Explore the Houses of Parliament: Inside London’s Iconic Big Ben Tower

Key Takeaways

• The Houses of Parliament are the heart of UK politics and a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture.
• Big Ben, the great clock tower, chimes every quarter hour and has become a global symbol of London.
• Free tours are available Monday‑Friday; the best visiting times are early mornings or late afternoons.
• Nearby sites such as Westminster Abbey and the London Eye make a full day of Westminster easy.
• Transport options include Westminster Underground station, riverboat stops, and numerous bus routes.

In London, the Houses of Parliament serves as the historic home of the UK’s House of Commons and House of Lords, perched on the banks of the Thames in the borough of Westminster draws millions of visitors each year. While the palace itself is a working government building, the clock tower-known worldwide as Big Ben-offers a glimpse into the city’s Victorian grandeur and a chance to hear the iconic chimes that mark every hour from the north side of the bridge.

From Fire to Facade: A Brief History

The current structure replaced the medieval Palace of Westminster, which was devastated by a fire on 16October1834. The disaster sparked a competition that attracted more than 300 designs. Architect Charles Barry won the commission with a bold Gothic Revival plan that blended historical motifs with modern engineering teamed up with decorative genius Augustus Pugin who supplied the intricate stonework, tracery, and interior detailing. Construction began in 1840 and wrapped up around 1860, although the clock tower wasn’t completed until 1859.

The Clock Tower: Why It’s Called Big Ben

Officially named the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to honor Queen ElizabethII’s Diamond Jubilee, the tower stands 96metres tall and houses the massive bell that citizens call BigBen. The bell weighs 13.5tonnes and strikes the hour with a resonant tone that can be heard across the river. Its clock faces, each 7metres in diameter, are illuminated after dark, turning the tower into a beacon for night‑time walkers strolling along the South Bank.

Visiting the Houses of Parliament

Even if you’re a local commuter, you’ll find a wealth of experiences inside the parliamentary complex. Here’s a quick guide for getting the most out of a visit:

1. Book a tour in advance. Free guided tours run Monday‑Friday at 10am, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm. Online booking opens two months ahead.
2. Arrive at Westminster Underground station served by the Jubilee, Circle and District lines, just a 2‑minute walk from the main entrance. Ticket holders can use the dedicated visitor entrance on Westminster Bridge Road.
3. Plan for security checks similar to those at airport terminals; prohibited items include large bags and liquids over 100ml.
4. Take the HillRoad lift to the public galleries of the Commons and Lords for a glimpse of live debates (sessions run from 11am to 6pm when Parliament is in session).
5. Don’t miss the chance to ring the bell at the clock tower’s base-only certain tour groups are allowed, but it’s a memorable moment.
6. Leave enough time to explore the surrounding area. The River Thames walk, the London Eye an iconic Ferris wheel offering panoramic city views and Westminster Abbey the coronation church of British monarchs, sit just across the street are within a five‑minute stroll.

Architectural Highlights

The exterior’s pointed arches, spires, and ribbed vaults exemplify the Gothic Revival style that Barry and Pugin championed. Inside, you’ll find:

• The Royal Gallery, where portraits of monarchs line the walls.
• The Statue of StGeorge, a bronze work by Sir Edwin Landseer that watches over the Lords’ chamber.
• Stained‑glass windows depicting historic scenes, each crafted by 19th‑century artisans.
• Ornate woodwork and plaster ceilings that reflect Pugin’s belief that beauty should serve moral purpose.

For architecture buffs, the building’s use of iron framework hidden behind stone facades was groundbreaking, allowing larger interior spaces without compromising the medieval look.

Cultural Significance and Events

The chimes of BigBen have become a soundtrack for national moments-from the start of WorldWarII broadcasts to the New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Thames. Each year, the State Opening of Parliament takes place in June, featuring the iconic “Mace” carried by the Black Rod. The ceremony is broadcast live on the BBC, drawing global attention to the very steps you walk on during a tour.

Londoners also tap the tower’s clock during royal celebrations, and the bell’s sound is incorporated into the city’s “London Underground” announcements-a subtle reminder of the capital’s layered heritage.

Nearby Westminster Attractions - Quick Comparison

Practical Tips for London Residents and Visitors

• Best time to visit: Early weekdays in spring or autumn avoid the tourist crowds and the typical rain.
• Transport hacks: Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for seamless travel; the River Bus service stops at Westminster Pier, offering scenic river routes.
• Photography: Flash is prohibited inside the chambers, but the exterior and the riverbank provide perfect shots of the clock tower at dusk.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair‑friendly lifts are available; however, the historic staircases in some galleries remain inaccessible.
• Nearby refreshments: Grab a coffee at Rococo Bar on Whitehall for a quick bite before your tour.

Frequently Asked Questions