Going inside Big Ben (the Elizabeth Tower) is considered highly worth it for history and architecture enthusiasts, offering a rare chance to climb 334 steps to the belfry, view the inner clock mechanism, and hear the famous bell strike. The 90-minute tour provides unique, close-up views of the iconic landmark, though it requires booking months in advance and costs £35 for adults.
When you think of iconic London locations, Big Ben is the first thing to come to many people's minds. It's a symbol of the city, something truly British, and well worth a visit (much like The Cumberland Hotel.
Yes, you can go inside Big Ben (the Elizabeth Tower) on guided tours, but you must book in advance and be prepared for a strenuous climb of 334 steps, as well as high noise levels near the bells. Tours are limited to UK residents and international visitors aged 11 and over, offering a look at the clock mechanism, dials, and the famous bell, but photography isn't allowed inside the tower.
If you're interested in learning more about the history of Big Ben, exploring the clock mechanism, and standing next to the legendary bell as it tolls the hour, then a tour of Big Ben is definitely worth your time.
Tickets for the tour from 1 April 2025 are £35 for adults and £20 for children aged 11-17. Visitors will be able to book a maximum of eight tickets per person, depending on availability.
Big Ben would be especially brilliant at night when it would cast a golden tint over the nearby Parliament buildings and the Thames River. Great for photography fans and marvels of history buffs and casual tourists alike.
Can I do Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in one day?
You'll find there is plenty of time in a day to visit both Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in the same day. That is why most tours include both attractions. Having said that, you must hire an official tour guide company in order to visit Antelope Canyon.
The height of the Eiffel Tower is 36 feet more than three times the height of Big Ben. The Great Pyramid at Giza is 164 feet taller than Big Ben. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is 137 feet shorter than Big Ben. The total of all of the heights is nearly half a mile.
That's right! The prison room is at the base of the Elizabeth Tower, also known as Big Ben. Read on to discover all the secret places hidden throughout the Palace...
Santa Elena Canyon. If we had to choose one out of all the attractions in Big Bend National Park that you absolutely couldn't miss, it would be Santa Elena Canyon. ...
The Crown Jewels is a definite must-see – it's home to an impressive collection of diamond-encrusted state crowns alongside many other precious treasures, from historic gold chalices to royal robes.
No strict dress code for public tours of the UK Parliament, but smart casual is recommended, avoiding jeans, shorts, hoodies, and trainers; for specific areas like the Public Gallery's "Below the Bar" section or Press Gallery, a jacket and tie for men are required, while tours of the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) need flat, enclosed shoes, no sandals or heels, due to narrow stairs.
Photography is prohibited in the Jewel House to prevent potential criminals from using images to identify security weaknesses surrounding the royal gems.
What is the best time to tour the Houses of Parliament? The Houses of Parliament tours run on Saturdays throughout the year. During recess, tours run from Monday to Saturday. Early mornings and weekdays during parliamentary recesses tend to be less crowded.
