At close proximity, the sound of Big Ben measures 118 decibels, which is loud enough to cause physical pain. To make the bell chime, the copper and tin bell is struck by a hammer weighing 200kg.
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The 13-tonne Big Ben bell was largely silenced for five years while a major restoration of the Elizabeth Tower took place, with the “bongs” finally resuming regular service in November 2022.
The chimes of Big Ben can once again be heard live on BBC Radio 4. ?? Microphones have been reinstalled at the top of the Elizabeth Tower - listen in just before the Six O'Clock News bulletin, and before midnight. ??? Hear the bells for yourself by visiting on a tour.
All visitors allowed on Elizabeth Tower/Big Ben tours must be UK residents. There are no exceptions to this. Visitors must be over 11 years old. Visitors must be able to climb all 334 steps unaided without assistance.
The hiatus was prompted by upcoming renovations on Elizabeth Tower, which houses both Big Ben and the Great Clock that adorns the façade of the structure. According to a statement from the UK Parliament, Big Ben was paused to “ensure the safety of those working in the Tower.”
There is not a charge to enter Big Ben, but you do need to arrange it ahead of time. We chose not to enter. We went to the museum in the afternoon (no charge) , had a snack there, spent 15 minutes in Trafalgar Square and walked down to Parliament and Big Ben (next to each other) in the early evening.