Big Ben: The Story Behind the Name
Originally named the Clock Tower, the structure was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. 'Big Ben' is actually the nickname for the Great Bell inside the tower!
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Big Ben with a private, personalized experience led by a local.
Make your stay in London complete with these things to do
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"This was our 1st private tour and we certainly picked the right guide! Anthony was knowledgeable, friendly and funny. We will definitely be booking with him again when we return to London and will definitely recommend him to friends. Thank you Anthony for a great day! "
"Anthony guided my wife and I around London for several hours entertaining and enlightening us with some of its wonderful history and more unique areas. We tasted extraordinary food from vendors at Borough Market. We checked out St. Paul's and Southwark Cathedrals. Then visited Shakespeare's favorite pub, saw Sir Francis Drake's ship, and Clink prison. These are only a few of the many highlights. The three hours flew by. It was a great day spent with an excellent tour guide. Anthony gets my highest recommendation. I have used WithLocals many times and will continue to do so. "
"Just spent the afternoon with Anthony and couldn’t have enjoyed ourselves more! Anthony is highly knowledgeable and clearly loves his city. We saw many different sites and enjoyed his stories describing several neighborhoods of London. Our tour was at the perfect pace and we had a really wonderful time … highly recommend Anthony as a guide and would gladly book another tour with him on our next visit. "
"Maria Clara did a great job of modifying our itinerary on the fly to make sure it fit into our schedule for the remainder of the day. She was so knowledgeable, answered questions from all ages, and was just a pleasure to be around. "
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore London with locals
Our locals will give you the best experiences that London has to offer
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Hear the chimes, feel the history! Big Ben is the heart of London, and our private Big Ben tours are your key to unlocking its secrets. Imagine standing before this icon, not as a tourist, but with a local friend.
Originally named the Clock Tower, the structure was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 for Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee. 'Big Ben' is actually the nickname for the Great Bell inside the tower!
The tower was built after the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834. Designed by Augustus Pugin in a neo-Gothic style, it was completed in 1859 and has stood as a symbol of resilience.
The clock's incredible accuracy is maintained using a stack of old pennies on the pendulum. Adding or removing a single coin changes the clock's speed. See this Victorian engineering marvel on a Big Ben tour.
The 'bong' of Big Ben is a sound deeply embedded in British culture. It's broadcast daily by the BBC and marks solemn national events and joyous celebrations, uniting the nation with its iconic chime.
After seeing Big Ben, why not indulge in a classic British tradition? Your local guide can show you the best spots for a traditional afternoon tea with a perfect view of the iconic clock tower.
Don't just see Big Ben, truly experience it! Book a private tour with a friendly London local today. They'll share hidden stories and show you the best photo spots, away from the crowds. Your unforgettable Big Ben adventure is just a click away!
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
"Highly recommend, he was great with our 8 year old daughter. He’s an amazing storyteller and knows the city in and out doing a comprehensive tour in 3 hours. "
"We had a great tour with Anthony which he personalized for us as we had one person who was older and walking slowly. After about 3 hours a few of us dropped off and he continued on with the rent of the group. "
"What a wonderful experience! The tour with Naomi was spectacular. Her warm and friendly manner captivated us from the very beginning. She showed us London from a very personal perspective, and we saw so many places and heard so many stories we couldn't have lived in ourselves. She personalized the tour to our needs and we felt so welcome. Ideal for travelers who want to experience London intensively in the shortest possible time! "
"My SIL and I spent two great days with Anthony as our tour guide. He walked us all around London, including an impromtu foodie tour of Borough Market. Anthony is not only knowledable about the history and the city, he's super nice, funny and a delight to spend time with. thanks again!"
"We had originally booked another guide but due to personal reasons, he had to transfer this booking to Kemal who flew especially from Istanbul to accommodate us! Kemal was very knowledgeable regarding all of London's history and works as a professional photographer to boot so we had amazing photos!! We managed to see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, a traditional English pub, St. James royal park, .... all within 3 hours!!! Kemal is a definite guide we will recommend to friends!!!"
"Our Essentials tour with Anthony was everything we could have imagined - he was the most fabulous host to give us an introduction to this beautiful city. He mixed history with culture, food and all sorts of fun facts that we are still referring back to. I would recommend Anthony to anyone looking for a great person to explore London with. Thank you Anthony! "
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.