Big Ben tour

Big Ben needs little introduction. The famous bell is a cultural icon around the world and these popular tours offer visitors the chance to see (and hear) how Big Ben works, up close.

This fully guided tour takes you up the narrow 334-step spiral stairwell of the Elizabeth Tower to the Belfry where Big Ben hangs. As you ascend, you will stop in the exhibition spaces, which use AV technology to bring to life the story of Big Ben and The Elizabeth Tower.

You will see the inner workings of the clock mechanism, stand next to the world-famous Big Ben bell as it strikes the hour, and step behind the dials each spanning 6.9m in diameter.

Visitors will be able to book a maximum of eight tickets per person, depending on availability and children must be aged 11 years and older. Visitors must be comfortable climbing 334 steps and experiencing high noise levels from the clock mechanism and bells - earplugs will be provided.

After your tour you can also explore medieval Westminster Hall, and enjoy a refreshment at the Jubilee Café. Next door is the Jubilee Shop which sells official Big Ben merchandise.

Your visit will last 1 hour and 45 minutes.

If the dates below are greyed out or you are prompted to enter a code to book, it means that the date selected is not available. Tickets are released on the second Wednesday of every month at 10:00.

Please be advised the UK Parliament is a working building and tours may be cancelled at short notice due to parliamentary business and access restrictions.

Important Information

Tour duration 
• Visitors should arrive at the Cromwell Green entrance no later than 30 minutes before the start of their tour. If you arrive after this time we are unable to provide a refund or exchange and you will not be able to join your tour.
• Your visit will last 1 hour and 45 minutes. This includes the 90-minute tour and time at the start and end of the tour to lock away and retrieve your belongings.

When tours run 
• Monday to Saturday with some days removed across the month for scheduled maintenance.

Suitability
• These tours are not suitable for everyone.
• Children must be aged 11 and over.
• All visitors must be comfortable climbing 334 steps and experiencing high noise levels from the clock mechanism and bells - earplugs will be provided. 
• Please read more details about tour suitability. 

Language options
• These tours are offered in English only.

Accessibility
• Due to the constraints of the Tower, accessible tours including step-free access are not currently available. Sign up to our newsletter to hear about accessible tour options in due course.  

Planning your visit
• Visit the website for more information on planning your visit to Big Ben.