Best Places To Photograph Big Ben - 15 Spots, Times & Tips
See the 15 best places to photograph Big Ben, from Westminster Bridge to quiet riverside gardens, plus the best times, tripod rules and a one-hour walking loop.
Author:James RowleyOct 19, 2026
Best Places To Photograph Big Ben: 15 Spots, Best Times And Tripod Rules
You already know you want a photo with Big Ben in it. Everyone does. The trouble is that most visitors end up with the same slightly crooked shot from the same crowded spot on Westminster Bridge, phone held above a stranger's shoulder, someone's umbrella clipping the edge of the frame.
It doesn't have to go that way. Big Ben (technically the bell inside Elizabeth Tower, though nobody minds if you use the two names interchangeably) sits at the centre of one of the most photogenic stretches of the Thames, and there are at least fifteen distinct spots within a short walk of Westminster that give you a genuinely different angle. Some are famous. A few are quiet enough that you'll have them almost to yourself.
This guide sets out exactly where to stand, what time to go, whether a tripod is realistic, and how to get there on foot or by Tube, so you can plan two or three stops instead of wandering Westminster hoping for the best. If you'd rather scout the scene before you set off, our live Westminster Bridge webcamshows the current view in real time.
Quick Answers Before You Head To Westminster
If you only read one section, read this one.
- Best overall spot:the centre of Westminster Bridge, for the classic full-tower view.
- Best quiet spot:St Thomas' Hospital riverside gardens, a few minutes further along the South Bank.
- Best combo shot with the London Eye:the Golden Jubilee footbridges near Embankment.
- Best time to go:before 9am, or blue hour just after sunset.
- Nearest station for almost every spot on this list:Westminster station(Jubilee, District and Circle lines).
With those in mind, it's worth understanding what you're actually photographing before you pick a spot.
Why Big Ben Is Worth Photographing
Big Ben earns its reputation. It's one of the few landmarks that photographs well in flat grey light, harsh midday sun, and full darkness, which is rare for a building this tall and this pale.
Big Ben The Bell Vs Elizabeth Tower The Tower
Big Ben is, strictly speaking, the name of the Great Bell inside the tower, not the tower itself. The tower is officially Elizabeth Tower, renamed in 2012 to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee; before that it was simply the Clock Tower. In practice, almost everyone, including most Londoners, uses "Big Ben" to mean the whole structure: tower, clock faces and bell together. This guide does the same.
Is The Tower Still Under Scaffolding?
No. The Elizabeth Tower underwent a major conservation project between 2017 and 2022, during which parts of it were covered in scaffolding and the bells fell silent. According to UK Parliament's own record of the conservation project, the site was fully cleared and the restoration completed by the summer of 2022. If you've seen older photos or blog posts showing scaffolding, that information is out of date: the tower has been fully visible, and the bells fully audible, for several years now.
Understanding what you're photographing is only half the job. Knowing exactly where to stand is the other half, so here are the fifteen spots worth your time.
The 15 Best Places To Photograph Big Ben
These are arranged roughly west to east along the Thames, starting and ending near Westminster station, so you can string several together on foot.
1. Westminster Bridge, Centre Span
This is the shot everyone comes for, and it earns the reputation. From the centre of the bridge, the full height of Elizabeth Tower rises directly above the Houses of Parliament, with the Thames curving away beneath you on both sides.
It's also the single busiest spot on this list, especially near the Westminster station end. Treat it as the headline shot in a longer walk rather than somewhere to linger for an hour.
- Best visiting hours:Before 9am for soft light and thin crowds; side light from around 10am to midday also works well, though the tower becomes backlit from this angle by mid-afternoon.
- Tripod permissions:Generally tolerated for personal use on this public highway, provided you're not blocking the pavement; expect it to be genuinely difficult to set one up during busy midday hours.
- Getting there:Westminster station (Jubilee, District, Circle), 2 to 3 minutes on foot.
- Pro tip:Walk to the middle of the bridge rather than stopping right at the tube exit. The whole tower fits in frame, and the crowd thins out noticeably once you're a minute's walk from the station.
2. The South Bank Underpass (Arch Frame)
This is a stone pedestrian tunnel running beneath the south end of Westminster Bridge, and it frames Big Ben perfectly inside the curve of the arch. It's one of the most shared Big Ben compositions online, which is exactly why it draws a queue.
Because it's an enclosed passage rather than open riverside, it feels narrower and more closed-in than it looks in photos, and it can carry a faint damp smell. Neither of those things shows up in the final image, but it's worth knowing before you go.
- Best visiting hours:Before 9am, especially on a Sunday, when the passage can be nearly empty; expect a short queue by mid-morning.
- Tripod permissions:The passage is narrow and shared with pedestrians, so a full tripod setup is impractical when busy; a quick handheld or compact tripod shot works better here than a long exposure rig.
- Getting there:Cross Westminster Bridge from Westminster station (5 to 7 minutes), or walk from Lambeth North station (about 8 minutes).
- Pro tip:This is the shot that frames Big Ben inside the stone arch of the bridge, and it's one of the most recognisable Big Ben photos online for good reason. Be patient with the queue; it moves quickly.
3. Queen's Walk, South Bank
This is the long, open riverside promenade that runs west from Westminster Bridge along the South Bank, giving you an uninterrupted view across the Thames to the full length of the Palace of Westminster. Because the path stretches on for some distance, it's one of the few spots where you can simply keep walking until you find a clear gap in the crowd.
Trees along this stretch can hang into your frame in the summer months, particularly the further west you go, so it's worth checking your composition rather than shooting on the move.
- Best visiting hours:Any time, though a cloudy day gives even light without the harsh shadows that summer trees can cast along this stretch.
- Tripod permissions:This riverside path is managed by the Southbank Centre rather than being a plain public highway, so casual tripod use is usually fine, but a commercial-looking setup can get moved along quickly.
- Getting there:From Westminster station, cross the bridge (5 minutes); from Waterloo station, walk north along the river (about 10 minutes).
- Pro tip:Keep walking west past the first busy stretch near the bridge. The view stays just as strong further along, with far fewer people in your frame.
4. St Thomas' Hospital Riverside Gardens
This small riverside garden sits on the hospital grounds, and most visitors have no idea it's open to the public. The payoff is a clean, largely unobstructed view of Big Ben without the railings, cyclists and pavement clutter you get on the main South Bank path.
Because it's still part of a working hospital, the atmosphere is noticeably calmer than anywhere else on this list, which also makes it one of the better spots for a considered, unhurried shot rather than a quick grab-and-go.
- Best visiting hours:Morning light works particularly well here, and this spot is quiet at almost any hour.
- Tripod permissions:This is hospital grounds with public riverside access, so keep any tripod use brief and unobtrusive out of courtesy to staff and patients.
- Getting there:Walk across Westminster Bridge and continue a few minutes further (about 10 minutes from the station), or use Lambeth North (roughly 10 minutes).
- Pro tip:Most visitors never find this one. The garden setting gives a softer, more open view of Big Ben than the busy pavement just behind you.
5. Jubilee Gardens
This is an open, grassy public park right beside the LondonEye, and it's the only spot on this list where you have genuine room to spread out. That makes it a good choice for a group shot or anyone setting up a tripod without worrying about a narrow pavement.
The trade-off is distance: Big Ben sits further away here than it does from the bridge, so the tower reads as part of a wider skyline rather than filling the frame.
- Best visiting hours:Golden hour, when the low sun lights the far bank where Big Ben and Parliament sit.
- Tripod permissions:Privately managed parkland similar to the Southbank Centre grounds nearby; casual use is fine, larger setups may be asked to move on, especially near the London Eye's operating area.
- Getting there:Waterloo station, about 8 minutes on foot, or across the bridge from Westminster (10 minutes).
- Pro tip:This is a good spot for families or groups who want more open space than the bridge or the underpass allow.
6. County Hall Riverside Terrace
This wide, paved terrace sits in front of the former County Hall building, which now houses the London Eye's ticket hall, an aquarium and a couple of hotels. Shooting from here gives you a slightly wider, more elevated framing of Westminster Bridge and Big Ben than you get down at river level.
The atmosphere is more relaxed than the bridge itself, since most of the foot traffic here is heading to or from the London Eye rather than crossing the river.
