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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

Big ben and the houses of parliament ultimate guide.

Out of all the London landmarks scattered throughout the city that can be visited with free walking tours, none are more recognizable or synonymous with London’s culture than the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

The Houses of Parliament and its magnificent clock tower (famously nicknamed “Big Ben”) have become iconic symbols of London for centuries, and it’s hard not to imagine these two attractions when an image of London comes to mind.

The Houses of Parliament (also known as the Palace of Westminster – not to be confused with the nearby Westminster Abbey) was originally built as a royal palace and residence during the reign of Henry VIII. In 1547 the building was given to the British Parliament, and it has been its permanent location ever since.

Big Ben (now named The Elizabeth Tower) which is located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, stands at 96 metres in height and also contains the second largest four-faced chiming clock in the world.

Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament Highlights

Unbeknownst to many visitors admiring its glorious architecture and massive clock tower from the outside, the Palace of Westminster actually serves as a meeting point for British politicians; and if you’re lucky enough, during your visit to London you may even be able to sit in on a House of Commons meeting (for free!)

But that’s not all the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben have to offer. Inside the Palace of Westminster you can see plaques commemorating the trials of William Wallace, Guy Fawkes and Charles I (just to name a few); and the oldest section of the palace (The Hall) is an architectural delight which contains the largest hammer-beamed room in the world.

St. Stephen’s Hall is another famous section inside the Palace of Westminster, which is located at the far end of Westminster Hall. St. Stephen’s Hall was once used as a royal chapel, and some of the most important parliamentary events in British history took place here.

Special Tips

Getting There

Visiting big ben and the houses of parliament.

Visitors are allowed to attend debates, watch committee hearings and take a tour inside the Houses of Parliament, but only UK residents will be allowed to tour the inside of Big Ben.

If you are interested in watching a committee or attending a debate when parliament is in session, make sure you check out the Houses of Parliament’s official website before your visit (The House of Commons usually sits from 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.). When Parliament is sitting, the flag outside the Victoria Tower will be flying during the day, and another flag will be flying at the Ayrton Light on the Clock Tower at night.

Visitors are allowed to view the House of Commons Visitors’ Gallery when Parliament is in session, but be aware that the queue may take as long as an hour. Both UK residents and foreign visitors must obtain their tickets during Question Time, and all visitors can get into the Public Galleries for free via the Cromwell Green visitor entrance. Admission is free for any committee session, but you will need to provide proof of identity before entering the building.

UK residents can get tickets from an MP to the Strangers Gallery of the Houses of Commons, or from a Lord for a seat in the gallery of the House of Lords. Foreign visitors, however, must enter a queue to retrieve their tickets at any time of the day (or night) when the House of Commons is in session. (Be aware that due to limited space, there is no guarantee that foreign visitors will be able to get a seat).

Before entering the Houses of Parliament, be prepared to go through an airport-style screening which could take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes; (or up to 45 minutes on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons if you want to visit the public galleries). Avoid bringing any large bags as they will be refused at entry and there are no lockers or storage areas; (you can, however, use the luggage facilities at the nearby Charing Cross, Victoria and Waterloo stations).

Ticket prices and Opening hour

The Houses of Parliament guided tours take place every Saturday throughout the year from 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..

During July and August, the are tours every:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday from 1:15 to 4:30 p.m.

In September:

• Monday and Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tickets cost £15 for adults, £37 for families, £10 for students and £6 for children (aged five to 16), however, children under the age of five can get in for free.

Parliament recesses for three months over the summer, as well as over the Easter and Christmas holidays. During this time, there are guided tours to both the chambers and various other historic areas, as well as every Saturday any time of the year. There are also audio tours as well as guided tours, which are ideal for children so you can explore the area at your own pace.

If you are checking out the Houses of Parliament, you might also want to join any of the free London tours  that are available on offer.

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How To Visit Big Ben in 2024: Tickets, Access, Tours, And More

Cecilia Rinaldi Last Updated: March 26, 2024

Big Ben is a landmark clock tower in the heart of Westminster, London. It’s an iconic attraction that’s difficult to tour if you’re not a native Brit. If you’re planning a visit, this quick guide on how to visit Big Ben will help you know what to expect.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  guide to London  for more planning resources, our  top London tours  for a memorable trip, and the  top things to do in London .

Visiting Big Ben

According to Britannica, the tower was originally known as St. Stephens Tower. It was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honour of the Queen’s 60th Jubilee. Technically, only the bell is nicknamed Big Ben, but if you say “Big Ben,” everyone will know you mean more than just the bell. It has been a pillar of timekeeping for decades.

