Westminster & Big Ben

The area of Westminster lies at the heart of central London, and encompasses many famous visitor attractions and historic landmarks. The Palace of Westminster, home to the UK Parliament, is one of London’s most iconic buildings, blending Gothic Revival architecture with centuries of history. Located along the River Thames, the original palace dates back to the 11th century, but much of it was rebuilt in the 19th century after a devastating fire in 1834. Architect Charles Barry and his assistant, Augustus Pugin, created the current structure, which includes the iconic Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben. Elizabeth Tower, completed in 1859, houses the famous Great Bell, more commonly known as Big Ben. Many people mistakenly refer to the entire tower as Big Ben, but Big Ben is actually the nickname for the largest of the five bells inside the tower. Standing at over 96 m (315 ft), Elizabeth Tower is one of the most photographed structures in the world. The clock, with its four intricately designed faces, is a marvel of engineering. Each face is 23 feet in diameter, and the minute hand alone measures 14 feet. The chimes of Big Ben, broadcast on radio worldwide, have become a symbol of the United Kingdom. Visitors can take guided tours of the Palace of Westminster when Parliament is not in session, offering a glimpse into the historic chambers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. While the public cannot typically access the interior of Elizabeth Tower, its silhouette against the London skyline, especially when illuminated at night, remains a must-see sight for tourists. Westminster Bridge spans 250 m (820 ft) across the River Thames and was designed by Thomas Page, with Gothic detailing by Charles Barry, the same architect who designed the Palace of Westminster. It was opened in 1862 and replaced the old brick bridge that had stood there since 1750.