Hi,
I've been trying to book a Big Ben tour for a while now, but keep running into this issue. When I select a day (not just the days in the month I need), it allows me to choose the time, but when I go to book it, it asks for a promo code. In the description, it states that if it is grayed out or asks for a promo code, then that date is unavailable. However, I've been stalking the page for two months and have YET to find a day that doesn't ask for a promo code. At this point, I feel like I'm missing something. Can anyone who has successfully booked a tour shed light on this? Thanks!
Posted by
Preston UK
1386 posts
To book a tour of the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben, you must be ready to book as soon as places are released. The tours are currently booked up until the end of June 2025. New dates are released on the second Wednesday of each month. Bear in mind the time difference as they are released at 10am BST. If you are in North America that will be in the middle of the night your time.
Posted by
OP
VA
36 posts
Johnnew52--Thank you! I have it noted now!
Would you know if the booking window is the same for Parliament tours? I haven't found info on when those open up.
Posted by
Preston UK
1386 posts
Crystal - when are you coming? Tours run every Saturday and on weekdays when Parliament is in recess. The latter covers a lot of holiday periods, like now at Easter and in the Summer.
Posted by
Land of La
9483 posts
Crystal just so you know both the House of Lords and House of Commons are not large. Like the US Senate and House of Representatives smaller than you think.
Posted by
OP
VA
36 posts
Johnew52--We'll be there the end of July. I have tickets to everything else we need except: Big Ben, Parliament, & Westminster.
Claudia--Can you share your thoughts on the tour then? We thought it would be insightful to see glimpses of another government house other than the U.S.'s Senate and House.
Posted by
Land of La
9483 posts
I gained no insight.
To be honest on another trip found having a conversation over a pint with a House of Common Member in the Red Lion pub on Whitehall far more insightful.
Will admit that the Parliament tour I took ( ages ago ) also included a pot of tea in the dining room. That I enjoyed.
Lastly research the Royal Courts of Justice and go watch a trial. Wigs still worn.
That and get tickets for Witness for the Prosecutions at County Hall. Performed in an actual courtroom.
https://witnesscountyhall.com/
Posted by
Preston UK
1386 posts
The Houses rise on about 22/7 so any time after that until September there will be tours regularly BUT it looks like the last week in July is booked up.
Posted by
OP
VA
36 posts
Johnew52--Gosh, I'm absolutely flummoxed as to how they are sold out as I've been going in regularly to check. I even logged in on the second Wednesday in March, just in case the Parliament was on the same ticket release schedule. Hmmmm...well, that is certainly a bummer.
Claudia--thanks for the info! I'll check it out! (Love the idea of a pot of tea with ANY tour!)
Crystal