Visit the Big Ben Clock Tower in London

Big Ben is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see attraction for first-time visitors, families, history lovers, and anyone exploring Westminster. Located beside the Houses of Parliament on the River Thames, it offers one of the most memorable sightseeing moments in the city. Officially, “Big Ben” refers to the Great Bell inside Elizabeth Tower, not the tower itself.

For guests staying at The Edward Hotel in Paddington, visiting Big Ben is simple thanks to excellent London Underground links from Paddington and nearby stations. The hotel’s central location makes it a smart base for exploring Big Ben, Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Westminster, and other famous London attractions.

Why Visit Big Ben in London?

This would be incomplete without the visit to the iconic Big Ben Clock Tower, next to the Houses of Parliament. Standing near it, Big Ben is one of the UK’s most recognized symbols, and every visitor makes time to visit it. Be it walking on the bank of the River Thames or roaming down Westminster, the sound of Big Ben’s chimes also adds some magical timelessness to your London trip.  If you’re exploring the area, you’ll also find a range of hotels near Bayswater Station, making it easy to enjoy the charm of this area and its surroundings at your leisure.

British Heritage Symbol

“What is commonly known as ‘Big Ben’ is actually the name designated to the Great Bell housed in the Elizabeth Tower,” explains the Common Press. The tower itself was completed in 1859 and quite deservedly shall be treated as a lasting symbol of London. It stands at more than 96 meters tall, has beautiful Gothic Revival architecture, and, even more than a century old, manages to keep time remarkably accurately.

Big Ben would be especially brilliant at night when it would cast a golden tint over the nearby Parliament buildings and the Thames River. Great for photography fans and marvels of history buffs and casual tourists alike. 

What to Find When Visiting

Although the interior of the tower is not expected to be visited by international visitors, there will still be much to photograph in its vicinity. From the wonderful Abbey at Westminster to the sparkling London Eye, and of course the quaint South Bank, the area around Big Ben is certainly not lacking in attractions. And don’t forget also to time your visits at the hour just to hear Big Ben chime.

Nearby Attractions Around Big Ben

When visiting Big Ben, you can also explore several famous London landmarks nearby:

• Houses of Parliament
• Westminster Abbey
• Parliament Square
• River Thames
• London Eye
• South Bank
• Westminster Bridge

Westminster Underground Station is directly across the road from Big Ben and is served by the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines, making the area easy to reach by public transport.

Updated Visitor Information for Big Ben

Big Ben is a permanent London landmark, so there are no seasonal event dates required for this blog. Visitors can view the tower externally throughout the year from Westminster and the surrounding public areas.

Official Big Ben tours are available through UK Parliament and include access to Elizabeth Tower. The official tour is suitable for visitors aged 11 and over and involves climbing more than 300 steps, so guests should check suitability and ticket availability before planning an internal visit.

Location

Big Ben / Elizabeth Tower
Palace of Westminster, Westminster, London SW1A 0AA

Nearest Tube Station

Westminster Station — Jubilee, District, and Circle lines.

How to reach it from Edward Hotel

If you stay at Edward Hotel in Paddington, you are in a great location, as this historical clock tower is just about 3.2 miles from the hotel. A short ride on the London Underground will be easy, and so would a pleasant walk through Hyde Park and central London, making visiting the monument a sure possibility for a morning or afternoon.

Suggested Travel Option

From The Edward Hotel, guests can travel from Paddington towards Westminster using London Underground connections. The journey is convenient for a morning sightseeing trip, an afternoon visit, or an evening walk around Westminster and the Thames.

Where to Stay When Visiting Big Ben

Choosing a hotel in central London can make your Big Ben visit much easier. The Edward Hotel in Paddington is a practical option for travellers who want value, comfort, and strong transport links without staying directly in the busiest tourist zones.

The hotel is well suited for:

• Solo travellers looking for a convenient central base
• Couples planning sightseeing around Westminster, Hyde Park, and Oxford Street
• Families who want easy access to London attractions
• Business guests needing transport links across the city
• Short-stay visitors arriving through Paddington or Heathrow connections

Guests can enjoy clean and comfortable en-suite rooms, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and 24-hour reception support.

What to Consider While Choosing Your Stay

1. Location and Transport Links

When visiting Big Ben, choose a hotel with easy access to Underground stations and main transport hubs. Paddington is especially useful because it connects well across London and offers direct Heathrow Airport access.

2. Value for Money

London accommodation can be expensive, especially near major landmarks. Staying at The Edward Hotel gives guests a central London location with essential amenities at a more budget-conscious price point.

3. Nearby Attractions

A good hotel should make it easy to visit more than one attraction in a day. From Paddington, guests can explore Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Kensington, Bayswater, Lancaster Gate, and Westminster with ease.

4. Comfort After Sightseeing

After walking around Westminster, the South Bank, and central London, returning to a clean and comfortable room makes a big difference. The Edward Hotel offers simple, reliable comfort for guests who want a practical base.

5. 24-Hour Support

A 24-hour reception is useful for late arrivals, early departures, and guests who need local travel guidance during their stay.

Why Book Your Stay at The Edward Hotel?

The Edward Hotel offers a convenient stay in Paddington for guests who want to explore London’s top landmarks without compromising on value. Its location near Paddington Station makes it easy to reach Big Ben, Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Kensington, and other popular areas across London.

Whether you are visiting London for sightseeing, shopping, business, or a short city break, The Edward Hotel provides a comfortable and affordable base in central London.

Key Guest Benefits

• Central Paddington location
• Short walk from Paddington Station
• Direct Heathrow Airport connections nearby
• Comfortable en-suite rooms
• Free Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Daily housekeeping
• 24-hour reception
• Easy access to Big Ben, Hyde Park, Oxford Street, and Westminster

Conclusion 

Big Ben is not merely that but part of living British history, a beautiful piece of architectural symbolism, and an exclamation mark on the nation’s pride. Be it your first time in the city or a return trip to it, standing before Big Ben will leave an indelible impression on you. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the Edward Hotel near Hyde Park, an ideal place from which to explore all the top sights in the area, for convenient and comfortable accommodation.