Address
Westminster, SW1A 0AA, London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
Big Ben
Officially called the Great Bell, the bell in Elizabeth Tower is commonly known as "Big Ben" and is arguably London's most iconic landmark. Particularly its hourly chimes, known as the Westminster Chimes, are a popular event.
Completed in 1859, Elizabeth Tower stands at the north end of the Houses of Parliament. Originally known as the Clock Tower, the name was changed in 2012 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. The original clock tower was built during the reign of King Edward I. Located on the northern side of New Palace Yard, it contained a bell and a clock, first named "Great Edward" and later known as "Great Tom."
After a terrible fire, which destroyed most of the Palace of Westminster in 1834, architects were invited to submit their designs for a new structure. Out of 97 submissions, Sir Charles Barry and his designs were the winning selection. The original plan, however, did not include a clock tower. This was added retrospectively in 1836. The bell for the clock tower was cast by Warners of Norton, near Stockton-on-Tees, in 1856. After arriving in the Port of London and being transported across Westminster Bridge on a carriage pulled by 16 white horses, the bell was hung in New Palace Yard. After a series of daily tests, the bell cracked on October 17, 1857. Since Warners asked for too high a price to recast the bell, George Mears of the Whitechapel Foundry was appointed to do the job. The second bell was cast on April 10, 1858. This bell was 2.5 tons lighter than the first bell and took 30 hours to insert the bell into the tower. Big Ben rang for the first time on July 11, 1859; however, it cracked soon after, in September of the same year. Not until 1863, when Sir George Airy presented a solution for fixing the bell, did Big Ben strike again. His solution was to turn the bell by a quarter, so that the hammer would strike a different spot. Thanks to a small square that was cut into the bell, the crack was prevented from spreading further. Due to current refurbishment, both Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower tours are suspended until 2021. Big Ben will also not chime due to repair work to the clock mechanism.
Big Ben
Welcome to London, where every street tells a unique story!
Centered along the iconic banks of the River Thames, this bustling capital is a kaleidoscope of culture, cuisine, and endless adventures waiting to be discovered.
Step into a world where iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace stand supreme, proudly showcasing centuries of rich heritage and providing a much needed and iconic selfie back-drop. London is more than just a city of famous landmarks; it's a melting pot of inclusion and diversity, with vibrant neighborhoods like Soho, Camden, and Notting Hill exploding with energy and creativity. Indulge your senses in the culinary delights of the city, from traditional English pubs serving hearty fish and chips to trendy eateries offering global flavors. Savor the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in quaint cafes, sample artisanal treats at bustling food markets, or dine in style at Michelin-starred restaurants.
Dive into London's thriving arts scene with world-class museums, galleries, and theatres showcasing everything from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary art. Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the West End, where dazzling musicals and gripping dramas unfold on stage night after night.
For those seeking adventure, London has you covered. Explore sprawling parks and hidden green spaces, embark on a river cruise along the Thames, or wander through charming cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and vintage shops. And when the sun sets, let loose in the city's legendary nightlife scene.
Explore nearby stays
art'otel London Battersea Power Station
1.64 miles/2.64 kilometers from central Big Ben
Guild Hotel Marble Arch
1.62 miles/2.61 kilometers from central Big Ben
Park Plaza County Hall London
0.36 miles/0.58 kilometers from central Big Ben
Park Plaza London Riverbank
0.65 miles/1.05 kilometers from central Big Ben
Park Plaza London Waterloo
0.51 miles/0.82 kilometers from central Big Ben
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
0.33 miles/0.54 kilometers from central Big Ben
Park Plaza Victoria London
0.85 miles/1.36 kilometers from central Big Ben
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Bond Street
1.39 miles/2.24 kilometers from central Big Ben
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Leicester Square
0.67 miles/1.08 kilometers from central Big Ben
Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre London Heathrow
14.11 miles/22.71 kilometers from central Big Ben
The May Fair, A Radisson Collection Hotel, Mayfair London
0.97 miles/1.56 kilometers from central Big Ben
From an exciting and varied food scene to exceedingly good entertainment, London has something to offer everyone. As the capital of England and the United Kingdom, London is that ever-changing metropolitan melting pot that everyone looks forward to visiting. Legend has it that London houses over 8 million residents speaking over 300 languages.
