BIG BEN AND THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

By Shriya

On my first day in London, I visited The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.  I saw the bell tower and talked to the Prime minister Mr Tony Blair. He seemed nice. 

Big Ben

Big Ben is a famous landmark in London.  It is the name now associated with the clock tower at the Houses of Parliament, but it was originally the name given to the thirteenth bell which strikes every hour.  It is thought to have been named after Sir Benjamin Hall. 

The tower is not open to the general public, but those with a special interest may arrange a visit to the top of the Clock Tower through their local MP (Member of Parliament). Big Ben is in central London and you can reach it easily by tube, train or bus. The local underground is Waterloo Station and the local tube is Westminster.

The Houses of Parliament are open to the public, but it is not free. You will go around on a guided tour, remembering that you will only see part of the building, including the entrance to Westminster Hall. To visit more of The Houses of Parliament you can book with an MP or pay more money, but only on specific days.

Westminster tube

If you see Big Ben at night when it is all lit up it looks even more spectacular.

Houses of Parliament

Live webcam:

http://www.camvista.com/england/london/bigben.php3 

More information:

http://www.aboutbritain.com/BigBen.htm

http://www.explore.parliament.uk/