In this article, I present Big Benthe most famous bell tower in the UK, and perhaps even in the world!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Big Ben
- What you need to know about your visit
- The easy way to the bell tower
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Big Ben, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Big Ben: article summary
Big Ben: the world's best-known symbol of London! Â
If there's one monument you won't want to miss when you visit visit Londonis this one! Big Ben can be seen from afar, and is certainly the best-known symbol of the British capital.
I present to you this emblematic tower and its famous bell towerThis is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors every year.
Introducing Big Ben
We generally refer to Big Ben to designate the whole of the clock tower, which can be found at Palace of Westminster where the British Parliament sits. In truth, this is a mistake, because Big Ben is only the largest bell in the carillon of this clock!
It is by metonymy that the tower and its clock have been associated, but the tower's true name is Elizabeth Tower (since Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee in 2012) and formerly Clock Tower.
This tower was built between 1843 and 1859 under the direction of Augustus Pugin, known as the founder of the culturalist concept in urban planning. He drew inspiration from the Italian towers of Venice and Florence, and from the Gothic architecture of the Middle Ages, when towers were the norm. a symbol of power for a city. He succeeded in imposing a British identity on the building, which is now instantly recognizable.
In the space of just 3 hours, we show you the the best of the historic center of London (must-sees + secret spots) with a French-speaking guide just for you.
Big Ben is one of a series of three towers of the Palace of Westminster. It's obviously the most famous of them all, with its four-dial clock, each measuring 7 meters in diameter. The minute hands weigh 101 kghours 304 kg ! And every day, the sound of the bells is broadcast at 6pm and midnight on BBC radio.
The huge bell - also known as the The Great Bell - dates from 1856 and is the second version, as the first cracked very quickly after installation. This one also cracked 2 months after replacing the first, but we kept it, installing a mechanism to prevent the hammer from hitting the damaged spot.
All you have to do is look up to see Big Ben on the horizon, or put your ear to the ground to hear it ring!
Facts and figures about the clock tower
- The bell weighs 14 tons
- The clock tower measures 96 metres on 16 floors
- In 2022, it rang 96 times to pay tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, aged ...96 at the time of her death
- You can hear its bells 6 km away in the vicinity
- Under the clock faces, you can read Domine Salvam fac Reginam nostram Victoriam primamor Lord, save our Queen Victoria I
- Two theories surround Big Ben's nickname: a tribute to the engineer Benjamin Hallwho was nicknamed Ben and was very tall; a reference to the boxer Ben Cauntnicknamed Big Ben, who became heavyweight champion in 1841 and led a famous fight in the year the bell's name was up for debate.
Can you visit Big Ben?
Before I explain what you can see when you enter the Clock Tower, I'll answer a question that's certainly on your lips: Is it possible to visit Big Ben as a tourist?
Unfortunately, the answer is No.
In fact, only the inhabitants of Great Britain are fortunate enough to be able to book a visit (at least 6 months in advance!) to discover the wonders hidden within. As a visitor, you can only admire it from the outside.
As a consolation, however, it's possible (and highly recommended) to visit the Palace of Westminster, where you can admire Big Ben up close!
What to see when visiting Big Ben?
If you belong to of the privileged who live in England and are therefore entitled to visit it, you won't be disappointed. Indeed, the interior of the tower is quite impressive, and the tour consists of :
- From the rise of 334 steps to reach the top, where you'll find the belfry and bell tower!
- Discover the inner workings of the chimes, which are almost never late!
- The famous main bell (a real Big Ben!), weighing in at 14 tonnes, 2.2 m high and 2.7 m in diameter.
- Clocks, with the possibility of standing right behind the dials
An interesting visit, for one of London landmarks the most easily identifiable. If you'd like to have a superb viewpoint from which to admire it from afar (if you're just passing through), I recommend a tour of London Eyethe London Ferris wheel!
How do I get to Big Ben in London?
Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster are located in the heart of London, at the following address: Parliament Square Westminster London SW1P 3AD
You can easily get there via :
- The metroDistrict or Jubilee lines, stop Westminster
- The bus routes that take you into the city center, 11, 24, 148 or 453 (stop Westminster or Parliament Square)
- By river shuttle, since the tower overlooks the Thames
Big Ben: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's some additional information to help you discover Big Ben in the best possible conditions!
Rates and booking
The tour is 100 % free if you are eligible.
You'll need to apply for a pass, which will be issued by a member of Parliament or the House of Lords, following registration on a long waiting list.
Opening hours
- From December to May, tours are available at 9.15, 11.15 and 14.15.
- Between May and September, tours are available at 9:15, 11:15, 14:15 and 16:00.
Count between 1h and 1h30 for the complete tour.
Practical information
The tower can be admired from the outside, and photo enthusiasts can take some superb shots at the end of the day.
One of the best spots to admire it is the Westminster Bridgejust around the corner!
What to see and do in the area?
Thanks to its central location, the tower makes it easy to continue exploring London, including :
- Westminster AbbeyUnesco World Heritage Site since 1987
- The must-have Buckingham Palaceto attend the changing the guard and discover the treasures of royalty
- Visit Saint James's Parkone of the world's most London's pretty parks !
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special London guide.
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