The tower holds the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world and is the third-tallest free-standing clock tower. The tower is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, renamed as such to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II(prior to being renamed in 2012 it was known as simply 'Clock Tower'). £25.Ī secret windmill in Croydon will reopen to the public for the first time in three years.Ī new café is opening in a London cabmen’s shelter.Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, and often extended to refer to the clock and the clock tower. ‘So, it gives me great pleasure that we are once again able to welcome back visitors – eager to climb the 334 steps from ground level to the belfry – to hear Big Ben and the quarter bells ring out their famous Westminster chimes.’īig Ben tours. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, speaker of the House of Commons, said: ‘For more than 160 years, the Elizabeth Tower has been a beloved cultural icon of the United Kingdom, a symbol of our Parliamentary democracy that is recognisable around the world. The entire clock mechanism was also taken apart and restored by specialists in Cumbria. This included repairing cracks in the masonry, leaks, erosion, and severe rusting of the metalwork. As before, there will be a limited number of free tours available to UK residents that can be booked through local MPs.īig Ben reopens after being closed in 2017 for vital conservation and repair work to the Elizabeth Tower. Tickets cost £25 for adults and a tenner for 11-17 year olds. Set those alarms, because tickets for tours in July, August and September will be released on the Parliament website at 10am on Wednesday June 14.

In the hour-long tour, you’ll get up close and personal with the world-famous massive clock as it strikes the hour.

Soon, visitors will be able to book tickets to climb the 334 steps inside the Elizabeth Tower again. After what feels like eons, Big Ben is officially back and bonging.

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