Big Ben

You hear it before you see it. That bong. That rich, resonant chime that rolls over Westminster like a royal decree. Big Ben is one of those places that hits different in person - even if you’ve seen it in every movie, guidebook, or tea towel. I’ve walked past it more times than I can count, and yet, every time it stops me in my tracks.

And if you’re taking the StoryHunt audio walk of Central London, the moment you reach Big Ben, it’s like meeting the monarch of all London landmarks. But what’s the real story behind this iconic timepiece?

What is the story behind Big Ben?

Let’s clear one thing up: Big Ben isn’t the tower - it’s the bell inside. The tower itself was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Completed in 1859, the tower forms part of the Palace of Westminster, home to the UK Parliament.

Designed by Augustus Pugin in that signature Gothic Revival style, the tower stands at 316 feet tall and houses five bells, the largest of which - Big Ben - weighs over 13 tons. Its chimes have become the sonic symbol of Britain. And yes, it’s been through wars, repairs, and endless photo ops, but its voice still booms with history.

Want to hear all of this in the spot where it happened? Tune into the StoryHunt immersive audio tour - you won’t miss a beat.

Why is Elizabeth Tower called Big Ben?

Here’s where the confusion starts. The tower is officially called Elizabeth Tower - a name given relatively recently in 2012. But Big Ben refers specifically to the Great Bell housed inside.

So why “Big Ben”? Theories vary. Some say it’s named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the Commissioner of Works at the time of installation - he was known as “Big Ben” due to his size and booming voice. Others believe it was inspired by a heavyweight boxing champion of the era, Ben Caunt.

Either way, the nickname stuck - and now the entire tower is commonly referred to as Big Ben, even though technically, that's just the bell doing the talking.

Can you go inside Big Ben London?

Yes - but it’s complicated. UK residents can apply to tour the Elizabeth Tower, including seeing Big Ben up close, but only through their Member of Parliament (MP). You’ll need to book months in advance, and visitors must be over 11 years old.

Unfortunately, non-UK residents currently can’t tour the tower’s interior. (It’s a bummer, I know.) Still, walking around the tower, hearing the chimes, and exploring the nearby Westminster attractions offers plenty of magic. Especially when paired with the StoryHunt audio experience, which brings the history to life in your earbuds.

Is going to Big Ben free?

Absolutely. Viewing Big Ben from the outside is completely free, and it’s one of the best photo spots in London. Stand on Westminster Bridge for the classic shot or wander into Parliament Square to see it framed by Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

You can also enjoy free walking access along The Thames and listen to the famous chimes every hour. For those looking for context beyond a selfie, the StoryHunt audio walk costs less than a drink in Soho and makes the whole area feel like a live documentary.

Just keep in mind that the tower isn’t always visible during renovations. But even then, the sounds and surroundings are enough to transport you.

Why do they call him Big Ben?

Like any Londoner, Big Ben earned his nickname the charmingly messy British way: through legend and repetition. The most accepted theory is that it's named after Sir Benjamin Hall, a large, loud man whose name was inscribed on the bell. Parliament workers supposedly coined the nickname, and it stuck - informal but iconic.

But no one’s entirely sure, and does it really matter? "Big Ben" sounds better than "Giant Clock Bell #1," and honestly, it suits the bell’s booming personality.

One thing’s certain: once you hear it ring from just below, you’ll never forget it. Especially if you're following along with the StoryHunt audio guide, which throws in a few extra anecdotes you won’t find in most guidebooks.

Is it worth seeing Big Ben?

Without question. Even if you’ve seen it in pictures a thousand times, standing beneath Elizabeth Tower, hearing Big Ben chime, and watching the shadow move across Parliament Square is something else. It’s the kind of moment that pins you to the present and past simultaneously.

The surroundings - Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge - amplify its impact.

Don’t just glance and move on. Linger. Listen. And absolutely use the StoryHunt walking tour to feel the heartbeat of this incredible cityscape.

What else is nearby Big Ben?

You're standing in one of London’s richest cultural zones - packed with attractions that all tie into the same story. And the best part? They’re all featured in the StoryHunt audio walk of Central London. Here’s what else is just a short stroll away:

• Westminster Abbey: Just across the street, this Gothic icon is where monarchs are crowned and buried. It’s hauntingly beautiful and steeped in 1,000 years of history.
• Houses of Parliament: Connected to Big Ben itself, this is where UK laws are made. If politics fascinate you, check out the UK Parliament tour options.
• Westminster Bridge: Walk across for classic London skyline views - plus unbeatable photos of Big Ben, the Thames, and the London Eye.
• Churchill War Rooms: Tucked beneath Whitehall, this WWII bunker offers a chilling, fascinating insight into the mind of Britain’s wartime leader. Book tickets via the Imperial War Museums site.

You don’t need a ticket to enjoy it, just your curiosity - and maybe your headphones, tuned into the StoryHunt audio tour of Central London. Because when you know the stories behind the stones, the city opens up in ways no postcard ever could.