Seeing Big Ben in person is one of the most magical things to do in London. Now that it’s been restored and uncovered again, it’s shinier than ever. If you’re looking to take photos with the iconic Big Ben on your trip to London, I’ve got the best Big Ben photo spots for you.
About Big Ben
Big Ben is technically not the clock tower we all know and love but the bell inside the clock tower. The clock tower’s name is Elizabeth Clock Tower, which doesn’t roll off the tongue quite as well. I will still call it Big Ben here as most people know it as such.
Big Ben is at the end of the beautiful Palace of Westminster building. It has been around since 1859, and in 2017, it underwent an extensive restoration process. Scaffolding covered it up for over five years, but Big Ben was finally unveiled again in 2022. Now is the best time to get your shot with the sparkling, like-new clock tower.
A Quick Timeline of Big Ben
1859: Big Ben chimes for the first time
1941: Big Ben survives German bombing during World War II but its roof and dials are slightly damaged during an air raid that destroys the House of Commons
2017: Big Ben goes under scaffolding for an £80 million restoration
2022: Big Ben is unveiled, looking brand new
The 2 Best Big Ben Photo Spots
I walked all around Big Ben to find the best photo spots, and I’ve listed my two favorites below.
Big Ben Photo Spot Location 1: Under Westminster Bridge
Westminster Bridge is almost directly in front of Big Ben. A lot of people stop to take photos on the Westminster Bridge, but going under the bridge gives you a much better view and angle.
There’s a staircase from the bridge that leads to a walkway alongside the Thames River, allowing you to be directly in front of Big Ben — with the Thames River between you.
How to get to this Big Ben photo spot: Just cross the Westminster Bridge so that you’re on the other side of the river, and then make sure you’re on the right side (whatever side is facing Big Ben). There’s a staircase that will take you down to the walkway by the river.
It’s fairly easy to figure out, but there weren’t many people down here. Nearby is the “National Covid Memorial Wall,” if you need a landmark to type into Google Maps.
Fun Fact about Westminster Bridge: The Westminster Bridge is painted green, the same color as the leather seats in the House of Commons.
Big Ben Photo Spot Location 2: At the Iconic Red Telephone Booth
The red telephone booth is a British icon, and there is a red telephone booth near Big Ben, another British icon. If you’re in London for the first time, you simply must snap this iconic photo of both Big Ben and a red telephone booth together.
How to get to this Big Ben photo spot: There are a couple red telephone booths around Big Ben, but the one you want for this iconic photo of both landmarks is on Great George Street / A302. It’s right next to the government offices on Great George Street and across the street from the Parliament Square Garden.
If you’re coming from the Westminster Bridge spot, you’ll cross the bridge again to get on the side where Big Ben is, and then keep walking straight past it. Don’t make any turns.
If you’re coming up from Westminster Station (there are a few entries/exits), you’ll most likely see Big Ben in front of you, and so you’ll just have to go to the right.
If you visit this spot during peak times, expect to wait in line for your photo. It’s a popular spot for a reason!
When’s the Best Time to Take Photos of Big Ben?
I’d say mornings are much better to avoid crowds and have a more pleasant photo shoot.
We went three times to see Big Ben — twice on a Friday afternoon and then again Monday morning.
On both Friday afternoons, people lined the streets, angling to take photos of Big Ben, and the queue to take a photo with the red telephone booth was wrapped around the corner. Similarly, the Westminster Bridge was jam-packed with people. Some were gambling, playing games, others circling around to watch. It was difficult to even cross. Avoid weekends and afternoons/evenings at all costs.
In contrast, on early Monday morning, there was hardly anyone there. We passed by people heading to work, but there weren’t many tourists out and about. We took all of our photos on Monday, crowd free.
Can You Go Inside the Elizabeth Clock Tower to See the Big Ben Bell?
Yes, you can now tour the inside of the Elizabeth Clock Tower and see the Big Ben bell up close. These 90-minute tours require advanced tickets and are £30 for adults. Tickets are released on the second Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m. London time.
You can also tour the Palace of Westminster, which includes the House of Lords Chamber. (The Palace of Westminster is the elaborate parliament building connected to Big Ben.) These tours also require advanced tickets and, though self-guided, can take about 90 minutes, as well.
Bonus View of Big Ben: During Afternoon Tea
Did you know you can have afternoon tea while looking out at views of Big Ben? Yes, and it’s quite the experience!
If you want to continue admiring Big Ben after your photo shoot, reserve a spot of afternoon tea at The Library at County Hall. It is conveniently located near the Westminster Bridge. Out the window, you’ll have gorgeous views of Big Ben, all while seated around beautiful, old books.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience having afternoon tea at The Library at County Hall, which is inside a five-star Marriott hotel. I loved that the desserts continued the theme — you’ll get a chocolate cake in the shape of Big Ben!
See my full review of the bookish Afternoon Tea at The Library at County Hall.
Interesting Facts about Big Ben
- Big Ben was created during Queen Victoria’s reign, and on all of its clock faces, there is an inscription in Latin that says, “Oh Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First.”
- Big Ben was called “the Clock Tower” until 2012 when it was renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. It’s now called the “Elizabeth Clock Tower.”
- Where did the name “Ben” come from? Sir Benjamin Hall was in charge of constructing the Palace of Westminster, and his name was inscribed on the bell when it was first cast in 1858.
- The Big Ben bell weighs 13.7 tons.
- The Elizabeth Clock Tower has four clock faces, each made of opal glass. The clock faces are cleaned every five years.
Map of the Big Ben Photo Spots
Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to England
The Best Library Afternoon Tea in London (with Views of Big Ben!)
How to See London on a Layover in London Heathrow Airport
Day Trip to Highclere Castle from London (Downton Abbey)
Day Trip to Windsor Castle from London
Day Trip from London to Jane Austen’s House in Chawton