Great news for travelers: Big Ben is back in action! After a six-year restoration, it reopened to the public in 2023. Now, you can step inside, immerse yourself in history, and experience the timeless charm of this iconic clock tower.  Let’s jump into the most important things you need to know about visiting Big Ben in London.

• Access and tickets
• How long to budget for your visit
• What to see at Big Ben
• Facts and history of Big Ben
• Places to eat nearby

Big Ben Access and Tickets

Big Ben underwent extensive restoration from 2017 to 2023. The Great Bell (nicknamed Big Ben) has just been repaired. And the clock tower (Elizabeth Tower) has recently had all the scaffolding removed and is ready to show off in all your pictures.

Previously, only UK residents had the privilege of touring Big Ben. However, there’s great news! Now, both UK-based and international visitors aged 11 and over are warmly welcomed to experience the magnificence of Big Ben. Here are some important things to know before your visit to Big Ben:

• Get ready for a climb! It’s 334 steps to the top!
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Be prepared for any weather conditions as you ascend to a height of 62 meters.
• Be aware of the high noise levels from the clock mechanism and bells.
• Remember, no eating or drinking allowed in the Elizabeth Tower, so hydrate beforehand.

The closest metro stations to Big Ben are Westminster Station and Waterloo Station. Both stations are within walking distance of Big Ben.

• Tickets for tours in the first half of 2024 are sold out.
• Next tickets will be available on Wednesday, April 10th, for tours in July.
• Tickets are released every second Wednesday of the month at 10:00 am local time.
• Tour tickets cost £30 for adults and £15 for children aged 11-17.
• UK residents can get a free tour by contacting a Member of the House of Commons or House of Lords.
• Tickets can only be purchased online through the UK Parliament website.
• Each person can book up to eight tickets, depending on availability.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the best London tours to take and why .

How Long To Spend at Big Ben

In total, you should plan for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes for your visit to Big Ben, including the 90-minute tour duration. This extra time allows for any necessary preparations before the tour begins and ensures you have ample time to enjoy the experience.

Pro tip: Stand anywhere on Westminster Bridge for great views of Big Ben. Or even better, stand just in front of the statue of Queen Boadicea at the foot of Westminster Bridge, close to Westminster tube station. There you can enjoy unobstructed views as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are just across the road.

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What To See at Big Ben

• The Great Bell (Big Ben)
• Four Smaller Bells In The Clock Tower
• The Elizabeth Tower (The Clock Tower)

Facts and History of Big Ben 

Here are some interesting facts about Big Ben from the official Parliament website to help you understand how incredible this timekeeping monument is.

• It’s commonly known as Big Ben but that’s just the nickname for the bell (which isn’t visible from the street). Also, the bell’s real name is the Great Bell and the clock tower is called the Elizabeth Tower.
• It was built in 1848 during the Victorian period.
• Big Ben (the bell) weighs 13.76 tons, and the tower is 96 metres tall.
• The clock tower has 399 steps. Visitors are warned they need to be fit enough to manage the steps.
• Pennies carefully placed on the bell’s pendulum ensure the chiming is always accurate.
• There are four other smaller bells in the clock tower.
• Not even World War II could stop Big Ben’s chimes. It suffered a direct hit during the war but continued its hourly bongs.
• The government planned to use fake Big Ben bongs during World War II to confuse Nazi planes trying to find Westminster.
• There are no credible historical references as to why it is called Big Ben. Some say it honours a 19th-century heavyweight boxing champion called Benjamin Caunt whose nickname was Big Ben.
• It’s not quite the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but Big Ben does lean very slightly by 4 degrees.
• The renovations, which will be completed in 2022, are the most extensive in its history.

Places To Eat Nearby

With Big Ben closed for refurbishments, there is no on-site café or restaurant. However, there are many options nearby, one of which has amazing views. 

Westminster Abbey Kiosk : ££ | Quick Snack —Although it’s not indoors, nonetheless, it’s handy for a quick bite to eat. Light snacks, sandwiches, hotdogs, pastries, and cakes as well as hot and cold drinks. You’ll find it near the Sanctuary at the Westminster Abbey west gates.  

Storey’s Gate Café : ££ | Coffee Shop —This building was once the home of King Charles II’s birdkeeper Edward Storey. It now sells healthy snacks and light lunches. Vegans and vegetarians will find it has an attractive selection. 

Riverside Café : ££ | Great Views —There’s an enjoyable walk through the scenic Victoria Tower Gardens, next to Parliament to get to this café. It has the best views of the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames. Moreover, it serves a full English breakfast as well as pizza, paninis, pasta, and sandwiches. You can also buy beverages like tea, lattes, coffee, cappuccinos, mochas, and cold drinks.  

