A Big Bong for Big Ben – London’s Favourite Clock Is Reopening in July

Every Londoner knows the sound of its chiming, and we can all single out its silhouette in the London skyline – but Big Ben has been out of bounds since 2017. This summer, however, the famous clock tower will once again be open for tours. We’ve got all the details.

A Big Bong for Big Ben – London’s Favourite Clock Is Reopening in July

Following almost six years of repair work, Big Ben will once again be open for tours, starting in July 2023. You will soon be able to book a slot to head all the way to the top of the iconic clock tower – an ascent involving 334 spiral steps, taking you right up to the Belfry.

If you want to book a tour, tickets will go on sale on Wednesday 14 June at 10am, at a cost of £25 for adults and £10 for children aged 11 to 17. (Due to the number of steps, tours aren’t open to anyone under 11 years old.) You can book using a link on the UK Parliament website.

Tickets for the summer tours are expected to sell out on the day, so buyers are advised to be speedy. Future tour dates will be available to book at 10am on the second Wednesday of every month – so if you miss out on a summer spot, there’s still an opportunity to take a tour later in the year.

Big Ben closed in 2017 for vital repairs to both its iconic façade and its internal mechanisms. Although it has since returned to regular service (it began chiming again in 2022), it has not yet reopened to the public. 

The July relaunch promises new tour routes, exhibition spaces and workshops. Despite the long hiatus, it will definitely be worth the wait. 

To find out more and book tickets for a Big Ben tour, visit parliament.uk

Featured image: Pexels