Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
Big Ben & Houses of Parliament · Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
Last updated 2026-10-29
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
The tower was finished in 1859, part of Charles Barry's rebuilt Palace of Westminster, with the clock and bell designed under Augustus Pugin. Its 13.5-tonne bell gave the whole structure its popular name; the tower itself was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012. The exterior is free to see at any hour, and the dials glow from dusk until midnight. Interior tours are limited and generally need a request through a UK member of parliament, so most overseas visitors simply view it from Westminster Bridge or Parliament Square. Westminster station is a three-minute walk.
Ticket Price
Exterior viewing is free. Interior tours are generally available only to UK residents through an MP application (free); overseas visitors usually see the exterior only. Check the UK Parliament site for current tour policy.
Opening Hours
Exterior viewable 24/7; Best illuminated times: dusk to midnight (clock faces light up); The bell chimes every hour with quarter-hour chimes. Clock tower interior: check parliament.uk for tour availability and times
Transportation
London Underground: Westminster Station (Circle, District, Jubilee lines), 3 min walk; Bus: routes 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 87, 88, 148, 159, 453; River Bus: Westminster Pier; National Rail: Waterloo Station, 10 min walk across Westminster Bridge
Best Season
Year-round; Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) for mild weather and decent light; Summer has long daylight hours but very large crowds; Winter offers short, atmospheric evenings with the lights on
Pro Tip: Book a guided tour
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Book a guided tour The Houses of Parliament can be visited on a guided tour. Book ahead, carry ID, and arrive early for security.
Member-Only Tips
Upgrade to unlock insider hacks, best photo spots, and crowd timing advice.
Frequently Asked Questions4 questions
Not on a normal visit. Tours of the Elizabeth Tower are arranged through MPs for UK residents; most visitors see the exterior and hear the chimes.
Westminster Bridge gives the classic view with the river; Parliament Square is closer, and St James's Park is quieter.
The bell strikes on the hour, with the famous bongs at 12:00 and 18:00 also broadcast. It is silent during some maintenance periods.
Westminster station (Jubilee, District and Circle lines) is a 5-minute walk; buses stop on Whitehall and Parliament Square.