Big Ben

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The Big Ben clock tower is a jewel of Gothic architecture, which must be viewed by visitors staying in London apartments rentals.

If you need accommodation for your trip to London, there’s no better way to enjoy this dynamic and spectacular city than choosing to stay in a London apartment.

But no matter how luxurious our selection of London apartments are, one landmark in particular will have you heading outside to Westminster underground station – whatever the weather!

Instantly recognisable throughout the world as the most iconic UK landmark, Big Ben stands a full 96 metres above the banks of the River Thames – the largest four-sided chiming clock in the world.

Rising imperiously from the north end of the historic Palace of Westminster, the clock tower itself has come to be known as Big Ben, although the name ‘Big Ben’ initially referred to the great bell inside it.

The original Palace of Westminster was destroyed by a fire in 1834, and the architect famous for reviving the Gothic style of building, Augustus Pugin, was commissioned to design the new clock tower. The magnificent structure that visitors see today as they gaze from their London apartments is a Pugin masterpiece whose famous bell chimed for the first time in July 1859.

Voted ‘Britain’s favourite landmark’ in 2008, Big Ben regularly draws huge numbers of visitors. Tourists from the UK can enter the tower and climb its 393 steps for free by making arrangements with their local MP, although it’s best to book 3–6 months in advance.

Sadly, non-UK visitors are not currently permitted to do this, but tours of the adjoining Houses of Parliament are open to everybody during the summer recess (July to September), when MPs are away.

They run from Monday to Saturday, and cost £12 for a family ticket, £8.00 for OAPs and £5.00 for children 16 years or under (under-fives go free). Further information can be found at the official website http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/visitingandtours/bigben.cfm.

London apartments offer a great base from which to explore the magical city of London and at www.lovinglondonapartments.com, you’ll find the perfect London apartments to compliment your visit.