The Houses of Parliament are amongst the most identifiable attractions of London. Perched directly on the River Thames, which runs through central London, The Houses of Parliament and especially the clock tower (Big Ben is actually the bell rather than the clock or tower itself) has become an iconic symbol of London.
The Houses of Parliament were rebuilt between 1840 and 1870 in the Perpendicular Gothic style after a fire destroyed the previous Palace in 1837.
View of the London Eye on the banks of the River Thames in central London
Detail of the London Eye with Big Ben in the background
Fifteen things no visitor to London should miss
15 food, antiques and clothing markets in London worth visiting
Troops being mustered for the open carriage procession for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II
Royal salute for the Household Cavalry at the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II in an open top carriage in Whitehall, London to commerate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II in an open carriage procession to Buckingham Palace to commerate the Diamond Jubilee
London - 15 things not to miss - Fifteen things no visitor to London should miss
London - view of the Thames and the London Eye - View of the London Eye on the banks of the River Thames in central London
London - The London Eye in front of Big Ben - Detail of the London Eye with Big Ben in the background
London markets - 15 of the best markets - 15 food, antiques and clothing markets in London worth visiting
Diamond Jubilee - Mustering the troops - Troops being mustered for the open carriage procession for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II
Diamond Jubilee - Royal Salute - Royal salute for the Household Cavalry at the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II
London - Queen Elizabeth II at the Diamond Jubilee carriage procession - Queen Elizabeth II in an open top carriage in Whitehall, London to commerate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II
London - Queen Elizabeth II in an open carriage - Queen Elizabeth II in an open carriage procession to Buckingham Palace to commerate the Diamond Jubilee
London - Christmas lights on Oxford Street - Christmas lights on Oxford Street in central London
London - Fountains at Trafalgar Square - Fountains lit at night at Trafalgar Square in central London
City of Westminster - Official website of the City of Westminster
Mark Sukhija is a travel and wine blogger, photographer, tourism researcher, hat-touting, white-shirt-wearing, New Zealand fantatic and eclipse chaser. Aside from at least annual visits to New Zealand, Mark has seen eclipses in South Australia (2002), Libya (2006), China (2009) and Queensland (2012). After twelve years in Switzerland, Mark moved back to London in 2012. You can follow Mark on Twitter or Facebook