20 Best Places To Photograph Big Ben

Master Big Ben photography with 20 viewpoints from classic to creative. Detailed navigation, best times to visit, camera settings & crowd avoidance strategies.

Author:James RowleyFeb 06, 2026

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Best Places To Photograph Big Ben For Stunning Shots

Standing on Westminster Bridge at 6:15 AM on a Tuesday in January, I watched the warm glow of sunrise illuminate the Gothic stonework of Elizabeth Tower while most of London still slept.

After twelve years of photographing Big Ben from different vantage points, I’ve learned that the difference between a forgettable tourist snapshot and a portfolio-worthy image often comes down to three things: location, timing, and knowing which spots the crowds haven’t discovered yet.

This guide reveals 20 best places to photograph Big Ben,ranging from classic compositions every photographer should have to hidden gems that will make your work truly stand out.

1. Westminster Bridge South Side Walkway

Low angle view of Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament from the South Bank at sunset

The south side of Westminster Bridge gives a clear view of Big Ben and the full Palace of Westminster. The Thames River adds interest and reflects light beautifully, especially during sunrise or sunset. The bridge’s stone railings can be used as leading lines to guide the eye toward the tower.

From this walkway, you are about 10 meters above the water, giving a slight upward angle that makes Big Ben look tall without distorting its shape. Morning light hits the west-facing side evenly, while evenings can create dramatic silhouettes if you position yourself carefully.

Best Times & How to Avoid Crowds

Weekday mornings (6:00-8:00): Few pedestrians, soft light, and space for tripods.
Golden hour (60 minutes before sunset): Warm light, but arrive early to avoid growing crowds.
Blue hour (30-45 minutes after sunset): Tower lights create drama; moderate crowds are leaving.

Avoid:

Weekend afternoons (12:00-16:00): Crowds make setup difficult.
Major events: Check Westminster Council for marathons, protests, or ceremonies.

In winter, weekday mornings often have fewer than a dozen people, giving plenty of space for careful composition.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:24-35mm (full-frame) for wide shots of the parliament complex.
Aperture:f/8-f/11 for sharpness throughout.
ISO:100-400 depending on light.
Shutter speed:1/125s or faster for handheld shots.

For golden hour or sunrise:

Shoot in RAW for editing flexibility.
Use evaluative metering and check your histogram.
Consider a graduated ND filter to balance bright skies and darker buildings.

2. Westminster Bridge Tunnel / Underpass Viewpoint

London landmark photography featuring Big Ben and Palace of Westminster from under a bridge

This viewpoint uses the bridge tunnel as a natural frame for Big Ben. The curved walls of the underpass draw the eye directly toward the tower, creating a strong sense of depth. It’s one of the most creative ways to photograph Big Ben because it adds layers and contrast instead of an open skyline.

The darker tunnel naturally blocks harsh light, which helps control exposure. This makes it ideal for bright days when the sky is difficult to manage. At night, the tunnel’s framing subtly highlights the tower’s illumination, making it one of London's best viewpoints for night photography.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Early mornings (6:00-8:00): Very quiet, easy to compose without people walking through the frame.
Midday: Works well because the tunnel shades your lens from strong sunlight.
Evening blue hour: The lit clock face stands out against the darker tunnel.

Avoid:

Rush hours on weekdays when foot traffic increases.
Rainy days with heavy puddles unless you want reflections.

This spot is less popular than the bridge walkway, so it’s usually easier to shoot without interruptions.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:35-70mm to compress the frame and highlight the tunnel shape.
Aperture:f/8 for sharp edges and clean framing.
ISO:100-400 depending on tunnel darkness.
Shutter speed:Use a tripod if shooting in low light.

For best results:

Center Big Ben in the tunnel opening.
Shoot in RAW to handle high contrast.
Slightly underexpose to protect highlights on the clock face.

3. Westminster Bridge Left Sidewalk

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament framed by a stone archway on London's South Bank

The left sidewalk of Westminster Bridge offers a more direct, symmetrical view of Big Ben. From this angle, the tower feels closer and more dominant, making it ideal for classic postcard-style photos. The Thames runs alongside the frame, adding balance without distracting from the main subject.

