London's Big Ben Is Getting 1-Star Reviews On TripAdvisor

Despite being one of the most iconic landmarks in London, Big Ben sounds more like a big disappointment if some of its recent reviews are anything to go by.

Big Ben, technically the Elizabeth Tower, is one of the UK’s most famous tourist attractions, but the 159-year-old building is currently shrouded in scaffolding as it undergoes much-needed renovation.

Conservation works are currently taking place on Big Ben, formally the Elizabeth Tower, in London, UK

Not everyone is happy to see London’s heritage being preserved. Some disgruntled tourists have taken to travel review website TripAdvisor to air their frustrations with the restoration works in the form of harsh one-star reviews.

What visitors are complaining about

Only one clock face is currently visible as scaffolding shrouds the Elizabeth Tower in London, UK

One user from New York complains: “We were really bummed that we couldn’t enjoy Big Ben this time around as it was under construction!!!!!! Very inconvenient!” Another user from Maine advises: “If this is a bucket list item, forget about it”.

Others are defending Big Ben

However, other TripAdvisor users have chimed in to defend Big Ben – and they do not pull any punches. One says: “Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower need renovation, like most of the Palace of Westminster. London is not a theme park. It doesn’t exist for your selfies… We have to invest in renovating our heritage so it can last for centuries to come”.

Another defender of Big Ben, savagely unsympathetic to the disappointed tourists, suggests: “Do some research before you book a trip. Renovating a national and world treasure so it can be preserved for decades to come. A bunch of shortsighted idiots. Grow up.”

Why is Big Ben silent?

Big Ben has been silent since August 21, 2017 and its famous bongs will not sound again until 2021 to ensure the safety of those working in the tower – those bongs could do some serious aural damage.

Why is Big Ben under construction?

Big Ben is undergoing renovation because it has been more than 30 years since the last extensive maintenance works were carried out on the Elizabeth Tower. Problems with the clock have been identified, while there are also structural issues, including cracks in masonry, leaks, erosion and severe rusting of metalwork. Bigger problems could develop if repairs are not made now.

Why visit Big Ben?

Despite the renovation works, Big Ben is still well-worth a visit. Sure, the glory of the tower is somewhat obscured by the scaffolding but there are plenty of other popular attractions nearby including Parliament Square, the London Eye and, of course, the Palace of Westminster, which is free to enter.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.