Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the striking clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, England, and the name is frequently extended to refer also to the clock and the clock tower. The official name of the tower in which Big Ben is located was originally the Clock Tower, but it was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II.
The tower was designed by Augustus Pugin in a neo-Gothic style. When completed in 1859, its clock was the largest and most accurate four-faced striking and chiming clock in the world. The tower stands 316 feet (96 m) tall, and the climb from ground level to the belfry is 334 steps. Its base is square, measuring 40 feet (12 m) on each side. Dials of the clock are 22.5 feet (6.9 m) in diameter. All four nations of the UK are represented on the tower on shields featuring a rose for England, thistle for Scotland, shamrock for Ireland, and leek for Wales. On 31 May 2009, celebrations were held to mark the tower's 150th anniversary.
Merlot Duncan-Cole | Feb 18, 2018
To see Big Ben at sunset and light up as the night sky took over while we watched from the bridge was one of the many reasons we travelled to London... unfortunately we didn’t think to look up if it would be under construction. It’s undergoing restorations for the next couple years apparently and therefore barely visible. We got a great view on the clock when on the bus, but aside from that it’s not very visible.
Margaret O'Brien | Feb 11, 2018
This is, sadly, now closed in order for renovation work to be carried out. Big Ben is actually the name of the bell which is housed inside the tower by the Houses of Parliament. The correct name of this tower is the Elizabeth Tower. It's reported that the renovation works could take up to 4yrs before they are completed. Across Parliament Square from this monument, you can find Westminster Abbey. Around the corner is Whitehall with all its iconic buildings.
Viet Vu | Feb 14, 2018
Clearly the most attracting place in London. The tower itself look astounding in the sun light. But you won't get the nice view if you stay too close to it. On the Westminster bridge or the St James Park is good point.
Rachel W | Feb 26, 2018
It was just as amazing as I thought it would be. It was also super crowded pretty much everywhere. It was to be expected as I was there during the summer, but this landmark is definitely one of my highlights. You see Big Ben on one side and the London Eye on the other.
Alexander Bowes-Lawler | Feb 27, 2018
Avoid like the plague during new years. No where to go to the toilet, and teeming with people. Impossible to get home. During the day is busy, but it is an iconic landmark, and a totem to being British. Grab a coffee and have a wander around, and enjoy being in London, especially on a nice day.
M A Wood | Apr 14, 2018
The bell Big Ben is sadly quiet these last few months due to updating H&S constructive work within the tower of this beautiful iconic and vastly photographed piece of architecture London. Simply wonderful. Plus, l named my first son after it. I used to take Benjamin every year and take a photo of him next to the clock tower. Now he is a keen 30yr old photographer himself and regularly visits our wonderful Capital City and his namesake. 😊
faith white | Mar 11, 2018
Big Ben is the big sound...... Not a lot of tourists are aware that "Big Ben" actually refers to the Big Bell & the Big sound that it makes. Now-a-days it has just morphed into the entire thing; referring to the clock & tower as well. Just a fact I found interesting. The first glimpse of this will make your face light up. So have your camera ready. Take a pic of your loved ones face on the bottom of your frame with a long shot of the tower in the back ground going up to the sky. Add that to your Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Times Sq. photos, enlarge them, frame them, hang them in your den. Now you are the envy of your friends. I have this one framed in gold. So don't just take a plain shot of this Icon, personalize it w/a family member. These are the pictures of your life that you will treasure & remember that day; when you are old. Don't let these memory makers pass you by. Now go get chicken & make your own collection before its too late.
David Del'Nero | Apr 9, 2018
It must be the most famous Clock in the world, not just London. You can hear the chimes for quite a distance, and it is really nice on New Years Eve when we have a fireworks display and Big Ben strikes midnight. When you take photos of Big Ben, because of it position, you can also take great pictures of the Houses of Parliament, The Wheel, and the River Thames.
rileyc515 | Mar 16, 2018
I’m not sure what I can that hasn’t already been said. If you’re ever in London, be sure to put Big Ben on your list of things to see. Big Ben is actually the name of the big bell inside the clock of the Clock Tower aka Elizabeth Tower located at the North End of the Palace of Westminster. The clock tower is one of the most well-known symbols in the UK and is recognized all over the world. Just such a beautiful sight to see. Just a few weeks of my visit they started a four year renovation project. Within that time, the bells will be silent, with just a few exceptions, such as New Years and Remembrance Day.
VC | Apr 12, 2018
Be aware that the whole tower is covered in scaffolding! You can only see the clock face from the south and even then the clock hands are missing. The bell itself is not chiming either. Shane that the renovation work had to cover it all up at once and that it will take another 3 years or so
Viral Mk | May 12, 2018
Most Beautiful Place in World, I visited there before 7 years, still in my mind, London’s iconic Big Ben, the bell inside a clock tower by the Houses of Parliament, will fall silent next Monday for the next four years, due to conservation work. The Elizabeth Tower, which houses the Great Clock and Big Ben (also known as the Great Bell), is currently undergoing renovation work. As this work takes place, the regular bongs of Big Ben will be paused at noon (GMT) Aug. 21 until 2021, according to a parliament statement.
Nevim Bora | Jun 6, 2018
Amazing building. Incredible wiev Jméno Big Ben se téměř všeobecně používá pro celou hodinovou věž. Ve skutečnosti je Big Ben pouze přezdívka hlavního a největšího zvonu ve věži, který odbíjí celou hodinu (oficiální jméno tohoto zvonu je Great Bell). Podle jednoho z několika výkladů je zvon pojmenován po hlavním staviteli siru Benjaminu Hallovi, podle jiné verze je pojmenován po nejtěžším zápasníku své doby Benjaminu Cauntovi. Pro věž je také občas používán název St Stephen's Tower, i když toto označení nepoužívají zaměstnanci Westminsterského paláce. Toto jméno zřejmě pochází z názvu západního křídla Westminsterského paláce – St Stephen's Hall, které je používáno jako vstup pro návštěvníky a lobbisty. V souvislosti s šedesátým výročím vlády Alžběty II. byla věž oficiálně přejmenována na Elizabeth Tower.
Zakumi Perussi | Jun 2, 2018
I like travel to London. I'm Argentinian. I love the classical big Ben tower. I Carrie the best moments in my travel with my family. I like back to but I doesn't have money. I love you London. You are mi passion. Your inspired my life.
L T | Jun 3, 2018
Amazing must-see! Great scenic views from the London Eye/ Bridge. Big Ben clock is currently under intensive construction and will take 4-5 years to complete. However, it is still a landmark to experience.
Cassandra Y. | Jul 8, 2018
ABSOLUTELY a must see when you are in London!! What a beautiful landmark! Either day or night, many tourists in this area capturing the beauty of Big Ben. There are so many things to see in that area. Plan whole day here for sure. Have dinner near the water and see the night view. You won't be disappointed.
Luka Djolovic | Jul 6, 2018
Good views. Good known place.Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London and is usually extended to refer to both the clock and the clock tower. The official name of the tower in which Big Ben is located was originally the Clock Tower, but it was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II.
Oli Barber | Jun 28, 2018
Who couldn’t love Big Ben?! I don’t understand the people giving it low reviews for it being crowded and busy. That’s no means for a low rating. The whole construction is fantastic, the mechanics behind the clock ticking and the bells being chimed is mind blowing. A true work of art and one of the few landmarks worth looking at.
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