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Big Ben Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

The Complete Guide to London's Big Ben

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What to See

How to visit, what to do nearby, tips for visiting.

Big Ben is one of London's most iconic sights. Many visitors don't realize that "Big Ben" isn't the name for the ornate clock or the tower but, in fact, the giant bell that rings inside the Elizabeth Tower at the Houses of Parliament. It's over 150 years ago and chimes each hour on the hour, with the sound reverberating through Central London. Big Ben is a memorable attraction for visitors of all ages from countries around the world. It should be included in any London travel itinerary (although it's hard to miss the massive tower and clock when in the British capital). Here's everything you need to know about visiting Big Ben.

The neo-Gothic clock tower, designed by Augustus Pugin and part of Charles Barry's plans for the new Houses of Parliament after a fire destroyed the original, was built in 1859, standing at 315 feet tall. It was originally dubbed the Clock Tower and re-named in 2012 during Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee's celebrations to become the Elizabeth Tower. The four-faced clock features five bells, the biggest of which is Big Ben. It's unclear where the name of the bell comes from, although historians speculate that it may be in tribute to Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw the bell's installation. In 1970, the clock tower was deemed a Grade I listed building, and in 1987 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In 2017, extensive restoration began on the Elizabeth Tower, which is set to conclude in 2021. The renovations include repairing the tower's roof, adding an elevator into the tower, and updating the clock's lighting. While the bells have been silent during the refurbishment, typically Big Ben chimes every hour on the hour, and the four smaller bells chime on the 15-minute marks. Big Ben is an iconic part of London's New Year's Eve celebrations, with the bell chiming 12 times to bring in the new year. On Remembrance Day, Big Ben's chimes are broadcast nationally to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and mark the start of two minutes' silence. The bells have also been used historically to mark British monarchs' passing, including King Edward VII.

It's impossible to visit Central London and not see Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower. It's visible from various points throughout the city and from viewing attractions like the London Eye and Sky Garden. Some of the best glimpses of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament can be found from Westminster Bridge, Parliament Square, and across the Thames on the Albert Embankment. It's fun to see during the day and at night when the building, clock, and tower are illuminated.

Big Ben is connected to the Houses of Parliament and located across from Westminster Abbey, both of which can be included in your visit to see the massive clock and its bells. Look for the famed statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square, and don't miss the quiet Victoria Tower Gardens South around the corner for a respite from the crowds and a nice view of the river.

Sebastian Condrea

Currently, a visit to Big Ben only involves seeing the tower and clock from its exterior. Visits inside the tower have been paused during the four-year refurbishment, although they are set to resume once the works have finished (and you can still tour the Houses of Parliament in the meantime). The best way to see Big Ben is to walk across Westminster Bridge and around to Parliament Square to get a glimpse of all sides of the clock. There are great viewpoints in Parliament Square, including on the north side, where you'll find a few red phone booths that make for great photo opportunities with Big Ben in the background.

Parliament Square and Big Ben can be accessed on several London bus and tube lines. The Westminster Tube station is directly across the road from Big Ben, and visitors can access that station on the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines. Westminster Pier is adjacent to Big Ben, and there are several river tours and boat services that go past the Houses of Parliament and stop at the pier, which can be a unique way to see London's sights. Look for Thames River Boats or City Cruises . The beloved Big Bus Tours also stop in Parliament Square and offer hop-on-hop-off tours of the area.

Ashmieke Creations/Getty Images

Because Big Ben is located smack in the middle of London, there's a lot to see and do nearby. Westminster Abbey, found across Parliament Square, is open to visitors and offers guided tours, and the Houses of Parliament allow people to book guided tours of the government building. The Churchill War Rooms, St. James Park, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and The National Gallery are all a short walk from Big Ben, and nearby Covent Garden is filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes. Across Westminster Bridge, travelers can find the London Eye, the SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium, and the Tate Modern. The Tate Britain, one of London's best museums, is a short walk south of Parliament Square along the Thames' north side.

