Big Ben is probably the world’s most famous clock. That iconic silhouette is instantly recognisable and is one of the most Instagrammed landmarks on the planet.

Six monarchs and 41 prime ministers have come and gone since the bells first struck their now familiar music across Westminster.

Tours generally run from Monday to Saturday excluding a few days each month for regular maintenance. Tours run on the hour with the earliest tour starting at 10am and the last tour starting at 5pm.

MPs are able to offer a very limited number of tickets each year. Due to high demand, please book early to avoid disappointment.

This guided tour of the Elizabeth Tower takes you up a narrow 334-step spiral stairwell to the belfry where Big Ben, the Great Bell, hangs. Along the route, your guide will reveal details of the most extensive and complex conservation project in the Tower’s history. This vital conservation work involved over 500 people from across the UK and their traditional crafts including stone masonry, glass blowing, gilding, plastering, cast iron and clock mechanics.

On this tour, you will see the inner workings of the clock mechanism, stand next to the world-famous Big Ben bell as it strikes the hour, and step behind the dials each spanning 6.9m in diameter.

Before you book

Visitors must be aged 11 and over and be comfortable climbing 334 steps unaided and able to sustain moderate physical exertion for up to 90 minutes.

You will experience high noise levels from the clock mechanism and bells – ear defenders will be provided.

The total tour duration is 90 minutes and toilet facilities are available at the beginning and end of the tour only.

Due to the constraints of the Tower, accessible tours including step-free access are not currently available.