Big Ben, London

Name: Big Ben
Address: Bridge St, London, SW1A 2PW, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 7219 4114

#9 among attractions in London

Gothic Revival architecture, Tower, Top attraction, Historical place

Gallery (19)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 2.5 / Diliff / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Colin / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Carlos Delgado / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / McGeddon / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Colin / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dietmar Rabich / URL

Facts and practical information

Big Ben, an iconic landmark of London, stands as a towering sentinel at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. This renowned clock tower, officially named the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, is often mistakenly referred to as Big Ben - a nickname which actually pertains to the tower's largest bell.

Erected in 1859, this 96-meter (315 ft) tall structure is a quintessential symbol of British continuity and parliamentary democracy. It has four clock faces, each measuring 7 meters in diameter, ensuring that time is visible from all angles. The tower's Gothic Revival style, designed by architect Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, complements the ornate Houses of Parliament.

Big Ben has withstood the test of time, surviving both the blitz of World War II and the wear of London's weather. Its chimes are broadcast by the BBC to signal the New Year and mark important national events. They resonate not only across the city but also in the hearts and minds of the British people and international audiences.

The tower underwent a major renovation that started in 2017 and is expected to last several years, aiming to preserve Big Ben for future generations. During this period, tours are suspended, but once complete, visitors will again be able to marvel at the intricate inner workings of the clock and enjoy panoramic views of London from the tower.

Alternative names: Height: 315 ftFloors: 11Coordinates: 51°30'3"N, 0°7'29"W

Address

Bridge StCity of Westminster (St. James's)London SW1A 2PW United Kingdom

Contact

+44 20 7219 4114

Website

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London

Day trips

Big Ben – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square, Westminster Bridge.

~510 ftS
Iconic home of UK parliament
Palace of Westminster, London
3 min walk • The Palace of Westminster, with its iconic clock tower known as Big Ben, stands as a monumental piece of Gothic Revival architecture on the banks of the River Thames in London, United Kingdom. This palatial complex is not only a tourist attraction but also the meeting...
~800 ftSW
Gothic church and site for coronations
Westminster Abbey, London
4 min walk • Westminster Abbey is an iconic feature of London's historic and cultural landscape, a church that has stood for over a millennium as a place of worship and a stage for the nation's most significant ceremonies. Located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster, this...
~630 ftW
Square
Parliament Square, London
4 min walk • Parliament Square is a storied political and cultural landmark nestled in the heart of London, United Kingdom. This iconic square is bordered by some of the city's most significant buildings, including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the Supreme Court.
~730 ftE
Bridge
Westminster Bridge, London
4 min walk • Spanning the River Thames with a quiet dignity, Westminster Bridge is a vital artery connecting the heart of British political life to the rest of London. This iconic bridge, situated in the shadow of the majestic Houses of Parliament and the towering Big Ben, is not...
~590 ftSW
, Church
St Margaret's, London
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Westminster, St Margaret's Church is an often-overlooked gem amid the more famous landmarks of London, England. This Anglican parish church, situated on the grounds of Westminster Abbey, serves as a spiritual haven for members of the House of...
~430 ftW
Church, Monuments and statues
Statue of Winston Churchill, London
3 min walk • In the heart of London, standing defiantly outside the Houses of Parliament, is the imposing bronze statue of Winston Churchill, a tribute to the indomitable spirit of one of Britain's most revered Prime Ministers. Created by the renowned sculptor Ivor Roberts-Jones...
~840 ftN
Memorial, Monuments and statues
Battle of Britain Monument, London
5 min walk • The Battle of Britain Monument in London stands as a poignant tribute to the heroic efforts of the Royal Air Force and those who supported them during a pivotal moment in World War II. Unveiled in 2005 on the Victoria Embankment, this significant sculpture by Paul Day...
~940 ftSW
Museum, History museum, Historical place
Jewel Tower, London
5 min walk • The Jewel Tower is a 14th-century surviving element of the Palace of Westminster, in London, England. It was built between 1365 and 1366, under the direction of William of Sleaford and Henry de Yevele, to house the personal treasure of King Edward III.
~680 ftNW
Street
Whitehall, London
4 min walk • Whitehall is a road and area in the City of Westminster, Central London. The road forms the first part of the A3212 road from Trafalgar Square to Chelsea. It is the main thoroughfare running south from Trafalgar Square towards Parliament Square.
~370 ftS
Palace, Bars and clubs
Strangers' Bar, London
2 min walk • The Strangers' Bar is one of several bars in the Palace of Westminster, the home of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It is open to Members of Parliament and officers of Parliament, their guests, and members of parliamentary staff.
~610 ftW
Monuments and statues, Sculpture
Nelson Mandela Statue, London
3 min walk • Nelson Mandela is a bronze sculpture in Parliament Square, London, of former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela. Originally proposed to Mandela by Donald Woods in 2001, a fund was set up and led by Woods's wife and Lord Richard Attenborough after the death of Woods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Big Ben open?

Big Ben is open:

Monday 8 am - 8 pm
Tuesday 8 am - 8 pm
Wednesday 8 am - 8 pm
Thursday 8 am - 8 pm
Friday 8 am - 8 pm
Saturday 8 am - 8 pm
Sunday 8 am - 8 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Big Ben?

Nearby attractions include New Palace Yard, London (1 min walk), Portcullis House, London (2 min walk), House of Commons, London (2 min walk), Strangers' Bar, London (2 min walk).

How to get to Big Ben by public transport?

The nearest stations to Big Ben:

Metro

Westminster • Lines: Circle, District, Jubilee (1 min walk)
Embankment • Lines: Bakerloo, Circle, District, Northern (12 min walk)

Ferry

Westminster Pier • Lines: Blue Tour, Green Tour, Rb1, Rb1X, Rb2, Red Tour (3 min walk)
London Eye - Waterloo Pier • Lines: Rb1, Rb1X, Rb2, Red Tour (7 min walk)

Train

Charing Cross (13 min walk)
London Waterloo (14 min walk)

Bus

Trafalgar Square / Charing Cross Station • Lines: N26 (14 min walk)
Waterloo Station / Mepham Street • Lines: 243 (14 min walk)