This spot works especially well for clean compositions. You can isolate Big Ben easily, avoid clutter, and create strong vertical shots that highlight the tower’s scale and detail.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Early mornings (6:00-8:00): Quiet, soft light, and space to shoot comfortably.
Golden hour: Warm tones enhance the stonework, but crowds increase quickly.
Blue hour: Great contrast between the lit clock face and the sky.

Avoid:

Late mornings and afternoons when foot traffic is heavy.
Peak tourist seasons, unless you arrive very early.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:24-50mm for flexibility.
Aperture:f/8-f/11 for sharp detail.
ISO: 100-400 depending on light.
Shutter speed:1/125s or faster for handheld shots.

4. Parliament Square

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament behind a row of international flags at Parliament Square

Parliament Square gives you breathing room and a wider view of Big Ben and the surrounding architecture. The open space allows for creative angles, clean lines, and room to step back for balanced compositions. Green lawns and historic buildings add context to the shot.

This location is great for photographers who want Big Ben as part of a larger London scene rather than a tight frame. It’s also easier to experiment here without constant foot traffic in front of your lens.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Early mornings: Calm atmosphere and fewer people.
Late afternoon: Soft side light adds texture to the tower.
Overcast days: Even lighting works very well in this open space.

Avoid:

Midday, when tour groups gather.
Event or protest days, which are common in this area.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:24-35mm for wide scenes.
Aperture:f/8 for overall sharpness.
ISO:Keep low for clean images.
Tripod:Useful for slower shots and precise framing.

5. Victoria Embankment

The Tattershall Castle boat pub docked on the River Thames at night with Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster in the background

This is one of the most artistic ways to photograph Big Ben. The Boadicea statue adds a strong foreground element, creating depth and storytelling in your image. Big Ben rises in the background, framed naturally by the statue and riverbank.

This viewpoint works especially well for dramatic compositions. It turns Big Ben into part of a layered scene rather than the only subject, making your photo feel more intentional and unique.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Golden hour: Warm light hits both the statue and tower beautifully.
Blue hour: Creates a powerful contrast between the dark statue and the glowing clock face.
Weekdays: Generally quieter than bridge viewpoints.

Avoid:

Harsh midday light, which flattens the statue.
Busy evenings when pedestrians block the foreground.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:35-70mm to balance foreground and background.
Aperture:f/8-f/11 to keep both statue and tower sharp.
ISO:100-400 depending on light.
Tripod:Recommended for low-light shots.

6. Great George Street Red Telephone Box

A classic red telephone box on Great George Street with Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster in the background

This location lets you frame Big Ben through a traditional red London telephone box. The bold red color creates a strong contrast against the stone tower and sky, instantly making the photo feel iconic and recognizable. It’s one of the most popular creative shots of Big Ben for visitors and photographers alike.

The narrow street naturally guides the eye toward the tower, helping you keep the composition clean and focused. Even simple framing here can produce striking results.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Early mornings (6:00-8:00): Fewer people, easy access to the phone box.
Overcast days: Soft light reduces reflections on the glass panels.
Blue hour: The red box stands out beautifully against the evening sky.

Avoid:

Midday, when tourists queue for photos.
Bright sunny hours that cause strong reflections.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:35-50mm for natural framing.
Aperture:f/8 to keep both the phone box and Big Ben sharp.
ISO:100-400 depending on light.
Focus:Lock focus on Big Ben or use manual focus through the glass.

7. Red Bus + Big Ben Combination Shots

A red double-decker bus driving across Westminster Bridge with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in the background

Nothing says London like a red double-decker bus passing Big Ben. Bridge Street and Abingdon Street are two of the best roads for capturing this classic combination. The moving bus adds energy, color, and scale to your shot, making it feel alive.

These viewpoints work well because buses pass regularly, giving you many chances to time the perfect frame. With patience, you can capture Big Ben cleanly while the bus adds motion or balance in the foreground.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Mid-morning to late afternoon: Frequent bus traffic.
Golden hour: Warm light enhances both the bus and tower.
Weekdays: More predictable traffic flow.