- Best visiting hours:Midday tends to be calmer here than directly on the bridge, since the crowds concentrate around the London Eye itself.
- Tripod permissions:Similar rules to the surrounding Southbank land; be considerate given the steady flow of pedestrians.
- Getting there:Westminster station across the bridge, or Waterloo station, both about 10 minutes.
- Pro tip:This angle gives a wider, slightly more relaxed view of Westminster Bridge and Big Ben together than the bridge itself does.
7. Golden Jubilee Footbridge, South Side
This is one of two slim pedestrian bridges running alongside the older Hungerford rail bridge, and it's the standout spot for combining Big Ben with the London Eye. Because the Thames bends at this point, both landmarks sit believably in the same frame without any awkward stitching or cropping.
It's also a heavily used commuter route between Waterloo and the north bank, so expect a steady stream of people crossing behind you at any hour.
- Best visiting hours:Both sunrise and sunset work well, since the river bends here and the view actually faces south rather than east or west.
- Tripod permissions:Generally allowed on this public pedestrian bridge; keep the legs well clear of the edge, since it's a popular commuter crossing and people do bump the rails.
- Getting there:Embankment station, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Pro tip:This is the spot for getting Big Ben and the London Eye in the same frame, with the Thames doing the work in the foreground.
8. Waterloo Bridge
Waterloo Bridge sits a little further downstream from Westminster, and it trades a close-up view for a longer, more cinematic one, looking back down the Thames toward Big Ben with several other bridges layered in between. It's a genuinely different composition from anything closer to Parliament.
It's also a working road and pedestrian route rather than a tourist attraction in its own right, so you're sharing the path with real commuter traffic, particularly on the western pavement during rush hour.
- Best visiting hours:Golden hour in summer, when the sun sets slightly to the right of this view down the river.
- Tripod permissions:Allowed on this public bridge, though the path narrows and gets heavy commuter traffic at rush hour.
- Getting there:Waterloo station, about 5 minutes, or Embankment station across the bridge, about 7 minutes.
- Pro tip:You're slightly further back here than at Westminster Bridge, which gives you the whole skyline stretching toward Big Ben rather than just the tower on its own.
9. Victoria Embankment
Victoria Embankment is the tree-lined road and riverside path running along the north bank opposite the South Bank crowds. Set slightly back from the water's edge, it has a calmer, more residential feel than the bridge or the South Bank promenade, even though Big Ben is still clearly visible across the river.
That calmer atmosphere is exactly what makes it one of the better spots for a longer exposure after dark, when you need the ground beneath your feet to stay still.
- Best visiting hours:Blue hour and after dark, when the tower and clock faces are lit against the night sky.
- Tripod permissions:Fine on the public pavement in general, though expect a heavier police and security presence the closer you get to the Houses of Parliament, particularly during protests or state occasions.
- Getting there:Westminster or Embankment station, 5 to 8 minutes depending on which stretch you choose.
- Pro tip:This side of the river is noticeably calmer than the bridge or the South Bank at night, which makes it easier to hold a long exposure steady.
10. Westminster Pier
Westminster Pier is the working jetty where river buses and sightseeing boats depart, sitting right beside Big Ben itself. Photographing from here means shooting from the water rather than the bank, so the tower and bridge shift angle continuously as the boat moves rather than staying fixed in one composition.
It's the only spot on this list that isn't free to access, since you'll need a river cruise or river bus fare to board, but it's also the only one that gives you a view from the middle of the Thames.
- Best visiting hours:A sunset river cruise gives you Big Ben lit from the water as you pass, which you can't replicate from the bank.
- Tripod permissions:Not practical on a moving boat deck; this is a handheld-only spot.
- Getting there:A 1 to 2 minute walk from Westminster station; you'll need a river cruise or river bus ticket to board.
- Pro tip:Sit on the side of the boat facing Parliament as you set off, since the best angle only lasts a couple of minutes each way.
11. Parliament Square (Red Phone Box)
Parliament Square is the green, statue-lined square directly opposite the Houses of Parliament, home to memorials including Churchill's statue as well as the well-known red phone box that pairs so well with Elizabeth Tower behind it. Two of Britain's most recognisable symbols end up in a single frame.
