Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament
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Big Ben is one of the world's most recognisable landmarks, and at a height of 320 feet this clocktower has dominated the Westminster skyline since Victorian times. Technically, Big Ben is actually the 14 tonne bell on which the hours are struck rather than the clock face or tower itself, and the chimes of this bell have become famous throughout the world from their daily use on the BBC radio and television networks.
The adjacent Houses of Parliament have been the seat of government in Britain for five centuries. The two-tiered system - with the Commons being the elected arm, and the Lords consisting of appointees from the peerage - has come under fundamental review recently by Tony Blair's Labour Government, with the Lords now being phased out of existence. The House of Commons is the central focus for British political activity, and has been used as the model for other parliamentary democracies throughout the world (examples of which include Australia and New Zealand).
Highlights of a trip to Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament include:
- The initial view of Big Ben as you exit Westminster tube station
- Westminster Hall, the only remnant of the original palace that stood on this site in the 11th century.
- Prime Minister's Question Time, for which tickets need to be obtained prior
- The House of Commons
- The House of Lords
Getting There
Westminster W1. Located on the banks of the Thames, next to Westminster Bridge and across the road from Westminster Abbey.
Westminster tube and Victoria BR or by boat to Westminster Pier.
Opening Times and Admission Prices
Big Ben and the clock tower interior is not open to the public.
The Houses of Parliament are only open to those in possession of the appropriate permit. These can be obtained by written application to the Paliamentary Education Unit, Norman Shaw Building (North), London SW1A 2TT. Telephone: 0207 219 4600 or e-mail:
More Information
Contact the House of Commons Information Office, House of Commons, London SW1A 2TT. Telephone: 0207 219 4272 or e-mail: .
Also check out www.parliament.uk.
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