Posted by Next to Tower Bridge, Big Ben is probably the most important landmark in London. It is the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster. “Big Ben” is actually just the big bell in the tower. However, the name is colloquially used for the whole bell tower (actually the tower is called St Stephen’s). Big Ben is located in the southern, historic center of London almost directly on the Thames.
History: The Big Ben is 150 years old, it was finished in 1959. The gigantic 4 clocks each have a diameter of 7 meters and can be seen over several kilometers. Also the gigantic bells (up to 15 tons, 3 meters diameter) of the Big Ben can be heard for miles. The unique bell chime is world famous. Only very rarely are the bells of the tower switched off, for example in April 2013 during the funeral of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (Iron Lady).
Tower of London: better buy tickets online in advanceI can’t say this often enough: the waiting time at the ticket office in front of the entrance to the Tower of London is often hours. On this website you can buy tickets for Tower London online. Cancellations up to one day before the visit are free of charge with this provider. Tickets for the Tower of London are available here » » » |
Exact tower clocks: The clocks at Big Ben in London are known for their extreme accuracy. In the summer of 2015, the tower clocks were 7 seconds ahead. This small discrepancy made headlines in the press in London and throughout Great Britain.
Big Ben is probably named after the engineer and later politician Benjamin Hall, who managed the construction.
Close by: Sights not far from Big Ben are the Church Westminster Abbey and Downing Street 10. Opposite on the other bank of the Thames is the London Eye, the largest Ferris wheel in Europe (see picture above). Also the great museum Tate Modern (entrance free) can be reached in a short time on foot.
Big Ben entrance fee / opening hours: The Big Ben bell tower cannot be visited from the inside.
How to get to Big Ben: The nearest underground station is Westminster (about 100 metres away). There are also many public double-decker buses in the area.
Status of information: early 2017, partially updated in 2018 and 2024
Tip: Excursion Harry Potter (Warner Brothers Studio Tour)
One of the popular trips in London is to the movie studios where the Harry Potter movies were filmed. Warner Brothers studios are located approximately 30 kilometers north of London near the town of Watford. The tour includes a bus transfer from central London and has very good reviews. A “must” for every Harry Potter fan on vacation in London. The trip by bus and the visit to the film studios takes about 7 hours. You should book early, the popular Harry Potter excursion from London is often sold out. The alternative arrival by public transport is not very easy. The trip to the Warner Brothers Studios is the highlight of the trip for many London vacationers. On this page you can find more information and book the tour. |
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Short video with the famous Big Ben chime at 12 o’clock
Important Info Big Ben London
The Story of Big Ben
Big Ben is actually the name of the bell in the clock tower, but over time it has been used to refer to the structure as a whole. The tower was completed in 1858 and the clock started ticking in 1859. The tower was designed by architect Augustus Pugin and engineer Sir Charles Barry as part of the Palace of Westminster, which houses the Chambers of Parliament.
What is Big Ben?
Big Ben is a four-sided clock tower with a height of 96 meters. The dial is 7 meters (23 feet) in diameter and the minute hand alone is 4.3 meters (14 feet) long. The bell inside the tower weighs 13.5 tons and was cast in 1858.
Bell
The bell inside the tower is named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw its installation. Originally called the Royal Victoria, it was renamed Big Ben due to its size and weight.
Visit Big Ben
Visitors can take a guided tour of the clock tower to see how the clock works inside. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this review (April 2023), the tower is closed for renovations and will remain closed through 2024. However, visitors can admire the tower from the outside and take photos against it.
Palace of Westminster
Big Ben is part of the Palace of Westminster which houses the Chambers of Parliament. Visitors can take tours of the palace to learn about its history and see the rooms where the debates take place.
Perspective
The best places to see Big Ben from the outside are Westminster Bridge or the south bank of the River Thames. Visitors can also see it from the London Eye and the roof of nearby St Stephen’s Tower.
How to get to Big Ben?
The closest underground stations to Big Ben are Westminster and St James’ Park. Visitors can also take a bus or walk to the area.
Photo Tips
For the best photos of Big Ben, it’s best to go early in the morning or late at night when there are fewer people around. The lighting is good at this time of year. The south bank of the Thames offers the best views of the tower.
Iconic Monument
Big Ben has become a landmark not only in London but all over the world. It has been featured in countless films and TV shows and is considered a symbol of the British capital.
Did you know?
Big Ben is actually the name of the bell in the clock tower, not the tower itself. Originally known as the Clock Tower, the tower was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.Big Ben has been under renovation since August 2017 but is due to reappear in 2022. Built on soft loam, the tower leans slightly to the north-west. It needs to be tilted about 0.26 degrees to the left.
Tower of London: better buy tickets online in advanceI can’t say this often enough: the waiting time at the ticket office in front of the entrance to the Tower of London is often hours. On this website you can buy tickets for Tower London online. Cancellations up to one day before the visit are free of charge with this provider. Tickets for the Tower of London are available here » » » |