Avoid:

Very early mornings with fewer buses.
Heavy traffic jams that block the tower.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:35-70mm for flexible framing.
Aperture:f/8 for sharp background detail.
Shutter speed:
Burst mode:Helps capture the perfect moment.

8. St Thomas' Hospital Courtyard

Water fountain in a London garden featuring the iconic Big Ben clock tower in the background

This courtyard offers one of the closest and cleanest views of Big Ben from the South Bank. The open space removes visual clutter, making the tower the clear focal point of your photo. You can easily include the Thames in the foreground for added depth.

Because this area is slightly tucked away, it’s often quieter than the bridge itself. That makes it ideal if you want steady compositions or tripod shots without constant interruptions.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Early morning:Calm atmosphere and soft light.
Golden hour:Warm light reflects off the river toward the tower.
Evenings:Less foot traffic than Westminster Bridge.
Avoid: Hospital shift change times when foot traffic increases.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:24-50mm for flexible framing.
Aperture:f/8 for sharp details.
ISO:100-400 depending on light.

9. Albert Embankment (South Bank)

Two people sitting on a park bench along the Albert Embankment overlooking the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament in London

Albert Embankment gives you a side-angle view of Big Ben with fewer crowds and a calmer shooting environment. The wide riverside path allows you to experiment with different compositions without being rushed.

This spot is excellent for long exposures, especially at night, when lights from Westminster reflect across the Thames.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Blue hour:Strong reflections and balanced light.
Night shoots:Very quiet compared to central crossings.
Avoid: Windy conditions that disturb water reflections.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:35-70mm.
Aperture:f/8-f/11.
Tripod:Highly recommended for evening shots.

10. Hungerford Bridge / Golden Jubilee Bridges

Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges at night with Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster glowing in the background

These pedestrian bridges, including the Golden Jubilee Bridges, offer clear, elevated views of Big Ben with the Thames stretching into the frame. The bridge railings and lines help guide the viewer’s eye toward the tower, creating strong leading lines.

The central position also makes this a great location for symmetrical compositions and wide-angle shots, which is why it’s often considered one of the best spots for photography in Londonfor capturing iconic cityscapes.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Early morning:Minimal foot traffic.
Sunset:Balanced light with dramatic skies.
Avoid: Rush hours when commuter traffic increases.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:24-35mm for wide scenes.
Aperture:f/8 for full sharpness.
Shutter speed:Faster speeds to counter bridge movement.

11. Westminster Abbey Viewpoint (St Margaret’s Churchyard)

St Margaret's Church in Westminster with the Big Ben clock tower visible behind the stone tower and green trees

This viewpoint allows you to frame Big Ben alongside historic church architecture, adding context and depth to your image. Trees and stone paths help soften the scene, making it feel less urban and more timeless.

It’s a strong choice if you want to show Big Ben as part of a wider historic setting.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Morning:Gentle light and fewer visitors.
Overcast days:Even lighting works well with stone textures.
Avoid: Midday tour groups.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:35-50mm.
Aperture:f/8.
Focus:Balance both foreground and tower clarity.

12. Lambeth Bridge View

Lambeth Bridge crossing the River Thames in London with the Victoria Tower and Houses of Parliament in the background

Lambeth Bridge offers a unique angle with Big Ben framed by the river and city skyline. The bridge’s red colour adds subtle contrast without overpowering the scene.

This viewpoint is excellent for photographers looking for something different from the usual Westminster Bridge shots.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Sunset:Soft light across the river.
Blue hour:Balanced city lights and sky tones.
Avoid: Heavy traffic periods that shake the bridge.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:50-85mm for tighter compositions.
Aperture:f/8-f/11.
Tripod:Helpful for evening shots.

13. London Eye Capsule Photography

Evening view of the London skyline from the South Bank featuring the Elizabeth Tower and the River Thames

The London Eyegives you a high, straight-on view of Big Ben with the Thames and Westminster laid out below. Shooting from inside a capsule allows you to capture wide city scenes that are impossible from street level.

Because the capsules move slowly, you have enough time to compose your shot without rushing. The height also reduces street clutter, making your images feel clean and balanced.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Early morning rides:Fewer people inside the capsule.
Golden hour:Warm light spreads across the city.
Overcast days:Even light reduces glare on the glass.
Avoid: Midday on sunny days, when reflections are strongest.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:24-50mm.
Aperture:f/5.6-f/8.
ISO:400-800 to maintain faster shutter speeds.
Tip:Press the lens close to the glass to reduce reflections.

