Big Ben

London’s iconic clock tower, Big Ben, is one of the city’s renowned landmarks known for its gigantic bell and accuracy. The bell alone weighs 13.7 metric tons, usually associated with the entire clock tower of the Houses of Parliament. Explore this sought-after attraction as part of our Europe tour packages, especially captivating after dusk when the clock faces are illuminated, offering a splendid view.

London's Big Ben is situated in the Elizabeth Tower at the north end of The Houses of Parliament in Westminster, Central London. This tower was built by Augustus Pugin and was completed in 1859 with the most accurate four-faced chiming clock in the world. The tower's height is about 316 ft and includes over 334 steps from the base to the top. Big Ben is designed in Pugin's Gothic revival style and is commonly used in the shot of film sets in London. It is also considered to be the third tallest clock in the whole of the UK. This tower is designed so that a ventilation shaft runs from the ground level to the belfry, which acts as the air-conditioner.

The big clock comprises 324 pieces in opalescent glass, with the dials made up of cast iron. The metal hour hand of the clock is 8.75 ft and the height of the copper minute hand is about 14 ft long. In order to mask the air pollution in the city, the frame and hands of the clock were painted black. As a reminder, the four-quarter bells strike at 15, 30 and 45 minutes past the hour. The whole tower has been under renovation since 2017, and there is no chiming or striking of the clock. So, it is temporarily closed to the public till the year 2022.

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• The clock on the Big Ben is used as a cultural symbol of the United Kingdom, often coupled with a red double-decker bus or a black cab in the foreground.
• During New Year celebrations, the whole UK witnesses the chiming of the Big Ben, which is aired on radios and televisions. At midnight, the fireworks placed in the clock tower explode to mark new beginnings.
• When the Parliament nearby is in session, a special light above the clock gets illuminated.
• DOMINE SALVAM FAC REGINAM NOSTRAM VICTORIAM PRIMAM is the Latin inscription under the clock, which means " O Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First."
• The diameter of each dial in the clock is 7 meters.

It is always recommended to visit Big Ben at dusk or in the proper evening. This will allow the visitors to witness the light settings in the tower. The clock on all the 4-sides of the tower is illuminated with the help of electric bulbs. Though one can also visit during the day, the experience becomes twice as grand during dusk.

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- Height: Big Ben, London stands tall at 315 feet, which is 96 metres. 

- The number of floors: Big has 11 floors right up to the belfry. 

- Distance from London City Centre: The distance of Big Ben from London City Centre is 0.5 miles through A3212 and 0.7 miles through Northumberland Avenue and Victoria Embankment A3212. Big Ben is just two minutes from Central London. 

History of Big Ben

The formal name of Big Ben is Elizabeth Tower, which was built as part of Charles Barry’s design, who was a British Architect responsible for reconstruction of the Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament. He rebuilt it after a fire breakout damaged major portions of the Old Palace in 1834.

Charles Barry followed a neo-gothic style and raised the new structure for Big Ben after consulting Augustus Pugin, the designer of this landmark. During this period, Barry was the chief architect of the New Palace. The design of the clock tower was Augustus’s last work before the architect descended into insanity and finally passed away. 

The bells of the clock tower were replaced in April 1858 and the people of London could hear the clock chiming for the first time in July 1859. Again, in September 1859, the impressive clock tower bell cracked owing to its enormous weight and therefore, it was taken out of charge. However, the bell was modified to include a lightweight hammer in 1859.

The great clock is undergoing renovation currently, which would cost millions of pounds and take at least four years until completion since August 2017. The clock will not chime during the period of restoration, the longest time that it has remained silent in its history of 158 years. The clock will not chime until the year 2021 except for special occasions like New Year and Remembrance Sunday. The 150th anniversary of the iconic Big Ben was celebrated with great delight and gusto on May 31, 2009.

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Places To Visit Near Big Ben:

1. Westminster Bridge: Take a leisurely stroll with your family or friends down the bridge for some splendid view in all directions. Be in awe of the Strand, Parliament, London Eye, and South Bank while appreciating the smells and sounds of London that makes it so inimitable. 
2. Westminster Abbey: Attend the service at Westminster Abbey, which is open for the public to worship. View that spot, where England’s rulers have been crowned for many years. You will also be delighted to see the spot where Kate and Will exchanged their sincere vows. Checkout and Book Westminster Abbey Tickets Now!
3. Cavalry Museum: Take delight in watching soldiers busy with their horses in this 18th-century stables through a glazed partition. You can also know about their challenging training in this cavalry museum.
4. Thames River Cruise: You can take a tour of the River Thames and take boat rides. There are several boat cruises you can pick from including Tourist Cruises, Hop-on-Hop-off Cruises, Lunch and Dinner Cruises, and SpeedBoat Thrill Rides. You should checkout best offers on Thames Hop On Hop Off River Cruise to know more!
5. London Dungeon: Experience numerous morbid historical events at the London Dungeon through exciting rides, interactive displays, and some amount of gallows wit or humour. Click Here To Book London Dungeon Tickets Now!

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Places to Stay near Big Ben

You will find plenty of places to stay near Big Ben including: 

1. Conrad London St. James- The place is less than five minutes’ walk from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The property features modern spacious rooms with en suite bathrooms, mini-bar, large 42-inch flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, Nespresso machine, and of course a restaurant. 

2. Corinthia Hotel London- Make your stay enjoyable at this luxurious hotel, just minutes from London’s Whitehall and Trafalgar Square. The hotel boasts of AC rooms with LCD TV, iPod docking station, free Wi-Fi, plush bathrooms, classy restaurants, two bars, and even florist services. 

3. The Sanctuary House Hotel- It’s situated in Westminster and less than five minutes’ walk from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The grand Victorian hotel boasts of modern AC rooms with flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making amenities, contemporary en suite bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant

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Tips To Visit Big Ben

There are a couple of tips to follow before you visit Big Ben. These are: 

1. Take walking or bus tours if you want to visit this iconic landmark of London. You will find many guides, who will tell you about the history of the place. 

2. If you would like to take some nice photographs, take shots of Big Ben from the Westminster Bridge nearby. 

3. If you would want to see the inside of Big Ben and climb to the top, plan your visit in advance. 

4. Car parking is not easy because Big Ben is located in Central London. The nearest car parking space is approximately one-third mile off at Great College Street and other parking lots at Westminster Bridge Road and Abington Street.

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One can easily reach Big Ben after reaching London. It can be reached either by bus or train from all major places in the city. The routes of several buses from Central London to the tower include 12, 88, 1148, 159 etc., including the double-decker buses. The trains destined to Big Ben are the South Western and Southeastern Railways. You can always opt for a cab, walking or a bicycle tour to get to Big Ben. One should not miss witnessing such an iconic landmark from a hop-on hop-off bus, or cruise.

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