Clocktower

The Clocktower stands as one of London's most recognisable landmarks, though most visitors know it by its nickname rather than its official name. You can't actually go inside - it's Parliament's working timepiece, not a museum - but the exterior is worth a proper look if you're in the area. The neo-Gothic tower rises dramatically above the Thames, best viewed from Westminster Bridge where you get the full architectural impact without the crowds that swarm the front entrance.

Historians will appreciate the craftsmanship on display here. Built in the 1850s, it's a masterclass in Victorian engineering, and the detailing repays close inspection. Photography obsessives will spend longer than you'd think finding the right angle - early morning light from the south side works well. Kids tend to lose interest after ten minutes unless they're into clocks, which most aren't.

This isn't a destination in itself; it's a stop on a walk around Westminster. Allow fifteen minutes for a proper look and a few photos. Come early to beat the tourist masses, or late afternoon when the light turns golden. It works perfectly as part of a broader Parliament and Whitehall circuit.

If you're basing yourself at Lovat Parks three and a half miles south, you're well positioned for central London trips. The Clocktower is free to view from outside, reachable by the Circle or District line to Westminster, then a five-minute walk. Worth seeing? Yes, but don't make a journey solely for it.