14. Sky Garden Free Observation Deck

A woman looking out at the London skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows from the lush Sky Garden indoor terrace

Sky Garden offers a free, elevated viewpoint with a wide-angle view across central London. From the upper levels, you can include Big Ben as part of a larger skyline composition rather than a close-up subject.

The indoor setting protects you from wind and weather, making it reliable year-round. The glass walls provide clear views when conditions are right.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Weekday mornings:Quietest time slots.
Sunset bookings:Dramatic skies, but book well in advance.
Avoid: Peak evening hours when space is limited.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:35-70mm.
Aperture:f/8.
ISO:400-800 depending on light.
Tip:Watch for interior reflections from lights.

15. Westminster Cathedral Bell Tower

A street view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament from Parliament Square on a clear, sunny day in London

The bell tower offers one of the highest public viewpoints near Westminster. From this height, Big Ben appears smaller but perfectly placed within the city, giving strong scale and context.

Because of the sweeping city backdrop and dramatic perspective, many photographers consider it one of the best locations for wedding photography. This spot is ideal for photographers who want a less obvious angle that still feels unmistakably London.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Clear days:Better visibility across the city.
Mid-morning:Balanced light and manageable crowds.
Avoid: Hazy or foggy conditions.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:50-85mm for distant framing.
Aperture:f/8.
Tripod:Not allowed, plan for handheld shooting.

16. Reflections In The Thames (Various Riverside Positions)

River Thames in London featuring the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Bridge with red buses

Shooting reflections in the Thames allows you to capture Big Ben twice in one frame, adding depth and visual interest. On calm days, the tower and surrounding buildings mirror cleanly on the water, creating dramatic and artistic images.

This approach works especially well at sunrise, sunset, and night, when light and colour reflect strongly on the river’s surface.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Early morning:Calmer water and fewer people.
Blue hour:Reflections of lights add mood.
Night:Strong contrast between the tower and water.

Avoid: Windy conditions that break reflections.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:35-70mm.
Aperture:f/8.
Shutter speed:Adjust to water movement.
Tripod:Useful for low-light shots.

17. Westminster Abbey Gates (North Gate, St Margaret Street)

The white stone towers of Westminster Abbey in London viewed from the North Gate on St Margaret Street

Framing Big Ben through the Abbey gates creates a layered, architectural composition. The stone arches add depth and naturally guide the viewer’s eye toward the tower.

This viewpoint feels intimate and historic, making it ideal for storytelling-style photographs rather than wide tourist shots.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Morning:Softer light and fewer pedestrians.
Overcast days:Even lighting across stone surfaces.
Avoid: Busy midday hours when gates attract foot traffic.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:50-85mm for tight framing.
Aperture:f/8.
Focus:Lock on Big Ben to keep the tower sharp.

18. Parliament Square Statues (Churchill Statue And Others)

The bronze statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square with the Houses of Parliament and Victoria Tower in the background

Using statues in Parliament Square allows you to frame Big Ben with iconic figures, adding context and meaning to your image. The statues provide strong foreground elements that lead the viewer toward the tower.

This setup works well for photographers who want images that feel political, historic, and unmistakably British.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Early morning:Clear views and fewer visitors.
Late afternoon:Side light adds texture to statues.

Avoid: Large tour groups gathering around statues.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:35-70mm.
Aperture:f/8 to balance foreground and background.
Positioning:Move slightly left or right to align the statue and tower.

19. New Year’s Day Parade Route Vantage Points

New Year's Eve fireworks celebration at the Elizabeth Tower and Houses of Parliament in Westminster, London

Photographing Big Ben along the New Year’s Day Parade route lets you capture the tower with movement, colour, and energy. Marching bands, performers, and crowds create a lively foreground that contrasts beautifully with the historic clock tower.

This viewpoint is ideal if you want images that feel festive and different from standard Big Ben shots.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Early parade hours:Best light and organized formations.
Position near bends or pauses:Slower movement makes framing easier.
Avoid: Standing directly behind large crowds with flags blocking views.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:35-70mm for flexibility.
Aperture:f/8.
Shutter speed:1/250s or faster to freeze motion.

20. Cherry Blossom Frames - Victoria Tower Gardens

The Big Ben clock tower in London framed by a lush garden of pink roses under a cloudy blue sky

During spring, cherry blossoms in Victoria Tower Gardens create a soft, natural frame around Big Ben. The contrast between delicate pink flowers and the stone tower produces striking, seasonal images.

This location is perfect for photographers looking to add colour and emotion to their shots.

Best Times & Crowd Tips

Early morning:Calm conditions and fewer visitors.
Peak bloom:Usually late March to early April (varies yearly).
Avoid: Windy days that shake branches and soften focus.

Camera & Lens Tips

Lens:50-85mm for selective framing.
Aperture:f/4-f/5.6 to blur blossoms slightly.
Focus:Lock on Big Ben for sharp detail.

Final Thoughts

Photographing Big Ben is all about timing, perspective, and creative framing. From Westminster Bridge to hidden vantage points, each location offers a unique way to capture the tower’s grandeur. With this guide to the best places to photograph Big Ben, you can confidently create images that stand out from typical tourist snapshots.

Jump to

Best Places To Photograph Big Ben For Stunning Shots

1. Westminster Bridge South Side Walkway

2. Westminster Bridge Tunnel / Underpass Viewpoint

3. Westminster Bridge Left Sidewalk

4. Parliament Square

5. Victoria Embankment

6. Great George Street Red Telephone Box

7. Red Bus + Big Ben Combination Shots

8. St Thomas' Hospital Courtyard

9. Albert Embankment (South Bank)

10. Hungerford Bridge / Golden Jubilee Bridges

11. Westminster Abbey Viewpoint (St Margaret’s Churchyard)

12. Lambeth Bridge View

13. London Eye Capsule Photography

14. Sky Garden Free Observation Deck

15. Westminster Cathedral Bell Tower

16. Reflections In The Thames (Various Riverside Positions)

17. Westminster Abbey Gates (North Gate, St Margaret Street)

18. Parliament Square Statues (Churchill Statue And Others)

19. New Year’s Day Parade Route Vantage Points

20. Cherry Blossom Frames - Victoria Tower Gardens

Final Thoughts

James Rowley

Author

James Rowley is a London-based writer and urban explorer specialising in the city’s cultural geography. For over 15 years, he has documented the living history of London's neighbourhoods through immersive, first-hand reporting and original photography. His work foregrounds verified sources and street-level detail, helping readers look past tourist clichés to truly understand the character of a place. His features and analysis have appeared in established travel and heritage publications. A passionate advocate for responsible, research-led tourism, James is an active member of several professional travel-writing associations. His guiding principle is simple: offer clear, current, verifiable advice that helps readers see the capital with informed eyes.

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20 Best Places To Photograph Big Ben

.onzoqa-1mysgrz{display:-webkit-box;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Best Places To Photograph Big Ben For Stunning Shots

1. Westminster Bridge South Side Walkway

2. Westminster Bridge Tunnel / Underpass Viewpoint

3. Westminster Bridge Left Sidewalk

4. Parliament Square

5. Victoria Embankment

6. Great George Street Red Telephone Box

7. Red Bus + Big Ben Combination Shots

8. St Thomas' Hospital Courtyard

9. Albert Embankment (South Bank)

10. Hungerford Bridge / Golden Jubilee Bridges

11. Westminster Abbey Viewpoint (St Margaret’s Churchyard)

12. Lambeth Bridge View

13. London Eye Capsule Photography

14. Sky Garden Free Observation Deck

15. Westminster Cathedral Bell Tower

16. Reflections In The Thames (Various Riverside Positions)

17. Westminster Abbey Gates (North Gate, St Margaret Street)

18. Parliament Square Statues (Churchill Statue And Others)

19. New Year’s Day Parade Route Vantage Points

20. Cherry Blossom Frames - Victoria Tower Gardens

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Final Thoughts

James Rowley

Best Places To Photograph Big Ben For Stunning Shots