Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster
Big Ben & Palace of Westminster · London, UK
The Gothic Houses of Parliament on the Thames, keeper of the world's 'standard time'
Know before you go
- No flash in the Abbey
- don't wander into restricted areas around Parliament Square
- don't imitate the royal guards or interact with them excessively.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The Gunpowder Plot: 36 barrels in the cellar
In 1605 a group of Catholic conspirators planned to blow up the House of Lords at the State Opening of Parliament on 5 November. They rented a cellar directly beneath the House of Lords and brought in 36 barrels of gunpowder. On the night of 4 November searchers found the gunpowder under piles of firewood and coal, along with Guy Fawkes guarding it. Since then the British have marked 5 November with bells, bonfires and fireworks — still called 'Bonfire Night' — and the ceremonial search of the cellars before each State Opening continues to this day.
Source: Wikipedia: Gunpowder Plot
History
The new Houses of Parliament after the fire of 1834
On 16 October 1834, tally sticks discarded by the Exchequer were being burned in a stove in the palace; the stove overheated and set fire to the House of Lords chamber, and the blaze destroyed most of the palace. Only 11th-century Westminster Hall survived and was incorporated into the new palace designed by the architect Charles Barry. The great bell hanging in the Elizabeth Tower at the north end of the new palace is popularly called 'Big Ben'.
Source: Wikipedia: Palace of Westminster
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
A neo-Gothic palace rebuilt in the mid-19th century, whose clock tower (in service since 1859) houses Big Ben (strictly the name of the great bell), its chimes broadcast around the world by the BBC. Westminster Abbey has crowned 40 monarchs, and Newton, Darwin and Dickens are buried there. Across the river the London Eye turns slowly — classical and modern facing each other across the Thames.
Local customs
- Tours of the Houses of Parliament must be booked (UK residents can book through their MP
- most visitors join the summer opening tours)
- follow the no-photography signs in the Abbey.
Religion & beliefs
- Westminster Abbey is a sacred site of the Church of England, still used for royal weddings, state funerals and daily worship
- visiting means entering a working church — keep a respectful demeanour and avoid sightseeing during services.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
London Underground: tap in and tap out
- Tap your Oyster card or bank card on the yellow reader both on entry and exit, even if the gates are open
- At interchange stations with mid-route readers, tap as instructed
- Tapping in but not out, or not tapping before boarding
If you miss a tap you are charged the maximum fare; if an inspector finds you travelling without tapping, you may be fined or prosecuted.
Not yet verifiedSource: Wikipedia: Oyster card
Don’t DON'T
- No flash in the Abbey
- don't wander into restricted areas around Parliament Square
- don't imitate the royal guards or interact with them excessively.
Locals appreciate DO
- The British value tradition and restraint, and appreciate quiet, unobtrusive visitors
- keep a polite distance on the subject of the royal family and avoid mockery.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Best in spring and autumn |
|---|
Travel tips
- Spring and autumn are best. The Abbey requires a ticket (GBP 32 for adults), best booked on the official website
- Parliament tours on peak-season opening days are highly sought after
- the clock tower lit up at night with its reflection is the golden hour for photography.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Fish and chips
- Sunday Roast
- Full English breakfast
Fish and chips, Sunday roast, full English breakfast, Indian curry (one of London's national dishes — chicken tikka masala), afternoon tea
| Where to eat | Pubs around Westminster, the Southbank food-truck market, the Covent Garden restaurant area |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Security for Parliament and Abbey visits is strict, with no eating or drinking inside; note the no-drinking areas for under-18s in pubs |
| Typical price per person | GBP 20–40 ≈ CNY 188–376 |
| Tips | Pubs next to Parliament are pricey, while the Southbank market is cheaper and more varied. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Acabashi · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
Julian Herzog (Website) · CC BY 4.0
Colin · CC BY-SA 4.0
Diliff · CC BY-SA 2.5
Sources & verification notes
Westminster Abbey official website: opening hours and prices
Royal Museums Greenwich: Greenwich Mean Time
Compiled from Westminster Abbey official price information
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