Big Ben London Photo Spots: Avoid Crowds at Night
Skip the tourist crowds and capture the perfect shot of London's iconic clock tower with these 3 secret Big Ben photo spots and night tour recommendations.
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Skip the tourist crowds and capture the perfect shot of London's iconic clock tower with these 3 secret Big Ben photo spots and night tour recommendations.
When you think of London, the iconic Big Ben clock tower is probably the first image that pops into your mind!
As one of the city's most famous landmarks, the area is constantly packed with tourists trying to snap the perfect souvenir photo.
But if you just follow the massive crowds, you might end up with photos of tourists instead of the beautiful tower itself.
That is why I did some digging to find the best photo spots loved by locals and travel photographers before my trip.
I first saw these locations featured by travel creators, and they did not disappoint. The crowds were significantly smaller than on the main bridge, allowing for a much more relaxed and creative photography experience.
Best of all, the angles from these spots make your photos look incredibly professional!
📍 Big Ben
London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
The 3 Best Photo Spots
There are three primary vantage points on the opposite side of the River Thames that offer the best views:
- Westminster Bridge Archway
- Florence Nightingale Garden
- Westminster Bridge (Late Night)
Because all of these are located across the river, I highly recommend visiting the London Eye first, hitting these photo spots in order, and then crossing Westminster Bridge to get up close!
First up is the Westminster Bridge Archway. Look for the small pedestrian tunnel stairs right next to the bridge and head down.
As you walk through, you will find a beautiful stone archway that frames Big Ben perfectly. You can stand inside the arch or sit carefully on the ledge for a classic London shot.
This spot frames the entire clock tower beautifully, and sitting on the stone ledge creates a wonderful sense of depth in your pictures.
The second spot is the Florence Nightingale Garden, located right in front of St. Thomas' Hospital.
This lovely garden features a fountain and seasonal flowerbeds, making it an excellent backdrop. It is a very popular spot for professional lifestyle and engagement shoots.
If you want Big Ben to be the main focus, stick to the bridge archway.
If you want a gorgeous portrait with a softer, scenic background, the garden is your best bet!
Finally, we have Westminster Bridge itself.
While this is the most crowded spot during the day, it is included because it gets you closest to the tower. It is perfect for capturing the massive scale of the landmark.
Instead of fighting the daytime crowds, visit late at night when the bridge empties out. The lighting is spectacular and perfect for night photography.
London at Night
Big Ben is beautiful during the day, but it is absolutely magical after sunset when the gold lights turn on. I highly recommend booking an open-top bus tour to see the illuminated city, including the London Eye and Big Ben.
🔻Book Your London Night Bus Tour Below🔻
Book London Night Tour Bus Here
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The Big Ben photo spots recommended in the article are the Bridge Arch Photo Zone, Florence Nightingale Garden, and Westminster Bridge. Since they are all located across from Big Ben, it is recommended to visit them in order after taking a London Eye tour.
It is recommended to stand at the arch-shaped entrance that appears after passing through a small tunnel under the bridge, or to sit on the edge of the bridge. From this location, you can capture a photo with Big Ben fully in view.
Late at night when there are fewer people is better than the crowded afternoon hours. If you visit during this time, you can take beautiful night view photos while looking directly at Big Ben right in front of you.
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