Elizabeth Tower is the name of the famous tower of Parliament - more popularly known as Big Ben. Although often referred to as Big Ben, this is actually the nickname of the bell housed within Elizabeth Tower - and Big Ben's official name is the Great Bell. UK residents can arrange a tour of Elizabeth Tower through their local MP or member of the House of Lords. Unfortunately these tours are not available to non-UK residents. A tour takes you up the 334 stone spiral steps to the top of Elizabeth Tower to hear Big Ben strike the hour. As well as seeing a spectacular view of London from 62 metres up the tower, you also go behind the clock faces and have the opportunity to visit the mechanism room to learn about how the clock works in the 21st Century.