K2 Telephone Box Parliament Square
Capture the quintessential London moment with an iconic K2 telephone box and Big Ben backdrop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
K2 Telephone Box Parliament Square
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Capture the quintessential London moment with an iconic K2 telephone box and Big Ben backdrop.
"The most popular red phone box here is the one on the edge of Parliament Square, right before you turn the corner for Parliament St."
🎯 Queue for the Best Angle
The most popular K2 box has a line, but it moves fast! Worth the wait for that classic Big Ben backdrop.
📸 Explore Nearby Boxes
Several other K2 boxes are nearby with fewer queues. Great for unique shots!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic K2 Telephone Box
Parliament Square
The quintessential red British phone booth, offering a classic London photo op with Big Ben.
Big Ben & Elizabeth Tower View
Across from Parliament Square
Frame your shot with the majestic Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) peeking over the top of the phone box.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Perfect Shot
Beyond the Main Booth
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Queue for the Best Angle
The most popular K2 box has a line, but it moves fast! Worth the wait for that classic Big Ben backdrop.
📸 Explore Nearby Boxes
Several other K2 boxes are nearby with fewer queues. Great for unique shots!
💡 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during sunrise or sunset for stunning light and fewer crowds.
🚶♂️ Walk Around
Don't just focus on one box; explore the area for different perspectives.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Queue for the Best Angle
The most popular K2 box has a line, but it moves fast! Worth the wait for that classic Big Ben backdrop.
📸 Explore Nearby Boxes
Several other K2 boxes are nearby with fewer queues. Great for unique shots!
💡 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during sunrise or sunset for stunning light and fewer crowds.
🚶♂️ Walk Around
Don't just focus on one box; explore the area for different perspectives.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the K2 telephone box at Parliament Square an iconic and essential London photo spot, especially with Big Ben in the background. While the main box can have queues, the presence of other nearby boxes offers alternatives. Some find it a bit overrated, but most agree it's a worthwhile stop for a classic souvenir photo.
"On the corner of Parliament Square and Parliament St is where you’ll find the most amount of red phone boxes in London.
Unlike the phone booths on Broad Court near Covent Garden Market, the 8 phone boxes along Parliament Square and Parliament Street are spaced far apart, which actually makes getting a photo in this busy location way easier because there’s more to go around.
The most popular red phone box here is the one on the edge of Parliament Square, right before you turn the corner for Parliament St. This one has a view of Elizabeth Tower, frequently mistaken for Big Ben
Well, on certain days, this line can be pretty long, 20-25 minutes, but I would say, have one photo with these iconic boxes. They are worth it, not for IG but in general."
Sanjay Gupta
"Cool photospot by the Big Ben, the line gets pretty long but people don't hog up the spot too long. Bit tough getting good photos depending on the time of the day (late afternoon is when we went and you get too much shadow). Bit overrated imo but do visit if you are in the area."
Woo Young Kim
"The K2 Telephone Box is an iconic symbol of British design and history. First introduced in the 1920s, this bright red telephone booth is instantly recognizable and has become a beloved part of London’s streetscape. Its timeless design, created by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, adds a touch of classic charm to the city. Though many are no longer in use as phone booths, they remain popular as nostalgic landmarks and perfect photo opportunities for tourists. The K2 Telephone Box is a true piece of London’s heritage, representing both function and style in one neat, red package."
ARMAN Rez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The K2 telephone box is easily accessible via public transport. The nearest Tube stations are Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle lines) and St. James's Park (District, Circle lines). Numerous bus routes also stop near Parliament Square.
Yes, it's located right on Parliament Square, a very prominent landmark. Look for the cluster of red phone boxes across from the Houses of Parliament.
Driving in central London can be challenging due to traffic and congestion charges. Public transport is highly recommended. Limited parking may be available but is often expensive.
Many visitors approach from Westminster Bridge for a grand view of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, then walk towards Parliament Square to find the phone boxes.
Yes, many bus routes serve Parliament Square, including routes 11, 24, 88, 148, and 211, making it very accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no ticket required to see or take photos with the K2 telephone boxes at Parliament Square. It's a public street attraction.
The K2 telephone boxes are always accessible as they are part of the public streetscape. You can visit them at any time of day or night.
Parliament Square itself is a public space and has no admission fee. You are free to wander and take photos.
Most of these historic K2 telephone boxes are no longer in active use as public payphones. They are primarily preserved for their historical and aesthetic value.
Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography in public spaces like Parliament Square. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid obstructing pedestrian traffic.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late evening (golden hour) offers the best light and fewer crowds. Midday can be harsh and busy.
Position yourself in the telephone box so that Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) is visible behind you. Experiment with angles to get the best framing.
Don't worry! There are several other K2 telephone boxes along Parliament Square and Parliament Street that are less crowded and still offer great photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens can help capture both the phone box and Big Ben. Consider using a tripod for sharper images, especially in lower light conditions.
Visiting very early in the morning or late at night significantly increases your chances of getting a photo without crowds.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend 15-30 minutes here, depending on queue times and how many photos they want to take.
You're right next to the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the Supreme Court. Parliament Square Garden is also a pleasant spot to relax.
Parliament Square is a very public and well-trafficked area, generally considered safe. However, as with any busy tourist spot, be aware of your belongings.
Public restrooms are not readily available directly at Parliament Square. You may need to visit a nearby cafe or attraction.
Take your time to admire the architecture, observe the political activity, and of course, capture that iconic phone box photo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since it's a public street, you can easily manage little ones. Consider bringing a small toy or prop to make the photo even more engaging for children. Remember that queues can form, so keeping children entertained while waiting is key. Exploring the other, less crowded boxes nearby can also be a good strategy to minimize waiting time.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different compositions. Try framing Big Ben through the phone box window, or use a wider lens to include more of the surrounding architecture. Don't overlook the less crowded boxes further down Parliament Street; they can offer unique angles and fewer distractions. A tripod can be invaluable for low-light shots and sharper images.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with other free sights in the area, such as walking around Parliament Square, admiring the Houses of Parliament from the outside, and strolling through Parliament Square Garden. It's an iconic London experience that won't cost you a penny.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic K2 Telephone Box: A Design Masterpiece
While many have been decommissioned, their cultural significance has led to their preservation. The K2 model is particularly cherished for its original design, which predates later, more utilitarian versions. Its presence at Parliament Square, with the iconic Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) as a backdrop, elevates it to a must-see landmark for many visitors.
Today, these K2 boxes serve as nostalgic reminders and popular backdrops for photographs, allowing tourists to connect with a tangible piece of British heritage. Their timeless appeal continues to draw visitors seeking that quintessential London experience.
Navigating the Parliament Square Photo Op
However, the area features multiple K2 telephone boxes. Redditors suggest that the boxes located further along Parliament Street, away from the main corner, often have significantly shorter or no queues. This provides a great alternative for capturing a similar iconic shot without the wait.
Timing is crucial for the best photos. Early mornings or late evenings offer softer light and fewer people, making it easier to get a clear shot. Midday sun can create harsh shadows, and the crowds can be overwhelming.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit