Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
The Elizabeth Tower, Westminster Palace and Whitehall — the medieval heart of British government.
About
Why visit Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
The Elizabeth Tower — 'Big Ben' is technically the bell inside — chimes the hour over the neo-Gothic Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament for nearly a thousand years. Visitors can tour the historic chambers, watch a debate from the public gallery, or climb the 334 steps of the tower on a UK-residents tour.
- A light at the top of the Elizabeth Tower shines when Parliament is sitting after dark.
- Big Ben's chimes were silenced for four years (2017–2021) for restoration.
- The Palace of Westminster is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Not to miss
Highlights
The moments that define a visit to Big Ben & Houses of Parliament.
The Elizabeth Tower
96 metres tall, 315 steps to the belfry, four faces still keeping perfect time.
Westminster Hall
The 1097 hall where Charles I was tried and monarchs lie in state.
The Commons & Lords chambers
Watch a live debate from the public gallery, free of charge.
Parliament Square
Statues of Churchill, Gandhi, Mandela and Millicent Fawcett.
Right for you?
Is this attraction right for me?
Local know-how
Visitor tips
Small things that turn a good visit into a great one.
Public gallery entry for debates is free — join the queue at Cromwell Green.
Elizabeth Tower tours are open to UK residents only and book up months ahead.
The best free photo of Big Ben is from Westminster Bridge just before sunset.
Nearby
Combine with
Other guides within a short walk.
Westminster Abbey
The gothic coronation church of English monarchs since 1066 — Poets' Corner, royal tombs and daily choral services.
Open guideLondon Eye
135m Thames-side observation wheel with 360° views across Westminster and the City.
Open guideBuckingham Palace
The King's official London residence — State Rooms open in summer, Changing of the Guard year-round.
Open guideSee it with a guide
Tours & experiences
Curated picks across guided walks, skip-the-line entry and after-hours access.