Victoria Tower

Victoria Tower featuring heritage architecture
Victoria Tower
Victoria Tower featuring heritage elements and a garden
Victoria Tower featuring heritage elements and a river or creek
Victoria Tower featuring heritage elements


Bring your family to the adjacent gardens and playground of this Gothic masterpiece that plays a key role in the U.K.’s parliamentary history.

The tall Gothic features of the 19th-century Victoria Tower can be seen rising above the riverside cityscape in central London. Home to the Parliamentary Archives, the tower hoists an iron flagpole that announces whether the ruling monarch is present. Stand in front of the tower and gaze up for a sense of its sheer size.

Designed to hold the historic records of the British Parliament, the tower was completed in May of 1860. It was one of the final additions to the new incarnation of the Palace of Westminster that replaced an older building destroyed by fire 26 years earlier.

Capture photos of the enormous arch at the tower’s base, harboring a black-and-gold railing and rows of stained-glass windows. Marvel at the intricate carvings adorning the four sides of the square tower. Above this entrance archway are the floors containing parchment scrolls dating back to 1497. It is said the largest of these scrolls is 1,132 feet (345 meters) long when unfurled.

Notice the large octagonal hole in the vaulted ceiling of the entrance arch. It was used to pull heavy items up to the higher levels of the tower.

Bring supplies for a picnic on the grassy Victoria Tower Gardens, which is flanked by rows of trees and dominated by a view of the tower itself. The park contains several memorials on the theme of freedom.

Study the Buxton Memorial that pays tribute to the abolition of slavery and admire the Burghers of Calais work by renowned French artist Auguste Rodin. Let your kids frolic around the dance chimes, water feature and sandpit of the Horseferry Playground.

Victoria Tower rises from the southwestern corner of the Palace of Westminster in the center of London. Arrive by Tube to the stations of St. James Park, Westminster or Lambeth North, which enclose the River Thames. Explore the area for such sights as Westminster Abbey, Lambeth Palace and the Imperial War Museums.

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Things to do near Victoria Tower

Victoria Tower offers a delightful mix of activities, including theatre performances, art exhibitions, and shopping opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the local culture through an online tour, allowing them to explore the area's rich history and vibrant atmosphere from the comfort of their homes. Whether you're after a captivating show or a unique shopping experience, Victoria Tower has something to satisfy every tourist's interests.

Shopping

Discover Borough Market, a vibrant public market just 1.2km from Victoria Tower, offering local delicacies and artisan gifts. Harrods, also 1.2km away, is a renowned store perfect for luxury shopping. For a mix of business and entertainment vibes, visit the Royal Exchange, located 1.2km from your base.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, a vibrant sports facility, offers thrilling events and a lively atmosphere just 3.7km from Victoria Tower. For musical entertainment, the ABBA Arena, located 3.1km away, promises unforgettable performances. For relaxation, Hampstead Heath, also 3.1km distant, provides tranquil green spaces and scenic views.

Adventure

For an adventurous experience near Victoria Tower, soar above the Thames on the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 3.7km away. Alternatively, challenge yourself at Vertical Chill climbing wall, a mere 559m away, or race friends at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 1.2km away.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Victoria Tower is vibrant and diverse, with the London Eye offering thrilling views and family fun just 249m away. Nearby, the London Dungeon combines entertainment and culture, while Cine Lumiere, 373m distant, provides a romantic cinematic experience.

Find the best attractions near Victoria Tower

Victoria Tower offers a delightful mix of attractions for all types of visitors, from cultural enthusiasts to families. Explore the stunning Victoria Tower itself, including its impressive interior and the nearby clock tower. Enjoy leisurely strolls through the charming streets, vibrant piazzas, and serene urban parks in the area. With its blend of historical significance and modern city life, there's plenty to see and do in and around Victoria Tower.

  • Big Ben: Located a mere 124m from Victoria Tower, Big Ben is not only an iconic clock tower but also a symbol of London. Its impressive Victorian Gothic architecture and the rhythmic chimes provide a quintessential London experience, surrounded by vibrant city life.
  • Piccadilly Circus: About 559m from Victoria Tower, Piccadilly Circus is a bustling junction known for its bright lights and lively atmosphere. This iconic street is a hub of activity, offering a blend of entertainment, shopping, and dining, making it a must-visit for any tourist.
  • Buckingham Palace: Just 435m away, Buckingham Palace is a historic royal residence. With its stunning façade and rich history, visitors can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, immersing themselves in British culture and royal heritage.

Best time to go to Victoria Tower

The best time to visit Victoria Tower can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Victoria Tower falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Victoria Tower falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Victoria Tower

To save money on your trip to Victoria Tower, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Sundays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly hotels and sort by price for the best deals. Combining your hotel with flights and activities can also lead to significant savings. Additionally, explore free attractions in the area to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Victoria Tower are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Victoria Tower is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Victoria Tower is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Victoria Tower is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most economical options and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Victoria Tower with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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