Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, though it is often used to describe both the clock and the clock tower itself. The tower was completed in 1859 and was designed by architect Augustus Pugin in the Gothic Revival style. It stands approximately 96 meters (316 feet) tall.

The clock faces are 7 meters in diameter and are among the largest in the world. Big Ben is renowned for its remarkable accuracy and its iconic hourly chimes, which have become a symbol of Britain. The Great Bell itself weighs around 13.5 tons and produces a distinctive sound that can be heard throughout central London.

Elizabeth Tower, as it is officially called, is part of the Palace of Westminster, home to the UK Parliament. This makes the tower not just a timekeeping device but also a political and cultural landmark. The site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Big Ben has appeared in numerous films, television programs, and advertisements, contributing to its global fame. While the interior of the tower is not generally open to the public except for UK residents who arrange tours through their Member of Parliament, the exterior remains one of the most visited and photographed landmarks in London.

• Take the London Underground to Westminster Station (served by Jubilee, Circle, and District lines)

• Bus routes 11, 24, and 148 stop near the Palace of Westminster

• A 5-minute walk from the London Eye

• Easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services

• Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds

• Note that public tours inside the tower are restricted to UK residents

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the area

• The surrounding area is open to visitors free of charge

• Public access inside the tower is limited and by prior arrangement for UK residents only

• The site is wheelchair accessible

Big Ben stands as the beating heart of London’s history and timekeeping tradition
A magnificent symbol of British architectural and cultural heritage