Given its position facing one of the most secure buildings in the country, this isn't a relaxed, empty setting. Expect a visible police and security presence at all times, which is worth factoring into how long you plan to spend here.
- Best visiting hours:Morning through early afternoon; the light shifts and can become harsh here later in the day.
- Tripod permissions:Keep any tripod use brief. This is a heavily monitored area given its proximity to Parliament, and security may ask you to move along faster than at a purely residential spot.
- Getting there:Westminster station, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pro tip:This composition, the classic red phone box with Elizabeth Tower rising behind it, gives you two British icons in one frame. There's sometimes a short queue for the phone box itself.
12. Victoria Tower Gardens
This narrow, tree-lined riverside park sits beside the Victoria Tower end of the Palace of Westminster, and it's noticeably greener and quieter than anywhere else on this list. The paths here bring you closer to that end of the building than the bridge ever does, giving a sharper, more angled view of the tower's stonework.
The park also holds several historical memorials, including one commemorating the abolition of the slave trade, which makes it worth a slower visit rather than just a quick photo stop.
- Best visiting hours:Early morning, when the park is at its quietest; gates are open from 7am to 9:30pm.
- Tripod permissions:This garden is managed by The Royal Parks. Handheld photography for personal use needs no permission, but Royal Parks policy asks for advance permission for tripod or professional-style shoots.
- Getting there:About 10 minutes on foot from Westminster station, or roughly 12 minutes from Pimlico.
- Pro tip:This is one of the closest, most peaceful angles on the Victoria Tower end of the Palace of Westminster, and most tourists walk straight past the entrance.
13. Lambeth Bridge
Lambeth Bridge is a red-painted road bridge a little further south of the main tourist cluster, connecting Millbank to Lambeth on the opposite bank. The extra distance from Parliament works in its favour, opening up a wider, calmer skyline shot rather than a close portrait of the tower alone.
Because it sees far less foot traffic than Westminster Bridge, it's a good option if you want a similar river-and-Parliament composition without competing for space at the railings.
- Best visiting hours:Evening light works nicely here, with far less congestion than Westminster Bridge.
- Tripod permissions:Allowed on this public highway bridge, similar to the others on this list.
- Getting there:Around 10 to 15 minutes on foot from Westminster station, or about 10 minutes from Pimlico.
- Pro tip:Use this spot if you want the wider Westminster skyline in your frame without fighting for space.
14. Millbank Riverside Path
This stretch of Thames path runs along Millbank past Victoria Tower Gardens, and it's used far more by local runners, cyclists and commuters than by tourists. The view back toward Big Ben is more distant from here than from any of the bridges, which suits a telephoto lens better than a wide-angle one.
Its low profile is really the point: this is the spot for a considered, uncluttered composition rather than a quick snapshot on the way somewhere else.
- Best visiting hours:Early morning, when the path is closest to empty.
- Tripod permissions:Fine on this public riverside pavement.
- Getting there:About 12 to 15 minutes from Westminster station, or 8 to 10 minutes from Pimlico.
- Pro tip:A longer lens from here compresses the skyline nicely, pulling Big Ben closer against the buildings around it.
15. London Eye Capsule
The London Eye's fully enclosed glass capsules carry you up to around 135 metres above the Thames on a slow, continuous rotation, giving you the only genuinely aerial view of Big Ben on this list. You're shooting through glass and sharing the pod with other passengers, which is a very different experience to standing on solid ground.
That enclosed setting is also the biggest limitation: reflections, other people in the capsule and a fixed, slow-moving position mean you have far less control here than at any spot on the riverbank.
- Best visiting hours:A sunset flight, so Big Ben and the river light up together as darkness falls.
- Tripod permissions:Not realistic inside the shared glass capsules; this is a handheld-only spot, and you'll need a ticket to board.
- Getting there:Waterloo station, about 8 minutes, or across the bridge from Westminster, about 5 minutes.
- Pro tip:Shoot from the side of the capsule facing Parliament as you near the top of the rotation, where the angle down onto Big Ben is clearest.
With fifteen options on the table, a side-by-side view makes it easier to choose.