• Parliament Square can get extremely crowded with tourists during the summer and on holiday weekends, making it difficult to get a good photo. Try to arrive early in the morning on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Crossing the river to the Albert Embankment is also a great way to see Big Ben without throngs of people. Look for benches that overlook the river with amazing views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
• For an aerial view of Big Ben and the surrounding sights, head to one of London's viewing platforms, which can be found around the city. Sky Garden offers free tickets to its 37th-floor indoor garden, which has 360-views of London, and The Shard has viewing platforms on floors 68, 69, and 72 for paid ticket holders.
• Don't get sucked into one of the touristy restaurants near Parliament Square. Instead, look for iconic diner The Regency Cafe, Indian eatery The Cinnamon Club, or old school pub The Windsor Castle. There is a Starbucks a few blocks west of Parliament Square for those who need a familiar pick-me-up.
• Public toilets can be found in St. James' Park near Horseguards Parade. Some public toilets require an entry fee of 20 pence, which can now be paid with a contactless credit card.

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First-timers guide to visiting Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in London

There are many iconic London landmarks dotted about the city, but none stands out as more recognizable or symbolic of London’s culture than Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

It’s hard to envision London without thinking of the Houses of Parliament and the incredible clock tower. 

Today visitors will note this magnificent landmark is referred to as the Elizabeth Tower and stands over 96 meters tall, while the Palace of Westminster is the current seat of parliament. Visitors looking to explore these two incredible structures in London book a stay at Hotel In Cumberland Place and check out this first-timers guide to visiting Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London. Also, check out some of these incredible  London Hotels Special Offers if you plan on travelling over London’s peak period.

Highlights of Big Ben and The Palace of Westminster

Despite the gorgeous architecture and massive clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, you may be surprised to learn that British politicians convene there, and you may even get to attend a House of Commons meeting. Furthermore, this popular attraction features a display of plaques that list prominent historical figures who were tried here. This includes the likes of Guy Fawkes, William Wallace and Charles I. Finally, as you make your way to other parts of the palace, expect to see the largest hammer to have been built globally. 

Interesting Facts about Big Ben 

• A clockmaker did not design the clock tower
• There are pennies on the pendulum of the clock
• The first chimes of Big Ben chimed were 160 years ago

Best things to do near Big Ben

• Explore Westminster Abbey
• Take a picture next to the Winston Churchill Statue
• Capture the incredible architecture of the UK Supreme Court
• Grab a drink at St Stephen’s Tavern
• Visit the impressive Nelson Mandela Statue
• Get a glimpse of London history at the Battle of Britain Monument
• Enjoy a relaxing day exploring St James’s Park

Places to eat near Big Ben

• The Red Lion
• Peers Dining Room at the House of the Lords
• Switchroom Cafeteria at the Churchill Museum
• Houses of Parliament Afternoon Tea
• The Library at County Hall
• The Strings Restaurant London
• Over the summer holidays, queues can be extremely long, so arrive early. Generally, the Public Gallery at the House of Lords lines is shorter.
• The buildings are open to the public for free tours that provide historical information and guide visitors through sections not accessible to the public. However, self-guided tours are available if you are not interested in taking a guided tour. 
• Travellers looking to enjoy the experience are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes earlier than their scheduled time. 
• Visitors looking to walk up to the clock must be over 11 years old and prepare to climb up 334 steps unaided without assistance. 

What to expect 

Ayrton Light on Clock Tower will fly a flag at night when parliament is sitting, and the flag outside Victoria Tower during the day when parliament is sitting. Only UK residents are allowed to tour Big Ben, while international visitors are allowed to attend debates and watch committee meetings.

While parliament is in session, visitors can view the Visitors’ Gallery, but queues can be extended. The Public Galleries can be accessed for free via the visitor entrance at Cromwell Green during Question Time. In addition, each committee session is free of charge, but you must provide proof of identification to enter. Before visiting the Houses of Parliament, check their website if you want to watch a committee or attend a debate when parliament is in session.  

The Strangers Gallery of the House of Commons and the Gallery of the House of Lords are available to UK residents through MPs and Lords, respectively. However, when the House of Commons is in session, foreign visitors must take part in a queue to retrieve their tickets. In addition, as a foreign visitor, your viewing spot in parliament is not guaranteed as there is limited seating availability. 

There is a good chance you will spend between 15 and 30 minutes going through an intensive security screening before entering the Houses of Parliament; up to 45 minutes if you plan to visit the public galleries on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Also, the station does not have its own storage facilities or lockers, so do not bring large bags with you. Instead, use the luggage facilities at Charing Cross, Victoria, or Waterloo stations. 

After enjoying an insightful political debate in parliament, continue your experience of London by exploring some of the many other attractions in the city. A relaxing and therapeutic massage with these Spa Breaks London is something to end your day of sightseeing and an overwhelming amount of information.

When to come and get your tickets

Every Saturday throughout the year, guided tours are offered at the Houses of Parliament from 9:15 am until 4:30 pm.