With such diversity, this city attracts millions of foreign tourists, students and new residents every year, making it one of the most international and most visited cities in the world.
London is home to some of Britain’s most beloved sites: the majestic Buckingham Palace, the British Royal Family’s humble abode; the iconic Big Ben, London’s most famous landmark; Hyde Park, the largest of four Royal Parks located below central London’s Marble Arch and Oxford Street; and lastly, the panoramic view of the Thames River and the city skyline seen from the impressive London Eye or far-reaching Emirates Air Line cable car near Canary Wharf.
With a long and interesting history, London boasts plenty of historical and cultural sites, as well as modern and unusual attractions, to keep you busy no matter what time of year you are visiting.
Here are some of our favorite secret spots in this exciting and modern city:
- Hidden London Tours: In the London Transport Museum, you can take a hidden London tours where you can explore the uncharted side of the London Underground and visit disused stations and secret sites across London.
- Chin Chin Labs: Visit this unusual ice-cream parlor in three London locations, including a Soho branch just moments from Leicester Square, to indulge in an ice cream made using the freezing properties of liquid nitrogen and see how it is made.
- Dennis Severs' House: Deemed one of London’s most original and immersive experiences, the rooms in this home-turned-museum were recreated by Dennis Severs as a time capsule of what life would have been like in that house in a former century.
- Camden Passage: Located behind Upper Street in Islington, this small tucked away street is filled with cute cafes, independent boutiques, antique markets and vintage shops.
- Speakeasies and secret cafes: London is known for its many secret bars and hidden venues and places like The Luggage Room and The Little Yellow Door are some of the most beloved speakeasies. And if you are not in the mood for an alcoholic beverage, you can visit London's hidden cafes, such as People’s Place on Regent Street or Swans Bar on Piccadilly.
- Lewisham Micro Library: Head to the corner of Tyrwhitt Road in South London to find a phone box turned miniature library. It's free, you can pop in and take any book, just make sure to leave one behind.
- High Street Kensington Farmers’ Market: Undiscovered and new for 2020, this outdoor market features 30 stalls with fresh seasonal produce and delicious lunch bites, set in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
- Stephen Wright's House of Dreams: Every surface inside and outside this London home is adorned with outsider art – found objects collected over 20 years, including everything from dolls' heads and false teeth to wigs and trinkets.
- One-of-a-kind neighborhoods: London has some of the most unique and picturesque neighborhoods. Neighborhoods like Soho feature a variety of dining, nightlife, and shopping options, including popular spots like Soho Theatre and Kingly Court. For a little bit of retail therapy, you can head over to Covent Garden, the shopping and entertainment hub in London's West End, or visit some of the city's most beloved and popular shopping streets, such as Carnaby Street and Oxford Street. For a more tranquil and posh experience, you can explore Mayfair, one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, and experience some of the best things in fashion, art and gastronomy that London has to offer.
The capital can be a confusing – and expensive – place to navigate but if you are using the London Underground to explore the city’s many attractions, make sure to purchase your tickets using your contactless card or an Oyster (which you can preorder online) instead of a travelcard. The London Underground is the best way to explore the city as it is not only an extensive network that covers London and its surrounding areas, but it also perhaps the most budget-friendly means of transportation available. If you’re arriving into Heathrow, The Underground also takes you all the way from its terminals into central London on the Piccadilly Line.
One final and important travel tip to keep in mind while in London is to remember to always stand on the right when travelling on escalators. Remember, the left side is reserved for walking riders.