Find the perfect stay near Big Ben

Big Ben is actually the name of the massive bell found inside the Elizabeth Tower, located at the heart of the Palace of Westminster. This grand clock stands 315 feet high and has been keeping time for the city since it first rang out in 1859. You can enjoy the sight of its gold-leafed dials from across the bridge, where the deep chimes provide a steady rhythm to the afternoon. Watching the light glow from the tower at night is a simple pleasure that connects you to centuries of history.

Standing at the heart of the city, this massive timepiece is perhaps the most recognisable feature of the British skyline. It is actually the name of the Great Bell inside the tower, rather than the clock itself, and it has marked the hours for the public since the mid-19th century.

Planning your visit and what to expect

If you want to see the clock face up close, you should book your tickets well in advance as they often sell out months ahead. Tours of the Elizabeth Tower involve climbing 334 steps to the top, so you will need a reasonable level of fitness to reach the belfry. There is an age restriction for these tours, as visitors must be 11 years or older to join.

Security checks are standard before you enter, so allow plenty of time before your scheduled slot. While there is an entry fee for the internal tours, viewing the tower from the street is free for everyone. Since schedules can change for maintenance or special events, you should check the official site for up-to-date information on opening times and ticket availability.

Architectural details and the tower experience

The tower stands at 315 feet tall and is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival design. Each of the four clock faces is 23 feet in diameter and contains 312 pieces of opal glass. You will notice the intricate gold leaf and carvings that decorate the exterior, which were meticulously restored during a major project that lasted 5 years.

Inside, the experience is quite different from the quiet streets below. You can hear the mechanical whirring of the clockwork, which is famous for its accuracy. The Great Bell itself weighs more than 13 tons and produces a deep E-natural note that carries across the city. At night, the clock faces are illuminated by energy-efficient lights, making it easy to see from the south bank of the river.

A look into the past

The current tower was built after a fire destroyed much of the original palace in 1834. It was designed by Augustus Pugin and Charles Barry, with the first tick of the clock occurring in May 1859. The bell first rang out across London in July 1859, and it has remained a symbol of resilience through numerous historical events.

The tower was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen. Over the decades, the clock has rarely stopped, even during extreme weather or significant city events. Its reliability is maintained by a dedicated team of clockmakers who ensure the mechanism stays accurate to within one second.

Finding your way around Big Ben is easy, and you will find plenty of options to stay nearby. Reaching this part of London is straightforward because it sits right at the heart of the city's transport network.

Where to stay near the Elizabeth Tower

If you want to be within a 5-minute walk of the clock tower, look for hotels in Westminster. This area is perfect if you enjoy being surrounded by grand government buildings and historic streets. For those travelling with children, the South Bank is just across Westminster Bridge and offers large, family-friendly hotels. If you prefer something smaller and more personal, look towards St James's for high-end boutique options. Staying in these areas means you are often just 500 feet from the River Thames, making it easy to enjoy evening strolls by the water.

Getting to the heart of Westminster

You can reach the landmark easily from major hubs like Waterloo Station or Victoria Station, both of which are roughly a 15-minute walk away. Westminster Underground Station is the closest access point, located directly across the road from the tower. If you are coming from further afield, buses stop frequently along Parliament Street, and the Westminster Pier provides a scenic arrival by river boat. Most of these stations and paths are step-free, ensuring the area is accessible for everyone.

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