A nickname for the Palace of Westminster’s Great Bell, Big Ben commonly de-scribes the entire tower, its clock and bells. The tower boasted the largest clock in the world when it was completed in 1859 and its Neo-Gothic architecture is considered a cultural icon of Britain.
Gaze up at the seven-metre-wide clock face of Big Ben, which has kept track of time throughout London’s rich history. It’s perched atop a 96-metre-tall tower designed by Augustus Pugin, with the Houses of Parliament nestled below.
Coincide your visit to hear the quarter bells chime at 15, 30 and 45 minutes past the hour or stay to hear “Big Ben” (the largest of the five bells) toll on the hour. While it’s not possible to climb to the top of the tower, there are impressive views of Big Ben from the nearby Westminster Bridge or the London Eye.
Getting there
Big Ben is adjacent to Westminster Station, which connects to destinations across the city along the London Underground’s Circle, District and Jubilee lines. London Heathrow Airport is around 45 minutes’ drive away.