Big Ben

By patrick

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The iconic clock tower of the London skyline, Big Ben is one of the largest clock towers in the world. It is an oddly gothic and yellowish structure, seemingly out of place in the city and unmistakable in its appearance.

The clocktower was built in 1288, and then rebuilt in 1834 after a fire destroyed the old Palace of Westminster. It chimes every hour and is known for its reliability. A light shines on the clock face when Parliament is in progress.

The origin of "Big Ben" is not well known, but some believe it to actually refer to the bell rather than the clock tower.

Visitors can't actually enter the tower, so there's not much to do here but take some photos. But, Big Ben is situated next to Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. There is also a small garden around the clocktower that you can walk about and get some views of the Thames.


Take the tube to Westminster station.




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