Big Ben Tours and Activities

Big Ben which includes heritage architecture, a monument and a city
Big Ben
Big Ben
Big Ben showing château or palace, night scenes and central business district
Big Ben showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a city


Arguably one of London’s most famous monuments, this prominent landmark is a national icon, adored by generations of Britons.

As you approach Westminster, towering Big Ben comes into view, standing majestically on the banks of the River Thames atop the glorious Houses of Parliament. Romanticised throughout the years in various films such as “Bridget Jones’s Diary”, “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually”, Big Ben is the standing soul of this great city.

The name Big Ben was originally given to the huge bell that resides within the 18th century clock tower. Today, the name has become an affectionate term for the entire building and is synonymous with the name of London. You can’t miss the deep thundering sound of the bell as it strikes the hour, echoing across the city beneath.

Completed in 1858, the clock tower first rang out on London City in 1859 and has since been a symbol of reassurance and certainty for the entire nation. Originally designed by architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin, the tower is constructed from limestone and is a prime example of classic Gothic Revivalist design.

Shortly after sunset, the four ivory-tinted faces are illuminated, showing off its prestige and prowess on the London city skyline. The clock is the largest of its kind in Great Britain, each of its four faces are 7 metres in diameter and contains 312 pieces of opal glass. Having only dimmed its lights in times of national crisis, for two years during World War I and at night during World War II, Big Ben is London’s pride and joy, a symbol of resilience and local identity.

Big Ben is only available to visit for British Citizens who have scheduled a tour with their parliamentary representative. Still, the tower makes great sightseeing and the perfect photo opportunity for visitors.

Officially renamed Elizabeth Tower in June 2012, in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond jubilee, the tower is still referred to colloquially as Big Ben.

Located in central London, Big Ben is easily accessible via subway. The nearest Underground station is Waterloo.

Plan a trip to see Big Ben

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Three Falcons Hotel
Corinthia London
The Langham, London

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Top Big Ben Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Park Plaza County Hall London

Park Plaza County Hall London

4 out of 5
1 Addington Street, London, England
Park Plaza County Hall London
The Grand at Trafalgar Square

The Grand at Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
8 Northumberland Avenue, London, England
The Grand at Trafalgar Square
Park Plaza London Riverbank

Park Plaza London Riverbank

4 out of 5
18 Albert Embankment, London, England
Park Plaza London Riverbank
The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
30 John Islip Street, Westminster, London, England
The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton
Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square

Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
8 Northumberland Ave, (adjacent to Trafalgar Square), London, England
Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
The Royal Horseguards, London

The Royal Horseguards, London

4 out of 5
2 Whitehall Court, London, England
The Royal Horseguards, London
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Big Ben

When visiting Big Ben, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture with nearby theatres and art galleries. Don't miss the chance to embark on a guided tour of London to discover exciting attractions and the rich history surrounding this iconic landmark. Explore local shops for unique souvenirs and enjoy the lively atmosphere that encapsulates the heart of the city.

Shopping

While visiting Big Ben, check out Borough Market, just 3.2km away, for a vibrant food scene. Harrods, also 3.2km away, is perfect for luxury shopping. For a family-friendly atmosphere, visit Brunswick Centre, located 3.2km from Big Ben, offering entertainment and city vibes.

Recreation

At the O2 Arena, engage in invigorating sports activities while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Nearby, the ABBA Arena offers sensational music experiences that energise the spirit. For ultimate relaxation, Hampstead Heath provides serene green spaces perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature.

Adventure

For a thrilling experience, take a ride on the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, offering stunning views, located 9.7km from Big Ben. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill is only 1.1km away, while the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 3.2km away, promises adrenaline-pumping karting fun.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Big Ben is vibrant and inviting. Start with a ride on the London Eye, offering stunning views. For a mix of thrills and culture, visit the London Dungeon. If you fancy a show, the Apollo Victoria Theatre has captivating performances to enjoy with friends or family.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Big Ben

While visiting Big Ben in London, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and family-friendly experiences. Explore nearby attractions like Buckingham Palace, just a short walk away. The area boasts charming streets, piazzas, and urban parks, perfect for leisurely strolls. Make sure to take in the iconic sights of Big Ben and enjoy the local atmosphere that the city has to offer.

  • Piccadilly Circus: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Piccadilly Circus, a bustling street known for its bright lights and lively energy. It's a prime spot for people-watching and offers easy access to nearby shops and theatres.
  • Buckingham Palace: Experience the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and soak in the rich history and culture that this iconic palace embodies.
  • Trafalgar Square: Visit Trafalgar Square, a lively piazza that showcases stunning architecture and historical monuments. It's a cultural hub, perfect for enjoying art, street performances, and the iconic Nelson’s Column.

Best time to go to Big Ben

The best time to visit Big Ben can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Big Ben falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Big Ben falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Big Ben

For budget-friendly travel to Big Ben, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by your budget and preferences, and combine bookings for flights and activities to save even more. Don’t forget to check for great rates and compare deals for the best offers.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Big Ben are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Big Ben about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Big Ben is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Big Ben is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you’re after. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Big Ben hotel booking with flights and activities through an Expedia package.