The Traveling Taylors

If there’s one image that screams “London,” it’s the towering clock face overlooking the Thames. Most people call it Big Ben, but is that really its name? Whether you’re planning your first visit or just brushing up on UK trivia, this blog dives into the true story behind the London Clock Tower, what “Big Ben” actually refers to, and what tourists can and can’t do when visiting it.

🏛️ Let’s Clear It Up: What Is Big Ben, Actually?

The term “Big Ben” technically refers to the Great Bell inside the clock tower—not the tower itself.

• The tower was originally called the Clock Tower.
• In 2012, it was renamed Elizabeth Tower in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.
• The clock and the tower are both part of the Palace of Westminster, which houses the UK Parliament.

Fun Fact: Big Ben weighs over 13 tons and chimes every hour—an unmistakable sound across the city.

When visiting famous landmarks and scenic viewpoints, many travelers like bringing a compact selfie stick tripod like this one so they can easily capture photos without asking strangers.

If you’re spending time outdoors visiting parks, gardens, or waterfront areas, many travelers like carrying insect repellent towelettes like these to help keep mosquitoes and other bugs away during long sightseeing days.

❓ Why Do People Call the Tower Big Ben?

It’s one of those nicknames that stuck—likely because most visitors associate the chimes and clock with “Big Ben,” and the name sounds iconic. Even locals often call the whole structure Big Ben in casual conversation.

Bottom Line: While “Big Ben” isn’t wrong in everyday use, the proper name of the tower is Elizabeth Tower.

📍 Where Is the London Clock Tower Located?

The tower stands at the north end of the Palace of Westminster (also known as the Houses of Parliament), right on the River Thames and across from the London Eye. If you want to reach it easily alongside the city’s other big sights, you can hop aboard a London hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus that stops right by the tower.

Nearest Tube Station: Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle lines)

Best Photo Tip: Cross Westminster Bridge and face back toward the tower for a perfect frame—especially around golden hour.

Self-care is important when traveling, especially after long sightseeing days or flights, and many travelers like using a nourishing body oil like this one to help keep their skin soft and hydrated.

If you enjoy filming your travel experiences, a tiny wearable camera like this one is a great way to capture hands-free POV footage while walking through iconic locations.

🕵️‍♀️ Can You Go Inside the London Clock Tower?

Yes—but with a catch.

Access to Big Ben is only open to UK residents through pre-booked guided tours arranged by a Member of Parliament.

Tour details:

• Must be booked in advance through your MP
• Includes a climb of 334 steps to the top (no elevator)
• Not available for international tourists (at least, not yet)

Good to Know: The tower recently reopened after extensive renovations that lasted from 2017 to 2022.

🧠 Cool Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Big Ben

• The clock is accurate to within 2 seconds—regulated by old-school penny coins.
• The tower leans slightly due to underground construction (about 8.66 inches off-center).
• The chimes were silenced during WWII but survived bomb damage.
• The clock faces are 23 feet in diameter—each numeral is nearly 2 feet tall.

🗺️ What Else to See Nearby the London Clock Tower

After snapping your photos of Big Ben, don’t miss:

• Westminster Abbey – Just a few steps away
• The London Eye – Cross the bridge for a skyline view
• Parliament Square – With statues of Churchill and Mandela
• St. James’s Park – One of London’s most peaceful green spaces

Because you’ll likely be outside for hours visiting landmarks and viewpoints, bringing UV-protective sunglasses like these can help keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day. To tie all these sights together with a guide, you can reserve a Westminster Abbey skip-the-line tour that also takes in Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

🧭Is the London Clock Tower Really Big Ben?

Technically, no—Big Ben is just the bell. But in the hearts (and conversations) of locals and visitors alike, “Big Ben” has become shorthand for the entire tower. So while your Instagram caption might not pass a historian’s test, the world will know exactly what you mean.

Just don’t forget to look up—and listen—for that famous chime when you’re nearby.