Visiting Big Ben: Tips for Travelling by Train

North of the River Thames in London, Big Ben is an unmissable landmark for London visitors. Conveniently located next to Westminster Abbey, and only a few hundred metres from Downing Street and St James’s Park, Big Ben is perfectly located to serve as a hub for your London sightseeing.

Arrive at any London train station, and hop on the London Underground to Westminster station, which is immediately opposite Big Ben. From major London stations, such as London Kings Cross or London Liverpool Street, you’ll easily be able to access Big Ben on the Circle, District, or Jubilee Lines.

Alternatively, buy a train ticket to London Waterloo from places like Portsmouth Harbour, Exeter St Davids, Woking, and Weybridge, and you’ll only need to walk for around 10 minutes to reach Big Ben. This route involves crossing Westminster Bridge, an iconic London location, with views of Big Ben the whole way! Trains to London Waterloo are mostly operated by South Western Railway trains.

Visiting Big Ben on the train is an ideal way to start your sightseeing, with breathtaking views around every corner wherever you get off. For environmentally friendly transport that can get you to Big Ben fast, there is no option better than the train. To buy cheap train tickets in advance, book your travel with TrainPal and see how much you can save.

Big Ben is a remarkable sight to behold, and forms a key part of any London sightseeing tour. You don’t need a ticket to enjoy views of the landmark!

If you want to enter the famous clock tower, official tours of the Elizabeth Tower take you up a narrow 334-step spiral stairwell to the belfry. There, you will see the Great Bell, learn about the inner workings of the clock mechanism, and stand next to the world-famous Big Ben bell as it strikes the hour. Tickets cost £35 for adults and £20 for children aged 11-17, and must be booked through the UK Parliament website.

Tip: The Big Ben tour involves climbing 334 steps, so make sure you are comfortable with this before you book. The tour lasts 90 minutes and toilet facilities are available only at the beginning and end.

A cultural icon in the heart of London, Big Ben is an unmissable stop on London sightseeing tours. Here are our top recommendations for making the most of your visit to Big Ben:

Look up at the clocks

The Elizabeth Tower looms over nearby buildings and the River Thames, at 96 metres tall. This British cultural icon is a symbol of London and the power of parliamentary democracy, and has held many visitors in awe in more than a century since it was built. The whole tower is impressive: look closely at the clock dials, each made of cast iron sections bolted together, and containing 324 pieces of opalescent glass.

Pose for a picture

As one of London’s most recognisable landmarks, you’ll want to take a photo at Big Ben for the memories. Atop Westminster Bridge is a popular place to snap a pic, though under the bridge arguably offers a better angle). If you want to add a red telephone booth into the mix, head to Great George Street next to the government offices on Great George Street.

Soak up the atmosphere

Big Ben and Westminster are some of the most iconic buildings in the UK, so you’ll certainly want to take your time. While you’re in the area, soak up the vibrant atmosphere, whether it’s the hustle and bustle of London city life, the many street performers on and around Westminster Bridge, or the diversity of tourists brought together by Big Ben.

Probably the world's most famous clock tower, the Elizabeth Tower was built as a part of Charles Barry's design for a new Palace of Westminster, although it was Augustus Pugin who was responsible for the design of the Clock Tower. Built between 1843 and 1859, six monarchs and 41 prime ministers have come and gone since Big Ben’s five bells first rang out across London.

Big Ben’s base measures 40 feet by 40 feet, and rests on concrete foundations, built using bricks clad on the exterior with Anston limestone. Inside the tower, a spiral staircase with 290 stone steps leads up to the clock room, with a further 44 steps leading the belfry, and another 59 to the top of the spire.

Did you know? The official name of the landmark is the Elizabeth Tower, named in 2012 in commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II in her Diamond Jubilee year. Previously, it was named Clock Tower (Big Ben is the nickname of the Great Bell).

Oxford to London

Take the train from Oxford to London Marylebone on direct services with Chiltern Railways, and travel from Oxford to London in just 1 hour 20 minutes. Through miles of glorious Oxfordshire and Berkshire countryside, you’ll get to the heart of London quickly and without having to change. Then simply hop on the Jubilee Line from Baker Street, to reach Westminster in no time.

Edinburgh to London

The journey from Edinburgh to London is simple and speedy with LNER. In just 4 and a half hours one direct train, you can race down the length of the country and arrive at London Kings Cross, from where you can take the Circle Line to Westminster. Save money on your fare when you book in advance with TrainPal, making use of railcard discounts, split tickets, and affordable advance fares.

Cardiff to London

For visitors to London from Cardiff, travel on Great Western Railway (GWR) services that take approximately 1 hour 50 minutes from Cardiff Central to London Paddington. From Paddington, you’ll need the Circle Line to Westminster.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip

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