The Elizabeth Tower is one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, but chances are you’ll know it simply as Big Ben (parliament.uk), which is the name of its bell. Completed in 1859, it’s perched atop the Houses of Parliament, and since first chiming in 1859, it has rarely stopped. It functioned throughout WWII despite devastation down below.
The longest that Big Ben was silenced was actually in recent times when, between 2017 and 2023, it was covered for an £80-million restoration. This was lengthened due to the pandemic, but finally, visitors can see it in its original knockout gold and Prussian blue glory. Look closely to observe all four UK nations represented on shields (rose for England, thistle for Scotland, shamrock for Northern Ireland and leek for Wales). Public tours up the tower are extremely hard to come by and are reserved for UK citizens.
The Houses of Parliament (aka the Palace of Westminster) are made up of the House of Commons, where Members of Parliament (MPs) meet to propose and discuss new legislation; the House of Lords, where such legislation is passed; and the grand Westminster Hall, used for ceremonial addresses and public exhibitions. Visitors are welcome – subject to stringent security checks – to take a guided tour, or to observe political debates. Note that tours do not include access to Big Ben.
