Big Ben (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Big Ben?
What makes it 68% Kids-Friendly: Kids under 11 cannot join the tower tour, yet fenced Horseferry playground, lawns, river boats, and the clock’s huge face still offer safe, short educational fun without major cost.
Positives:
- Easy Access: Westminster station (Circle, District, Jubilee lines) is steps away with stroller-friendly ramps.
- Free Play Area: The nearby playground is safe, fenced and costs nothing, perfect for kids to burn energy.
Challenges:
- No Tower Entry: Foreign visitors cannot enter Elizabeth Tower—only exterior views are allowed.
- Crowded Midday: The bridge and gardens fill up by late morning—plan to arrive before 10 AM.
What is Big Ben?
- A 98-metre Gothic Revival clock tower rising at the north end of the Palace of Westminster
- Home to the Great Bell known as Big Ben and featuring a four-faced Victorian clock mechanism
- An enduring national symbol of Britain that punctuates London’s skyline
What is so special about Big Ben for with kids?
- See Big Ben’s iconic clock face from Westminster Bridge
- Kids play safely at Horseferry Playground nearby
- Enjoy a family picnic in Victoria Tower Gardens
- Take a hop-on hop-off cruise with free ride for under-5s
- Easy tube access and stroller-friendly paths
Recommended visit duration: 1-1.5 hours
Why 1-1.5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to see Big Ben’s exterior, play in Victoria Tower Gardens and enjoy a short cruise without tiring out younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Big Ben
Horseferry Playground:
Let kids explore swings, slides, sandpits and water-play in a fenced area.
Tip: Bring a change of clothes and supervise younger children near water features.
Victoria Tower Gardens Picnic:
Spread a blanket on the lawn facing Big Ben for snacks and photos.
Tip: Pick up sandwiches or snacks from a nearby café and carry wipes for little hands.
Westminster Bridge Photo Stop:
Capture family shots with Big Ben and the River Thames in the background.
Tip: Go early to avoid crowds and have small change ready for street performers.
Thames Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise:
Board at Westminster Pier for a flexible river tour with live commentary.
Tip: Book a family pass online and arrive 10 minutes early to secure stroller space.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Big Ben
- Early Start: Visit right when Victoria Tower Gardens opens to secure picnic spots and quiet photos.
- Combine Stops: Follow your Big Ben visit with playground time then head to the river cruise for rest.
Reviews of Big Ben
Rashaad
You’ve seen it in photos, now it’s staring you down in real life. The tower’s impressive, the clock’s massive, and the chimes hit like a reminder that London runs on its own time. You won’t spend long here, but you’ll definitely look up. Worth the stop, even if just to say you’ve seen it tick.
Tobi
Visiting Big Ben is truly an unforgettable experience. The tower is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and simply breathtaking when you see it up close. Especially when the clock strikes, you can really feel the history and significance of this place. Whether by day, when the golden details shine in the sunlight, or at night, when the tower is beautifully illuminated – Big Ben is always a high...
Amanda
A London must-see. Beautiful architecture. Designer was only 22 and created this. Clock tower looks great and bright since renovated. Iconic - both in the day and lit up at night.
Keira Donnelly
Big Ben Tour – Inside the Elizabeth Tower Visiting the Elizabeth Tower might just be one of the best things you can do in London. Getting tickets, however, is the real challenge — plan ahead and try to book about six months in advance, checking the website regularly. No photos are allowed inside, which is a bit of a shame, but completely understandable. The climb is 334 steps up a narrow spiral ...
Connor
Big Ben is one of those spots that’s just a must-see in London. You've probably seen a million pictures of it, but it’s so much more impressive in person. The sheer size and detailed architecture of the Elizabeth Tower (which is the actual name of the clock tower, with Big Ben being the huge bell inside) are really cool. The best part is hearing the chimes. They're powerful and you can feel the so...
When is the best time to visit Big Ben (London, United Kingdom)?
In spring and summer, the gardens bloom and picnic spots fill up by noon. In winter, shorter daylight means you’ll catch the clock face lit up early—go around 4 PM for evening views.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Tube tickets for 2 adults Day Travelcard | GBP 28.8 |
| Picnic food | GBP 15 |
| Family river cruise pass | GBP 45 |
| Busker tips | GBP 5 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 93.8 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Big Ben
Address: London SW1A 0AA, UK
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