Big Ben tours
Book an official tour of Big Ben and explore the famous Elizabeth Tower at UK Parliament.
Tickets are released three months in advance, on the second Wednesday of every month at 10am. Buy tickets online.
About the tour
This guided tour of the Elizabeth Tower takes you up a narrow 334-step spiral stairwell to the belfry where Big Ben, the Great Bell, hangs. Along the route, your guide will reveal details of the most extensive and complex conservation project in the Tower’s history. This vital conservation work involved over 500 people from across the UK and their traditional crafts including stone masonry, glass blowing, gilding, plastering, cast iron and clock mechanics.
On this tour, 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. You are also welcome to explore medieval Westminster Hall after your visit to the Elizabeth Tower.
Tickets for tours taking place from 1 August 2026 are £55 for adults and £35 for children aged 11-17. Visitors will be able to book a maximum of eight tickets per person, depending on availability.
The Big Ben tour is a physical experience and may not be suitable for everyone.
Visitors must be aged 11 and over and feel comfortable climbing 334 steps and experiencing high noise levels from the clock mechanism and bells - ear defenders will be provided.
The tour lasts up to 90 minutes. While you will need to climb all 334 steps, there are planned pauses along the route, allowing time to rest and take in the surroundings. Toilet facilities are available at the beginning and end of the tour only.
Accessible tours of Big Ben are available for visitors who may find parts of the standard Big Ben tour challenging. Learn more about requesting an accessible tour.
