London
Big Ben in England: Location, History and Tours
What is Big Ben?
Big Ben is the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower at the Palace of Westminster. People often use the name for the whole clock tower, but the tower itself is Elizabeth Tower and the bell is Big Ben.
That mix-up is common, even in casual speech, but the parts have clear names. When you talk about the building, use Elizabeth Tower; when you mean the bell that strikes the hours, use Big Ben.
Where is Big Ben located in London, England?
Big Ben stands in Westminster at the Palace of Westminster, beside the River Thames in London. It is next to Westminster Bridge, so you get a clear view from the bridge and from the riverfront paths nearby.
For a first visit, it is easy to fold into a central London walk. You can pair it with Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, and the stretch of the Thames around the bridge without adding much extra travel.
When was Big Ben built?
The Elizabeth Tower was built between 1843 and 1859, in the Victorian era, and the Great Bell first rang in 1859. That makes Big Ben a Victorian landmark, not a medieval relic, even though it now feels inseparable from Westminster.
The tower rose with the new Palace of Westminster after the old parliament buildings burned in 1834. Its clockwork was part of the same rebuilding project, so the tower and the timekeeping system belong to one story rather than separate ones.
How important is Big Ben to England?
As a national symbol, Big Ben has become one of the clearest symbols of Parliament and public life. Its face and tower appear constantly in photos, news coverage, and official images of Westminster, so the landmark does political work as well as visual work.
For first-time visitors, that is the point. You are not just looking at a famous clock, but at the building that many people use as shorthand for the United Kingdom’s government. It gives the London skyline a reference point you can read from Westminster Bridge, the River Thames, and the streets around the Palace of Westminster.
Can you go inside Big Ben?
Yes. Big Ben is open through a fully guided tower tour, not a self-led visit. You climb the narrow 334-step spiral stairwell in Elizabeth Tower to reach the Belfry where Big Ben hangs.
There is no lift on any tour, so this is not a step-free visit. Visitors also need to be comfortable with high noise levels from the clock mechanism and bells; ear defenders are provided.
That makes it a good choice only if you can handle the climb and the enclosed tower interior. Families should also note that children must be 11 or older.
How much do Big Ben tickets cost and how long is the tour?
Timed tower tours are the only way in, and your visit will last 1 hour and 45 minutes. That includes the 90-minute guided tour, plus time at the start and end to lock away and collect your belongings.
Plan to arrive at the Cromwell Green entrance no later than 30 minutes before your tour starts. If you are late, you will not get a refund or an exchange, and you will not be able to join.
Tickets are released on the second Wednesday of every month at 10:00, so booking tends to be straightforward but competitive. Children must be 11 or older, and the maximum is eight tickets per person, depending on availability.
If you need the exact price, use the current official figure rather than guessing, because pricing can change. The key practical point is that this is a fixed-format tour with strict timing, an age limit, and no flexibility for late arrivals.
How tall is Big Ben?
Elizabeth Tower is 316 feet tall, which is the height of the clock tower itself rather than the bell. That scale shows up behind the dials too: each one spans 6.9 metres across.
Planning a visit to Big Ben
For England Big Ben planning, treat this as a Westminster visit, not a casual stop. Tours run Monday to Saturday, and the entrance is at Cromwell Green, so build your day around that side of the Palace of Westminster rather than the riverfront.
Arrive no later than 30 minutes before your tour. If you are late, you will not get a refund or an exchange, and you will miss the visit.
Booking is capped at eight tickets per person, and children must be 11 or older. That makes it a better plan for older families. It also pairs well with Westminster Bridge, a walk by the River Thames, or other central London sights nearby.
Where to stay in London
Hotels in London that fit this guide:
- Wilde Aparthotels London Paddington (4-star · rated 10/10 · 6451 reviews) — Air conditioning, family rooms, front desk (limited hours).
- Royal Lancaster London (5-star · rated 10/10 · 6652 reviews) — Suiting families and couples wanting a central London base near Hyde Park and Paddington Station, with family rooms, pets allowed, and concierge service.
- Westow House (3-star · rated 10/10 · 1976 reviews) — Free wifi.
- The Hayden Pub & Rooms (rated 9.8/10 · 842 reviews) — Ideal for families wanting air-conditioned rooms and a terrace, with free wired internet and covered parking at 65 Westbourne Grove.
- The Montague On The Gardens (4-star · rated 10/10 · 2904 reviews) — Fitness facilities (surcharge), air conditioning, restaurant.
- Shangri-La The Shard, London (5-star · rated 10/10 · 2461 reviews) — A strong option for couples and families in London with a swimming pool and sauna, alongside air conditioning, room service, and family rooms.
- The Grafton Arms Pub & Rooms (rated 9.8/10 · 838 reviews) — Good for solo travelers and families around the British Museum and Dominion Theatre, with a shared lounge/TV area, restaurant, and air conditioning.
- The Chesterfield Mayfair (4-star · rated 10/10 · 2349 reviews) — Suited to families and business travelers in Mayfair, offering family rooms, concierge service, and pet bowls, with air conditioning and lift access.
- Batty Langley's (5-star · rated 10/10 · 1081 reviews) — A fit for families and couples looking for an antique-style stay with soundproof rooms, with air conditioning, room service, and wheelchair accessibility.
- Spread Eagle (rated 9.6/10 · 951 reviews) — Air conditioning, restaurant, room service.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Big Ben in London, England?
The Elizabeth Tower was built between 1843 and 1859, and the Great Bell first rang in 1859.
What do Brits call Big Ben?
Most people use “Big Ben” for the whole tower, but the name properly belongs to the Great Bell inside Elizabeth Tower. In everyday speech, though, both uses are common in London.
How far apart are Big Ben and Buckingham Palace?
They are both in central Westminster, but not right next to each other. Plan on a proper walk rather than a quick hop, with Big Ben by the Palace of Westminster and Buckingham Palace farther west.
Can you walk from Big Ben to Tower Bridge?
You can walk it. It is a long central London route along the river and through the city, so it works better as part of a sightseeing day than as a short transfer.
How many steps are there inside Big Ben?
There are 334 steps. The guided tour takes you up the narrow spiral stairwell in Elizabeth Tower to the Belfry where Big Ben hangs, and there is no lift on any tour.
How do I book Big Ben tickets?
Tickets are released on the second Wednesday of every month at 10:00. You can book up to eight tickets per person, and everyone must be at least 11 years old for this tour.
Is Big Ben worth seeing in London?
If it is your first time in Westminster, Big Ben is worth seeing, especially if you want the classic London view across the River Thames and the Palace of Westminster. For many visitors, the best first step is to see it from outside; the tower tour is a real climb, not a casual stop, with 334 steps and no lift.
Book the interior visit only if you are happy with a physical tour and the timing around family age limits and arrival rules. For England Big Ben, that is the practical choice. Admire it from Westminster Bridge if you want a quick landmark view, or secure a ticket if you want to go in properly.
