Visiting Big Ben: It's Free, But There's a Catch

First, a clarification: Big Ben is the bell, not the tower. The tower is the Elizabeth Tower (renamed in 2012 for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee).

Cost

Zero. There is no entrance fee to visit the Elizabeth Tower.

The Catch

• UK residents only: Tours must be sponsored by a Member of Parliament or a member of the House of Lords.
• Overseas visitors: Cannot currently tour the tower interior (as of 2024).
• Booking: MP-sponsored tours book months ahead; max 6 people, 90 minutes, 334 spiral steps.
• Restrictions: No bags, cameras, phones on tour; strict security.

What You Can Do

• View the exterior and clock faces from Parliament Square, Westminster Bridge, or the South Bank—iconic photo ops.
• Attend a debate in the Commons or Lords galleries (free, queue early).
• Visit the nearby Jewel Tower (English Heritage, fee applies)—a 14th-century survivor of the Palace of Westminster fire.

Policy may change; check parliament.uk/visiting for updates.