Why visit / Interesting facts:
- One of London's best-known landmarks
- Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Time required: 10 minutes
Public transport:
- Circle Line: Westminster station
- District Line: Westminster station
- Jubilee Line: Westminster station
Address: Palace of Westminister House of Commons, London SW1A OAA
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: Adalberto.H.Vega
Things you need to know:
- Big Ben, built in 1858, is the iconic clock tower of Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parlament)
- The tower's name refers to the clock's 14-tonne bell
- The bell is called Big Ben after Sir Benjamin Hall, the chief commissioner of the works
- Some argue that the tower is named after Benjamin Caunt, a famous boxer of the period
- The tower resisted German bombing and continued to keep time during the war
What to do there:
- Have your photo taken with Big Ben in the background
- Listen to Big Ben strike the hour
Tips & Insights:
- Only UK citizens can go up to the tower