Quick-Comparison Table
| Spot | At a Glance |
| Westminster Bridge, Centre Span | Best overall view; 2 to 3 min from Westminster |
| South Bank Underpass | The classic arch frame; 5 to 7 min from Westminster |
| Queen's Walk, South Bank | Open, spacious view; 5 to 10 min |
| St Thomas' Hospital Gardens | Quietest option; 10 min from Westminster |
| Jubilee Gardens | Good for groups; 8 to 10 min |
| County Hall Terrace | Calmer than the bridge; 10 min |
| Golden Jubilee Footbridge | Big Ben plus the London Eye; 3 to 5 min from Embankment |
| Waterloo Bridge | Wider skyline view; 5 to 7 min |
| Victoria Embankment | Best for night shots; 5 to 8 min |
| Westminster Pier | River-level view, ticketed; 1 to 2 min |
| Parliament Square | Two icons in one frame; 2 to 3 min |
| Victoria Tower Gardens | Peaceful, close-up angle; 10 to 12 min |
| Lambeth Bridge | Quiet, wide skyline; 10 to 15 min |
| Millbank Riverside Path | Compressed telephoto view; 12 to 15 min |
| London Eye Capsule | Aerial view, ticketed; 5 to 8 min |
One thing several of these spots have in common is a tripod question with a more complicated answer than a simple yes or no.
Understanding Tripod Rules Around Westminster
There isn't one single tripod law covering all of Westminster, which is exactly why competing guides give you conflicting answers.
Public highways, including Westminster Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, Lambeth Bridge, Victoria Embankment and the Golden Jubilee footbridges, generally allow personal tripod use as long as you're not blocking pedestrians. Privately managed public land, such as the Southbank Centre grounds and Jubilee Gardens, sets its own rules and can move on anything that looks commercial. The Royal Parks, which manages Victoria Tower Gardens along with St James's Park and others, publishes an official policyallowing personal and handheld photography freely, while asking tripod users and anyone shooting for professional or commercial purposes to request permission in advance.
None of this is criminal law; it's a patchwork of separate landowner policies, so enforcement comes down to whoever happens to be patrolling that day. Near the Houses of Parliament specifically, expect a noticeably higher security presence than elsewhere on this list, particularly around Parliament Square and Victoria Embankment. The practical takeaway: keep tripod setups quick and unobtrusive, and be ready to pack up and move somewhere else without an argument if asked.
Rules aside, timing your visit well will do more for your photos than almost anything else on this list.
The Best Time Of Day To Photograph Big Ben
Morning, before 9 am, gives you the softest light and the smallest crowds across nearly every spot on this list; it's the best window if you specifically want the underpass shot or the centre of Westminster Bridge without a queue.
Midday is when the most popular spots get crowded, though a short walk away from the obvious viewpoints usually turns up a quieter angle with the same view. Late afternoon and sunset both work beautifully from the South Bank, with warm light hitting the stonework of the Palace of Westminster directly.
Blue hour, the short window just after sunset when the sky turns a deep blue and the tower's illumination kicks in, is arguably the single best time on this whole list. Crowds thin out fast once the light starts to fade, even though the scene itself becomes more dramatic.
If you're pressed for time rather than choosing between all fifteen spots individually, here's how to see the best of them in about an hour.
A One-Hour Walking Loop, If You're Short On Time
You don't need a full day to cover the highlights. This loop starts and ends at Westminster station.
- Start at Westminster station and walk onto Westminster Bridge; spend about 10 minutes at the centre span.
- Cross to the South Bank and take the stairs down to the underpass; allow another 10 minutes, longer if there's a queue.
- Continue west along Queen's Walk toward St Thomas' Hospital Gardens for the quieter angle; allow 15 to 20 minutes for this stretch.
- Cross back over Westminster Bridge toward County Hall and the London Eye for a few minutes.
- Finish with a short detour to Parliament Square for the red phone box shot before heading back into the station.
You don't need to hit every spot on this list to come away with something better than the standard tourist snapshot. Two or three of them will do it.
Nearby Places Worth Combining With Your Visit
Since you're already in Westminster, a few other landmarks sit close enough to fold into the same trip, and our guide to the best views in Londoncovers plenty more spots beyond this stretch of the Thames.