Over the summer months, tours are every:

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, from 9:15 am until 4:30 pm.
• Wednesdays from 1:15 pm until 4:30 pm.

Tickets are available online or can be purchased at the venue. In addition, some Travel agents and these  5 Star Hotels London can arrange tour passes to most London attractions upon request. If you didn’t manage to get your tickets online, it is best to arrive early and head to the ticket office at Portcullis House.

Getting Here

Taking the tube.

Tube passengers can reach Westminster in four minutes by walking from Westminster station.

Travelling by coach

It will take about one minute to walk from The Palace of Westminster to Abingdon Street if you are travelling by coach.

Taking the bus

You can travel by bus to Parliament Square on Victoria Street, where countless routes stop.

Using a car

Smith Square, Great Peter Street and Matthew Parker Street are the nearest parking spaces if you are driving, and an underground parking garage is opposite the Houses of Parliament.

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Parliament to offer public tours of Big Ben next month

Xparliament to offer public tours of big ben next month.

UPDATE – the preview tours are now finished, but public tours have now started – details here .

It’s now possible to climb to the top of the Elizabeth Tower and stand in ear-banging distance of Big Ben as it bongs the hours.

Following its restoration, these are preview tours, and will lead you up a narrow 334-step spiral stairwell to the Belfry where Big Ben , the Great Bell, hangs. Along the route, your guide will reveal details of the most extensive and complex conservation project in Big Ben’s 160 years.

On this preview tour you will see the inner workings of the clock mechanism, walk behind the dials, each spanning 6.9m in diameter – and best of all… stand next to the world-famous Big Ben as it strikes the hour.

Having been up there before, I can say that although Big Ben is loud, as you’d expect, it’s the quarter bells that make you jump in fright, and the heavy tolling of Big Ben is deeper and not as scary, but much more powerful and moving to stand close to.

This limited tour in English is offered at a reduced rate of £10 and is a rare opportunity to see inside the Tower while the UK Parliament put the finishing touches on the exhibition elements ahead of the official reopening this summer.

Tickets for the preview tours need to be booked in advance from here (ALREADY SOLD OUT – SORRY!) and they will take place on selected dates in April, May and June.

Visitors must be aged 11 and over and be comfortable climbing 300+ steps and experiencing high noise levels from the clock mechanism and bells – ear defenders will be provided. The total tour duration is 90 minutes and toilet facilities are available at the beginning and end of the tour only. Due to the constraints of the Tower, accessible tours including step-free access are not currently available as part of these preview tours.

You are also welcome to explore the medieval Westminster Hall after your visit to the Elizabeth Tower.

It used to be possible to arrange a tour of the Clock Tower as it was called back then, but only by writing to your MP, and while the tours were free, the thought of writing to an MP can be daunting for many people, so offering them at a modest charge via a website is going to open up the tours to vastly more people.

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Any plans for August tours at this time?

I’d like to book tickets for a visit to the Elizabeth Tower in November Is this possible?

I just booked a ticket in June they must have added more.

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Bong! You’ll once again be able to go inside Big Ben from July

Tours of the tower are back after a six-year hiatus

After what feels like eons, Big Ben is officially back and bonging. Soon, visitors will be able to book tickets to climb the 334 steps inside the Elizabeth Tower again. In the hour-long tour, you’ll get up close and personal with the world-famous massive clock as it strikes the hour.

Set those alarms, because tickets for tours in July, August and September will be released on the Parliament website at 10am on Wednesday June 14. Tickets cost £25 for adults and a tenner for 11-17 year olds. As before, there will be a limited number of free tours available to UK residents that can be booked through local MPs. 

Big Ben reopens after being closed in 2017 for vital conservation and repair work to the Elizabeth Tower. This included repairing cracks in the masonry, leaks, erosion, and severe rusting of the metalwork. The entire clock mechanism was also taken apart and restored by specialists in Cumbria. 

Sir Lindsay Hoyle, speaker of the House of Commons, said: ‘For more than 160 years, the Elizabeth Tower has been a beloved cultural icon of the United Kingdom, a symbol of our Parliamentary democracy that is recognisable around the world. 

‘So, it gives me great pleasure that we are once again able to welcome back visitors – eager to climb the 334 steps from ground level to the belfry – to hear Big Ben and the quarter bells ring out their famous Westminster chimes.’

Bing, bong indeed. 

Big Ben tours. Booking opens 10am Jun 14. £25. 

A secret windmill in Croydon will reopen to the public for the first time in three years.

A new café is opening in a London cabmen’s shelter .

• India Lawrence Contributing writer

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