You’ve seen it on a million postcards and films, but Big Ben is still worth checking out up close. Contact your local member of Parliament to take a tour. You may be able to get onto the roof to get a real appreciation of the clock tower’s intricate detail and the brilliant craftsmanship that went into building it.
The name Big Ben actually refers only to the great bell that chimes every hour – probably after Sir Benjamin Hall, who commissioned the casting of the bell – but has become shorthand for the whole clock and tower.
The tower itself was built in 1288, while the clock first chimed 150 years ago. During the two World Wars the clock face was darkened at night, so as not to aid German air attacks.
Where is it? Bridge St, SW1 Westminster
Verdict: tick-tocking off another London must-see