The London Eye
Just across the bridge from Big Ben, the London Eye gives you both an aerial photo opportunity and a fresh angle on the tower from its own queue area.
Westminster Abbey
A short walk from Parliament Square, the Abbey adds a second major landmark to your afternoon without any extra transport.
A Thames River Cruise
Boarding from Westminster Pier gives you a moving vantage point on Big Ben that none of the fifteen land-based spots can offer.
Between the spots, the timing advice and these nearby options, you should have everything you need, but a few specific questions come up often enough to answer directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Worth Visiting Big Ben For Photos?
Yes. Even a phone shot from Westminster Bridge or the South Bank looks striking, and none of the spots on this list require a ticket or advance booking.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Big Ben For Photos?
Early morning before 9am or blue hour just after sunset give you the softest light and the thinnest crowds.
How Do You Get There?
Take the Tube to Westminster station (Jubilee, District or Circle lines); Big Ben is visible the moment you leave the station.
How Long Should You Allow?
About an hour covers a relaxed loop of three or four spots; allow longer if you want the underpass shot without a queue.
Where Are Free Locations For Photoshoots In London?
Westminster Bridge, the South Bank and Parliament Square are all free, public and unticketed, with no booking required.
What Are Some Secret Spots In London For Taking Photos Near Big Ben?
St Thomas' Hospital riverside gardens and Victoria Tower Gardens are quieter alternatives that most visitors walk straight past.
Which Location Should I Choose For A Photoshoot?
Pick based on your goal: the underpass for the classic arch shot, the South Bank for open space and better light, or Parliament Square for a British-icon combination.
What Is The Most Photographed Street In London?
Westminster Bridge is one of the strongest contenders, thanks to its unobstructed, symmetrical view of Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
Can I Use A Tripod Near Big Ben?
On the bridges and public riverside paths, generally yes, provided you're not blocking pedestrians. Privately managed land and Royal Parks sites have their own separate policies.
Is Big Ben Still Under Scaffolding?
No. The restoration finished in 2022, and the tower has been fully visible and audible since.
What's The Best Spot For A Big Ben And London Eye Photo Together?
The Golden Jubilee footbridges near Embankment give you both landmarks in a single frame.
Is Big Ben The Name Of The Tower Or The Bell?
Technically the bell. The tower is officially Elizabeth Tower, renamed in 2012 for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Where Can I Photograph Big Ben At Night?
Victoria Embankment and Westminster Bridge both work well at blue hour, when the clock faces and tower are illuminated.
What's Nearby To Combine With A Big Ben Photo?
The London Eye, Westminster Abbeyand a Thames river cruise from Westminster Pier are all within a short walk.
Do I Need A Permit To Photograph Big Ben?
No permit is needed for personal or handheld photography. Some spots, including Royal Parks land, ask for advance permission only for tripod or professional-style shoots.
Final Thoughts
Big Ben rewards a bit of planning more than almost any other landmark in London. The difference between a forgettable snapshot and a photo you actually want to print usually comes down to walking an extra five minutes past the crowd, or showing up half an hour earlier than everyone else.
Pick two or three spots from this list that match what you're after, whether that's the iconic bridge shot, the quiet garden angle, or Big Ben lit up at blue hour, and you'll come away with something better than what most visitors bring home.
Jump to
Best Places To Photograph Big Ben: 15 Spots, Best Times And Tripod Rules
Why Big Ben Is Worth Photographing
The 15 Best Places To Photograph Big Ben
Quick-Comparison Table
Understanding Tripod Rules Around Westminster
The Best Time Of Day To Photograph Big Ben
A One-Hour Walking Loop, If You're Short On Time
Nearby Places Worth Combining With Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
James Rowley
Author
James Rowley is a London-based writer and researcher covering London life, cultural geography, London travel, live London webcam pages and selected public figures across entertainment, sport, business and public life.
For over 15 years, he has focused on verified sources, first-hand local context and clear explanations that help readers understand both places and people more deeply. His work combines street-level London knowledge with careful research into career credits, media work, business interests and, where relevant, transparently explained net worth estimates.
He writes and reviews articles published on LondonWebcam.
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