: Free
- Difficulty: No elevator. 334 spiral steps. Not wheelchair accessible.
Note: International visitors cannot currently book Elizabeth Tower tours, but this may change. Check the official Parliament website for updates.
Watch UK democracy in action from the public galleries:
- When: Monday-Thursday when Parliament is sitting (check schedule online)
- How: Queue at Cromwell Green entrance. Entry is first-come, first-served (no booking for galleries)
- Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs): Wednesdays 12-12:30 PM - very popular, long queues
- What to Expect: Security screening, bag checks. You'll sit in public galleries above the chambers.
- Dress Code: Smart casual recommended. No protest slogans or offensive clothing.
Photography Guide
When figuring out how to visit Big Ben in London, photography is often the main goal. Here are the best spots:
🌅 Golden Hour (Sunset)
Location: Westminster Bridge, south side (away from Westminster station)
Best Time: 30 minutes before sunset (check local sunset time)
Composition: Include the bridge's green lampposts and red buses for iconic London shot
🌃 Blue Hour (Night)
Location: Same as golden hour, or from Victoria Embankment
Best Time: 20-40 minutes after sunset when the sky is deep blue
Tip: The four clock faces are illuminated at night, creating a warm glow
☀️ Classic Daytime Shot
Location: Parliament Square Gardens, northeast corner
Best Time: Early morning (7-9 AM) for fewer tourists
Composition: Frame with Westminster Abbey in background or red phone box in foreground
🎡 Wide Cityscape
Location: London Eye pods or South Bank near County Hall
View: Big Ben with Thames, Westminster Bridge, and city skyline
Tip: From London Eye (separately ticketed), you get aerial views of Parliamentary complex
📱 Creative Angles
- Through Westminster Bridge arches from riverside path
- Reflected in puddles after rain in Parliament Square
- From Jubilee Gardens with foreground interest (trees, people)
- Northward from Lambeth Bridge for different perspective
What Else to See in Westminster
2-minute walk. UNESCO site where coronations and royal weddings happen. £27 entry. Poets' Corner, Royal Tombs, and stunning Gothic architecture.
5-minute walk across Westminster Bridge. Giant observation wheel with 30-minute rotation. Book fast-track tickets online to skip queues. £36+.
5-minute walk. Secret underground bunker where Churchill led WWII operations. Perfectly preserved historic site. £31 entry, book ahead.
10-minute walk. Royal park with lake, pelicans, and views of Buckingham Palace. Free entry. Perfect for picnics and photos.
15-minute walk along Thames path. National gallery of British art from 1500-present. Free entry (special exhibitions charged).
25 minutes via District Line. Historic fortress with Crown Jewels, Beefeaters, ravens. £34.80 entry. Book morning tickets to avoid crowds.
Practical Visitor Information
🚇 Getting There
- Tube: Westminster Station (District, Circle, Jubilee lines) - exits directly to Parliament Square
- Bus: Routes 11, 24, 88, 148, 211 stop at Westminster/Parliament Square
- River Bus: Westminster Millennium Pier (Thames Clipper services)
- Walking: 15 minutes from Trafalgar Square, 20 from Victoria Station
🎫 Money-Saving Tips
- External viewing is completely free
- Use Oyster Card or contactless for cheaper Tube fares
- Combine with free museums nearby (Tate Britain 15 min walk)
- Pack lunch and eat in St James's Park (cafés are expensive)
- Book Parliament tours online to avoid on-site premiums
⏰ Best Times to Visit
- Least Crowded: Early morning (before 9 AM) or late evening for photos
- Best Light: Sunset (check seasonal times) from Westminster Bridge
- Avoid: Weekday lunch hours (12-2 PM) when workers flood the area
- Tours: Book Saturday morning tours for fewer tourists inside
🔒 Security & Restrictions
- Airport-style security for Parliament tours and gallery visits
- No large bags allowed (small backpacks OK after screening)
- Photography allowed outside; restricted inside during tours
- Protests common in Parliament Square - may affect access
- Bring valid photo ID for Parliament tours/gallery access
Conclusion
Knowing how to visit Big Ben in London opens up multiple ways to experience this iconic symbol of British democracy. Whether you're photographing the Elizabeth Tower at sunset, touring the historic Houses of Parliament, or watching a live debate, Big Ben remains a must-see on any London itinerary.
FAQs: Big Ben Visit
Plan smarter; travel better! Your personal AI trip planner, travel assistant, and itinerary expert at your service.