Big Ben tour: how it works
A Big Ben tour is a guided climb of the Elizabeth Tower, the tower that holds the Great Bell known as Big Ben. It lasts up to 90 minutes and goes up a narrow spiral staircase of 334 steps to the bell chamber, with planned rests on the way. You see the clock mechanism, the back of the dials and Big Ben itself. Afterward you can visit Westminster Hall.
This site does not sell tickets and is not run by the tour operator. Tower tickets are sold online by the operator only, so book through the operator's own booking system and check that you are on the right page.
Big Ben tickets: price and booking window
Prices are for 2026 and can change.
| Item | What applies |
|---|---|
| Adult | £55 for tours from 1 August 2026 |
| Ages 11 to 17 | £35 |
| Under 11 | Not admitted |
| Tickets per booking | Up to 8, depending on availability |
| Release | Three months ahead, on the second Wednesday of the month at 10:00 |
| Where to buy | Online only |
| Free tickets | Limited places for UK residents, requested through a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons |
The release is at 10:00 on the second Wednesday. Plan for 10:00 London time and confirm it in the booking calendar if you book from abroad. Check the price for 16 and 17 year olds at checkout, because the general price list groups the tower under a child band of 5 to 15 with a note for ages 11 and over. Check the final total for service fees, companion tickets and any student or senior rate before you pay.
Tours near Big Ben
Walking tours, river cruises and sightseeing tickets in Westminster, with live prices and availability.
Elizabeth Tower tour: your day
What to expect from arrival to the end.
Arrive early
Be at the Cromwell Green entrance at least 30 minutes before your start. Allow about 1 hour 45 minutes in total, because locker handling is included. You cannot join late.
Security and lockers
The check is like an airport check. Bags, cameras and phones go into a secure locker. Photos are banned in the whole tower, not only at the clock mechanism.
The climb
Expect 334 steps in a narrow spiral staircase, with planned breaks. The tour reaches 62 m, not the full 96 m of the tower. The bell chamber is loud and exposed to the weather, and ear protection is provided.
What you see
The clock mechanism, the inside of the dials and Big Ben. Westminster Hall can be visited afterward, and photos are allowed there.
Rules before you book
Read these first. Tickets are generally not refundable.
- Refunds: tickets are generally not refundable. If the operator cancels for Parliament business, security or health reasons, the ticket price is refunded.
- Shoes: closed, flat shoes only. Sandals, flip-flops, open heels and high heels are not allowed.
- Food, drink and toilets: not available inside the tower, so plan ahead.
- Mobility: the tour is a full climb and descent within 90 minutes, without walking aids. Assistance dogs cannot join at present. See who can go inside and the adapted tour, which also has no lift.
- Dates: the booking calendar shows the days and times on offer. Do not assume that every weekday has a tour.
The tower tour and the Palace of Westminster tour are different products. A tower ticket does not cover a walk through the Commons and Lords chambers. For the history behind the climb, read about the Great Clock and the chimes.
Plan the rest of your visit
If you do not get a ticket, there are other ways to see the tower.
Big Ben tour: frequently asked questions
How much is a Big Ben tour?
For tours from 1 August 2026, an adult ticket is £55 and a ticket for ages 11 to 17 is £35. Older prices from articles before 2026 no longer apply.
When can I book Big Ben tickets?
Tickets are released three months ahead, on the second Wednesday of the month at 10:00. Be ready when the release opens.
How long does the tour take?
The tour itself lasts up to 90 minutes. With security and lockers, plan for about 1 hour 45 minutes, and arrive at least 30 minutes before your start.
Can I take photos inside the tower?
No. Photos are banned throughout the Elizabeth Tower, and bags, cameras and phones stay in a locker. Photos are allowed in Westminster Hall.
Can I get a refund?
Tickets are generally not refundable. If the operator cancels because of Parliament business, security or health reasons, the ticket price is refunded.