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UK Days Out Savers

Big Ben & The Elizabeth Tower

Historic Monument verified UK Days Out Savers

Big Ben & The Elizabeth Tower

Westminster, London (SW1A 0AA) • Greater London

star4.8(42,100)
Greater London
🕰️ Est. 1859 📏 96m Tall 🔔 Great Bell 🏛️ Grade I Listed
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scheduleExternal viewing: 24/7. Internal tours: Strictly limited and must be booked months in advance via UK Parliament.

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BUNDLE DEAL bolt GetYourGuide

Westminster Walking Tour & Houses of Parliament Entry

Since Big Ben interior tickets are nearly impossible to get, book this highly-rated walking tour instead. Includes the best photo spots for Big Ben and skipped-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey.

Standard £45.00
£45.00/ person
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Getting Here

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Location Address

Westminster, London (SW1A 0AA)

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Public Bus Services

Local bus lines operate frequent daily services directly to stops adjacent to the attraction entrance.

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Regional Transit Links

Connections
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Central London

Jubilee, District, or Circle Line (Tube)

1 min walk

About Big Ben & The Elizabeth Tower

Since Big Ben interior tickets are nearly impossible to get, book this highly-rated walking tour instead. Includes the best photo spots for Big Ben and skipped-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey.

Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower are universally recognized as the defining icons of the United Kingdom. Following a massive five-year restoration, the tower has returned to its spectacular Victorian glory. As one of the undisputed top London attractions, seeing the newly revealed Prussian Blue clock faces and hearing the 13.5-ton Great Bell chime is an unforgettable experience. Whether you are exploring Parliament Square or crossing the Thames, viewing this 96-metre masterpiece remains one of the absolute best things to do in London. While viewing the exterior is free, getting inside the tower is notoriously difficult—official interior climb tickets sell out in seconds. The smartest way to experience the area without disappointment is to book a comprehensive Westminster Walking Tour & Houses of Parliament bundle. Walk-up gate prices for nearby historic tours are always more expensive, and peak time slots frequently sell out completely. Guarantee your spot and secure the cheapest tickets by pre-booking your tour bundle online in advance. There is no need to hunt for a promo code; the best discount is automatically applied via our verified partner link at checkout. **Click below to book your Westminster and Big Ben walking tour online in advance to secure the cheapest entry today.**

Quick Facts

  • 🕰️Est. 1859
  • 📏96m Tall
  • 🔔Great Bell
  • 🏛️Grade I Listed
  • scheduleExternal viewing: 24/7. Internal tours: Strictly limited and must be booked months in advance via UK Parliament.
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Insider Tips

  • check_circleThe 'Prussian Blue' Clock Face: During the recent restoration, historians discovered the original Victorian clock faces were blue, not black. Look closely to see the newly restored Prussian Blue and gold detailing.
  • check_circleHow to actually go inside: Tickets to climb the 334 steps inside the tower are released on the UK Parliament website at 10:00 AM on the second Wednesday of every month for dates two months in advance. They sell out in minutes.
  • check_circleChildren are banned from the climb: If you do manage to snag a rare interior ticket, be aware that children under the age of 11 are strictly prohibited from climbing the tower for safety reasons.
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What to Expect

1. The Big Reveal

If you arrive via Westminster Tube Station, use Exit 1. As you ride the escalator up to street level, the newly restored golden tower reveals itself directly above you.

2. The Chimes

Wait for the top of the hour to hear the famous 'Westminster Quarters' melody, followed by the deep, resonant 'bong' of the 13.5-ton Great Bell (Big Ben) striking the hour.

3. The Bridge Photo

Walk halfway across Westminster Bridge for the classic postcard photo of the tower and the Houses of Parliament sweeping along the river.

4. The Telephone Box Photo

Walk up Great George Street toward Parliament Square to find the iconic red K6 telephone boxes. You can frame a perfect photo of the phone box with Big Ben in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get the cheapest tickets for Big Ben & The Elizabeth Tower? expand_more

The best way to get the cheapest tickets to explore the area is to book a combined Westminster walking tour online in advance. Official interior tower climbs cost £35 and sell out months ahead, so most visitors opt for premium external guided tours and Parliament entry bundles. You do not need to search for a promo code; our partner links automatically apply the best available discount to your booking.

Is Big Ben & The Elizabeth Tower worth it? expand_more

Absolutely. Viewing Big Ben is entirely worth it and anchors any list of top London attractions. Even if you only view the tower from the outside during a guided walking tour, seeing the breathtaking, newly restored architecture up close—and hearing the famous chimes—is a quintessential London experience you cannot miss.

Can I buy tickets on the day / at the gate? expand_more

No, you cannot buy interior Big Ben climb tickets on the day—they must be booked months in advance via the UK Parliament website. For our recommended Westminster and Parliament walking tours, walk-up gate prices are significantly more expensive and time slots frequently sell out. Always book online in advance to guarantee your spot and lock in the lowest price.

Explore the Area

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey

Standard entry includes a multimedia guide. Note: The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries (located high up in the triforium) require an additional £7.00 timed entry ticket.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Never buy at the door! Walk-up prices are £39 for adults. Book online in advance for standard entry from £28.

Churchill War Rooms

Churchill War Rooms

Prices are for standard entry. Warning: Due to strict capacity limits in the underground bunker, tickets regularly sell out weeks in advance.

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Local Car Rentals

Explore the beauty of Greater London at your own pace. Hire a car from trusted agencies nearby.

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VW Polo or similar (Economy)

Manual • 5 seats • Hertz

£38/day
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Ford Focus or similar (Compact)

Automatic • 5 seats • Avis

£52/day
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