Big Ben
London's most iconic landmark — the Elizabeth Tower and its Great Bell, standing watch over the Houses of Parliament since 1859
London's most iconic landmark — the Elizabeth Tower and its Great Bell, standing watch over the Houses of Parliament since 1859
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, though most visitors use it for the entire clock tower rising 96 metres above Parliament. It has marked the hours since 1859 and remains London's most photographed landmark.
The tower interior is reserved for UK residents who apply through their MP, so most people experience Big Ben from outside. Parliament Square and the surrounding streets offer superb vantage points, and hearing the bell strike the hour is worth the visit alone.
The Elizabeth Tower was designed by Augustus Pugin as part of Charles Barry's new Palace of Westminster, built after fire destroyed the old parliament buildings in 1834. Construction began in 1845 and the clock started keeping time on 31 May 1859. The Great Bell, cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, first sounded two months later.
The name "Big Ben" originally referred only to the bell, possibly after Sir Benjamin Hall, whose name is inscribed on it. Over time the nickname stuck to the entire tower, officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.
Between 2017 and 2022 the tower underwent a major restoration, revealing cleaned stonework, regilded clock hands, and the original Prussian-blue clock dials — a shade that had been painted over in black for decades.
Parliament Square is the best spot to take in the tower. The open green gives an unobstructed view alongside twelve statues of political figures, from Winston Churchill to Nelson Mandela, and is the starting point for many Westminster walking tours.
Walk south to Westminster Bridge for the classic postcard angle — Big Ben framed against the Palace of Westminster. The bridge is especially good at sunset or after dark when the clock faces glow white.
From the bridge you can see the London Eye across the Thames. Cross to the South Bank for a different perspective, or head north along the Embankment toward Whitehall and Trafalgar Square.
The Houses of Parliament sit next to the tower and offer guided tours on Saturdays and during recesses. Westminster Abbey, a five-minute walk south, is one of London's most important historic churches and pairs well with a Big Ben visit.
Across the road, the Churchill War Rooms lie beneath the Treasury on King Charles Street — the underground bunker where Churchill directed Britain's war effort and one of London's most atmospheric museums.
St James's Park is a ten-minute walk north through Horse Guards Parade, offering a peaceful break with views across the lake to Buckingham Palace.
Tower tours are restricted to UK residents who apply through their Member of Parliament
Arrive a few minutes before the hour to hear the Great Bell strike. Standing in Parliament Square when the bongs ring out is a quintessential London moment.
The illuminated clock faces and floodlit tower are stunning after dark. Westminster Bridge offers the best nighttime photo angle with reflections on the Thames.
Saturday guided tours of the Houses of Parliament let you see the Commons, Lords, and Westminster Hall. Book online in advance as they sell out quickly.
This exit brings you up right next to the tower. Other exits drop you on the wrong side of the road and add an unnecessary detour.
Cross Westminster Bridge for a full panoramic view of Parliament and Big Ben from the river's south side, then continue along to the London Eye and Southbank Centre.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 5, 2026
