Little Ben: London’s Mini Big Ben You’ve Probably Walked Past!
If you’ve ever wandered around Victoria Station, chances are you’ve walked right past one of London’s cutest hidden gems without even realizing it—Little Ben.
This charming mini replica of Big Ben has been quietly standing at the junction of Vauxhall Bridge Road and Victoria Street since 1897! But here’s the real twist—it wasn’t just built for decoration. It’s actually a symbol of friendship between France and Britain!
Let’s dive into the story behind this tiny yet fascinating London landmark.
A Mini Big Ben with a French Connection
Most people, when they think of London’s iconic clocks, immediately picture Big Ben towering over the Thames. But Little Ben? Well, he’s a bit more subtle—but just as special.
Built in 1897, Little Ben was sponsored by the French as a gift to London, a way to celebrate the strong ties between the two countries.
Fun fact: It even has a bilingual inscription in English and French!
But that’s not all—this mini clock has a unique quirk that sets it apart from its big brother…
A Time-Twisting Secret on Little Ben’s Face
Unlike Big Ben, Little Ben doesn’t always follow regular time.
During British Summer Time (BST), the clock is set an hour ahead—but the hands aren’t changed! Instead, there’s an inscription on the base explaining that “Summer Time is maintained, causing some confusion!”
Basically, it’s a little nod to the way France and Britain handle daylight savings differently—a playful gesture of cross-channel friendship.
Where to Find Little Ben & Why It’s Worth a Visit
Location: Junction of Vauxhall Bridge Road & Victoria Street
Nearest Station: Victoria Station (literally a few steps away!)
If you’re ever in the Victoria area, Little Ben is worth stopping by—not just for its quirky history, but also because it makes a fun photo spot.
Hidden Gems Nearby to Explore
Since you’re already in Victoria, here are a few other hidden gems you might want to check out:
Westminster Cathedral – Not to be confused with Westminster Abbey, this stunning cathedral has a viewing tower with incredible city views.
Eccleston Yards – A secret courtyard filled with cafés, street art, and chill vibes just a short walk from Victoria Station.
Peggy Porschen Café – One of London’s prettiest cafés, famous for its pastel-pink storefront and delicious cakes.
Walk to Buckingham Palace – If you’re up for a short stroll, you can walk to the palace in less than 10 minutes!
Final Thoughts: Is Little Ben Worth Seeing?
If you love hidden gems and quirky history, then YES—Little Ben is worth checking out!
It’s a fun little landmark with a great backstory, and since it’s right by Victoria Station, you can easily stop by before catching a train or exploring central London.
Have you ever noticed Little Ben before? Or do you know of any other hidden gems in London?