When people say Big Ben, the great bell inside the clock tower at the Palace of Westminster. Also known as the Elizabeth Tower, it is one of the most photographed symbols of London. Most folks think Big Ben is the tower—but it’s not. Big Ben is the 13.7-ton bell inside the tower. The tower itself was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. You’ll hear both names used, but knowing the difference helps you sound like you actually know what you’re talking about.
The clock started ticking in 1859, and it’s been running almost nonstop since. It’s one of the most accurate mechanical clocks in the world, kept precise by stacking pennies on the pendulum. A single penny changes the time by two-fifths of a second per day. That’s how seriously London takes its time. The tower survived bombings in WWII, weathered decades of pollution, and still chimes every hour. The bell’s name likely came from Sir Benjamin Hall, the big-built commissioner who oversaw its installation—or maybe from boxer Benjamin Caunt. No one’s 100% sure, but the story sticks.
Big Ben isn’t just a tourist stop—it’s part of London’s heartbeat. It’s tied to the Palace of Westminster, the home of the UK Parliament. You can’t go inside the tower unless you’re a UK resident with a member of Parliament as a guide, but you can get close. The best views are from the south bank of the Thames, near Westminster Bridge, or from St. James’s Park. Avoid the crowds at the official viewing spots near the tower entrance—those lines stretch for hours. Instead, grab a coffee at a nearby pub, sit by the river, and wait for the chime. The sound carries for miles on a quiet morning.
You’ll also notice the clock faces are huge—each one is seven meters wide. The hands are longer than a London bus. The numbers are made of cast iron, and the glass is special, designed to resist fog and frost. It’s a masterpiece of Victorian engineering, still working without digital help. Even during the 2017–2021 renovation, when the bell fell silent for most of the time, the tower stayed standing. People missed its chime so much, they livestreamed the silence.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical ways to experience Big Ben and the places around it—not just the postcard shots. You’ll learn where to stand for the best photos without waiting in line, which nearby museums let you understand its history without paying a penny, and how to time your visit so you hear the chime without the tour groups. You’ll also see how Big Ben connects to other London landmarks like the Westminster Abbey, the centuries-old church where royals are crowned and buried. It’s not just a clock. It’s a piece of London’s soul, ticking through wars, celebrations, and quiet mornings alike. And if you listen closely, you’ll hear why it still matters.
Discover the history, Gothic architecture, and how to book a tour of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Learn why this iconic London landmark still matters today.