Did you know that you can take a tour inside Big Ben? Londonopia tells you how.
Getting Tickets: The Chase for Clock Tower Glory
Here’s where the fun (read: bureaucratic rigmarole) begins. You can’t just waltz up to Big Ben, flash your Oyster card and expect to enter. For reasons best left to history and Her Majesty’s government, tours of Big Ben are only open to UK residents. Yep, sorry, international friends—this is a Brit-only affair.
But, If you’re local, here’s how to snag a golden ticket:
- The Booking Process:
- Tours can be booked through your local MP (yes, the same folks who are usually busy debating things like potholes and Brexit). Reach out to their office and request tickets for the Big Ben Tour. Be charming, patient, and remember they’re your gateway to this grand adventure.
- Once you’ve secured a slot, expect a comprehensive security check. You’re about to enter the heart of British democracy, so be prepared to leave anything remotely suspicious at home—yes, even your harmless-looking Swiss Army knife.
- Plan in Advance:
- Tours are immensely popular, and slots are limited, so you’ll need to book months ahead. Think of this as the clock tower’s own version of Glastonbury—minus the mud and questionable fashion choices.
- Cost:
- In a refreshing twist, the tour is free. Yes, absolutely free! All the grandeur, none of the cost, but that also means there’s no excuse for not tipping your guide (in the metaphorical sense of asking insightful questions and laughing at their jokes).
Book Big Ben Tour tickets at the official website here.
The Tour Itself: From Bells to Views
On the day, after making your way past Parliament’s iconic Gothic exterior, you’ll join a small group for your ascent. Wear sensible shoes, because those 334 steps are narrow and winding—a real-life metaphor for British politics if ever there was one.
Your guide will usher you through the inner workings of the clock, sharing tales of its meticulous craftsmanship. If you’re lucky, you might catch the bell in action as it strikes the hour. You won’t just hear it—you’ll feel it, like the hum of London itself, reverberating through your very bones.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bell Strikes Loud: When Big Ben rings, it’s thunderous. Some might call it an auditory hug from London. Others might suggest earplugs.
- No Selfies With the Clock: Sadly, there’s no photography allowed inside the tower. You’ll have to content yourself with a mental snapshot, or perhaps an exaggerated story to bore your mates with down the pub.
- Age Restrictions: Visitors must be over 11 years old, so leave the little ones behind unless you want to be disowned halfway up the steps.
Big Ben – A bit of history
First, a bit of history, because it feels remiss to dive into logistics without donning a top hat of knowledge. The clock tower was completed in 1859, designed by Augustus Pugin and Charles Barry, a duo who apparently believed in overcompensating for Britain’s rainy afternoons with architectural jaw-droppers. Over 96 meters tall, Big Ben, or rather the bell inside, weighs a staggering 13.5 tons. It’s heavy in every sense—historically, symbolically, and probably emotionally for anyone who’s ever tried climbing those 334 steps up the tower.
Yes, that’s right: 334 steps. This is not a tour for the faint of heart or the overfed, but once you’re at the top, the sweeping views of Westminster and the Thames are entirely worth it. The tour allows you to walk inside the tower and observe the clock mechanism, which has been operating since Victorian times with all the precision of a royal butler.
And the biggest secret of all? Big Ben isn’t even the clock tower’s name! It’s the nickname for the Great Bell housed in the Elizabeth Tower. But let’s be honest, no one’s showing up at Parliament Square whispering, “Can’t wait to see the Elizabeth Tower!”
So, whether you’re a history buff, a London enthusiast, or just someone looking for a workout with panoramic rewards, the Big Ben Tour is an unmissable experience. It’s a rare chance to get up close with the living, ticking heart of London—a symbol of endurance, pride, and impeccable timekeeping.