Big Ben

Big Ben is the name of the largest bell inside 'The Clock Tower' and is part of the Houses of Parliament in London. The whole tower has popularly become known as Big Ben, and is one of the most iconic landmarks of the London skyline. At night Big Ben's four gigantic illuminated dials can be seen from across London, and has been featured in countless films and books. Big Ben continues to chime the hour to this day, and the chimes are broadcast by radio and television stations to mark New Year and Remembrance Day.

Big Ben is located at the north east end of the Houses of Parliament building in Westminster, London. The official name of the building is the Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster. It got its nickname from the 13.8 tonne bell which hangs inside the tower, although the bell's official name is the Great Bell. There are four further bells inside the Belfry.

The tower of Big Ben was designed by Charles Barry and Sir George Airey, while Edmund Denison designed the clock itself. The faces and dials were designed by Augustus Pugin, and it was heard ringing for the first time in 1859.

Whilst the Tower of London is a much more famous London prison, Big Ben has also served a similar function. Members of Parliament who misbehave during debates can be imprisoned in the Clock Tower Prison Room, although this has not happened since 1880.

Big Ben is not open to the general public, but UK residents can arrange a visit to the top of the Clock Tower through their local Member of Parliament. The 334 steps visitors must climb to reach the Belfry are not for the faint-hearted - you might prefer to enjoy the view from outside the tower. The nearest tube station for Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament is Westminster.    

The Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament, sometimes known as the Palace of Westminster or Westminster Palace, is one of London's most famous visitor attractions. Home to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, it is here that the House of Lords and the House of Commons meet when parliament is in session. The Houses of Parliament and the adjacent Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Houses of Parliament are situated on the north bank of the River Thames in Westminster. The building was designed by Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin after the original building was destroyed by a fire in 1834.

The Houses of Parliament contain almost 1,200 rooms, 100 staircases and over 3 kilometres of corridors. In August and September, when Parliament is not sitting, you can book a tour of the Houses of Parliament. Tours take 75 minutes and are open to UK residents and overseas visitors. You can also watch debates, committees, or judicial hearings from the public galleries. UK residents can request tickets in advance from their MP and both UK residents and overseas visitors can queue for admission on the day. When Parliament is sitting, UK residents can apply to their MP for a guided tour.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of London's most famous buildings and attracts over a million visitors a year. This working church is a treasure trove of paintings, stained glass, pavements, textiles, tombs, and other artefacts, and it contains the medieval shrine of an Anglo-Saxon saint.

Since 1066, Westminster Abbey has been the official coronation church where the kings and queens of England are crowned. Between Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament lies St. Margaret's Church, known as the parish church of the House of Commons, and since 1681 a pew has been reserved for the Speaker of the House.

Westminster Abbey is sometimes referred to as the Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster. Its history dates back to 616 AD when a shrine was created on the site after a fisherman had a vision of St. Peter. King Henry III began construction of the present Westminster Abbey buildings in 1245, and you can see his tomb and those of many other monarchs in the Abbey.

Westminster Abbey is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday with a range of multilingual audio and guided tours available. You can attend mass in the Abbey or hear the famous choir of St. Margaret's. The nearest tube stations for Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's are Westminster and St. James's Park.    

Radisson Edwardian hotels in this area

If you're looking for a Radisson Edwardian hotel in London that's close to Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, or Westminster Abbey, you'll be spoilt for choice.

The Mayfair is a 5 star hotel located in Stratton Street in London's exclusive Mayfair. This historic building, opened by King George V in 1927, recently underwent a £70 million refurbishment. The result is an oasis of contemporary chic, with sofas and chairs by Fendi, chandeliers by Baccarat, and paintings from St Petersburg. The May Fair is superbly located for the sights of London and is close to Green Park tube station. It also has its own attractions in the form of the award-winning Amba Bar and Grill, the May Fair Bar and the Palm Beach Casino. The Mayfair is equipped with a luxury spa, complimentary wireless broadband and a 24 hour business centre, so whether you're planning a trip for business or pleasure, this hotel is sure to please. 

The Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel is a 5 star hotel in Leicester Square, the heart of London's theatreland. It offers grandeur and comfort, with mahogany-panelled walls, classic art, and bedrooms decorated with English fabrics and marble. The Hampshire's location, on the corner of Leicester Square, makes it an excellent base for exploring London, and it has a lively bar and restaurant serving the finest modern British and Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel has complimentary wireless Internet access, a 24 hour business centre and a fitness centre, so whether you're in London to work or to play, the Hampshire makes the perfect place to stay. 
                                      
The Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is a new 4 star hotel in St. Martin's Street, just off Leicester Square. Tucked away in a quiet backstreet, this intimate boutique hotel offers all the benefits of a central location just off London's theatreland. Its luxurious rooms offer sleek black slate bathrooms, Bang & Olufsen plasma TVs, and beautiful Baccarat lighting. The hotel has a bar and restaurant, a fitness centre, a 24 hour business centre, 24 hour room service and complimentary wireless internet access. If you're looking for a relaxing hideaway in a central location, the Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is the one for you.

The Radisson Edwardian Mountbatten Hotel is a 4 star hotel in Seven Dials, Covent Garden. This discreet, boutique hotel is a byword for understated elegance, and its public areas feature silk chenille fabrics, 'leopard' hide chairs, Phillipe Hurel chocolate leather sofas and a collection of framed Japanese artefacts. The Mountbatten has a business centre, fitness centre and complimentary wireless access. The hotel's deluxe facilities and prime location make it the perfect London base for the business or leisure traveller.

Save money on London visitor attractions

With our 'Let loose in London' scheme, you get a discounted hotel package at a London Radisson Edwardian hotel of your choice, plus exclusive special offers and discounts at some of London's finest galleries, theatres, restaurants and tourist attractions.