Big Ben: How Big is This London Lad?
Ah, Big Ben. The iconic clock tower that's practically become synonymous with London itself. Tourists flock to get a selfie with its grand face, pigeons use it as a posh public toilet (allegedly), and it's the star of countless movies (though it probably gets grumpy about having to work all those night shoots). But one question lingers on in the minds of many a curious visitor: just how big is this grand old fellow?
The Big Answer (and a Shocking Confession!)
Big Ben, or more accurately the Elizabeth Tower (we'll get to that in a sec), stands at a mighty 316 feet (or 96 meters) tall. That's pretty darn impressive, especially considering it was built way back in 1859 – they didn't exactly have fancy cranes and scaffolding back then, you know.
Here's the shocking confession: Big Ben isn't actually the clock itself, but the nickname for the giant bell that resides inside the tower. Kind of like how you might call your super tall friend "Big Ben" (though hopefully they're less prone to clanging every hour).
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Fun Facts to Impress Your Mates Down the Pub
- The clock faces are a whopping 22.5 feet (or 6.9 meters) in diameter. That's bigger than your average apartment – fancy using a clock face for a coffee table? (Not recommended, probably wouldn't be very comfy).
- The hands of the clock are no slouches either. The minute hand stretches a cool 14 feet (4.3 meters), while the hour hand is a slightly stubbier 9 feet (2.7 meters).
- To get to the top of the tower, you'd have to climb a whopping 399 steps. By the time you get there, you'll be wishing you'd brought some tea and biscuits – that's a long way up!
So Big Ben is Big, But Not the Biggest
Yes, Big Ben is a grand clock tower, but there are always bigger fish (or clocks) in the sea. Some skyscrapers these days make Big Ben look positively quaint. But hey, size isn't everything, right? Big Ben has charm, history, and a booming voice that keeps London on time.
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| How Big Is Big Ben In London |
Big Ben FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered (Briefly)
How to get to Big Ben?
Big Ben is part of the Palace of Westminster, so hop on a tube to Westminster station and follow the crowds of tourists!
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How much does it cost to see Big Ben?
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The good news? Seeing Big Ben from the outside is completely free! Just grab your phone and snap away.
How often does Big Ben bong?
Big Ben chimes every hour, on the hour. Though, there have been times when the old fella needs a rest for repairs.
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How to climb Big Ben?
Unfortunately, climbing Big Ben is off-limits to the public for safety reasons. But hey, there are plenty of other cool places to climb in London!
How to avoid the crowds at Big Ben?
Big Ben is a popular tourist spot, so expect crowds. Try going early in the morning or later at night for a slightly calmer experience.
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