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Exploring the musical legacy of Big Ben in London

Big Ben, often associated with the iconic clock tower, also holds a place in music history. This tradition started in the mid-19th century with the installation of its great clock. The sound of Big Ben became symbolic of British resilience, especially during wartime broadcasts. Select Recording Studios brings this information together, helping listeners, fans, locals, and travellers appreciate Big Ben’s musical legacy.

This page supports our content about nearby attractions. You can also dive deeper into British Museum, explore Bevis Marks Synagogue, and check out our guide to London Recording Studios.
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    London boasts many music attractions. The Royal Albert Hall hosts diverse performances. Covent Garden often features street musicians. Abbey Road Studios is a must-visit for Beatles fans.

    To make the most of your visit, check local listings for live performances. Explore record shops in Soho for rare finds. Attend community music events in nearby parks. Enjoy the vibrant music scene that London has to offer.

    Big Ben's musical history sets the stage for an exciting range of events. These events offer a closer look at its cultural importance. They connect past traditions with present experiences for everyone to enjoy.

    Hear from those who have crafted their sound with us

    We had a great time recording our debut EP in Select Studios with Paul Miles.
    Paul is focused on delivering what you want and has some great creative ideas that help to enhance your music.
    He is flexible and encouraging and makes sure you take away top quality professional sounding tracks. He is fast paced, knows his stuff and is very passionate about music.
    We read all the positive reviews beforehand and we were definitely not disappointed, Paul is the best at what he does and we will be back!

    The Notorious Lightbulbs

    The Notorious Lightbulbs

    We spent a fabulous 4 hours with Paul in the studio recording vocals for 3 tracks.
    Paul's great to work with, very friendly and very knowledgeable.
    Really pleased with the final tracks. Super birthday treat for my eldest!
    Highly recommended.

    Kim Hember

    From the moment we arrived Paul put us at ease. He quickly made a point of finding out as much about us as he could, and then spent the rest of the day talking around those subjects. It was as if he'd met us before. For that day he became one of the band. He had a really good way of working and the relaxed atmosphere got the best out of us. He then painstakingly went about mixing our recording, checking every detail. This was done so well you could easily hear the difference. We recorded two tracks and he was so efficient we had the finished articles in our possession as we left. I would have no hesitation in using him again or recommending others use him. Well worth the time and effort. Thanks so much

    Dermot Brannigan
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    Uncovering London's musical traditions and events

    Big Ben is more than just a historical landmark; it plays host to a variety of music-related events and activities that highlight its cultural significance.

    New Year's Eve Bell Chimes:
    Each year, crowds gather near Big Ben to hear its iconic chimes ring in the New Year. This tradition is a must-hear experience for visitors and locals alike.

    Remembrance Day Ceremonies:
    The solemn tolling of Big Ben marks the beginning and end of national services held in honour of those who have served in the armed forces. The bells provide a poignant backdrop to these ceremonies.

    London Open House Festival:
    This event occasionally includes tours that explore the history of Big Ben's bells and clock tower, offering insights into the musical and architectural design.

    Special Chime Performances:
    On select occasions, such as royal events or national celebrations, Big Ben's bells perform special sequences that differ from the usual hourly chimes.

    Cultural Heritage Walks:
    These guided tours often discuss the musical significance of Big Ben within the broader context of London's rich history.

    Getting to Big Ben is crucial for enjoying its musical offerings. Easy access lets fans, locals, and tourists experience events without hassle. Knowing transport options helps you make the most of your visit.

    Navigating London’s cultural heart with ease

    Reaching Big Ben and nearby cultural spots is simple with multiple transport options available. Here are the key transport links that make your visit convenient:

    Westminster Underground Station:
    Located just steps away from Big Ben, this station is served by the Jubilee, Circle, and District lines, providing easy access from across London.

    Waterloo Station:
    As a major railway hub, Waterloo offers both national rail services and Underground connections via the Northern, Jubilee, and Bakerloo lines. It's a short walk across the river to reach Big Ben.

    Embankment Station:
    Situated along the Circle, District, Northern, and Bakerloo lines, this station provides another nearby option for reaching Big Ben and the surrounding area.

    Charing Cross Station:
    This station offers national rail services and is connected to the Underground via the Northern and Bakerloo lines, just a short walk from cultural sites.

    Westminster Pier:
    For a more scenic route, the river buses stop at Westminster Pier, offering a boat ride along the Thames with views of London’s skyline.

    With these convenient transport links, getting to Big Ben and other music and cultural venues is straightforward, ensuring you make the most of your visit.

    Your guide to navigating London’s music scene and cultural experiences

    Central London offers a variety of excellent music venues. The Royal Albert Hall hosts grand performances, appealing to both classical and contemporary music fans. Nearby, you can also find smaller, intimate venues that let you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of The Great Clock and other iconic locations.
    Near many concert halls, you’ll find diverse local eateries. From street food markets to upscale dining, there's something to satisfy every palate. A short walk could bring you to hidden gems where you can enjoy a meal while listening to the distant melodies of the Westminster Chimes.
    Evenings and weekends are prime times for live shows. Many venues host events to accommodate both locals and tourists. These times allow you to fully experience London’s nightlife, which is as iconic as the London Timepiece itself.
    Public transport is the most convenient way to get around, with Underground stations close to most venues. If driving, check ahead for parking options, as spaces can be limited. Taking public transport ensures you don’t miss out on events, such as listening to the Tower Bell Sounds during your visit.
    Besides concert venues, add the British Museum and National Gallery to your itinerary to round out your cultural experience. Explore historical landmarks and enjoy the varied flavours of London’s art and history. These sites are all within reach, just a stone’s throw from the Capital Clock Tower.
    Now that you've explored London's music and cultural venues, it's time to dive into creating music. Select Recording Studios can be your next stop for crafting unique sounds. Its location, convenient from central London with a postcode of NW10, makes it easy to connect your musical journey.

    Discovering the legacy of Select Recording Studios

    Select Recording Studios has been an essential part of London's music scene for many years. Founded by a group of passionate musicians, the studio opened its doors to artists seeking a space to create and record their music. Over time, it became known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to providing quality sound and services.

    The studio played a role in producing tracks for various artists, spanning multiple genres. Its state-of-the-art equipment attracted both new and established musicians, making it a favourite spot in the city. The studios helped many artists bring their musical visions to life, and this legacy continues today.

    Located conveniently in NW10, Select Recording Studios remains a hub for creativity and collaboration. Its rich history is reflected in the diverse array of music produced within its walls. For anyone looking to lay down tracks in a professional environment, the studio offers an ideal setting that bridges tradition with innovation.

    Mapping your journey to Select Recording Studios

    Travelling from Big Ben to Select Recording Studios is straightforward and can be part of your London adventure. Start your journey by heading to Westminster Station and taking the Jubilee Line towards Waterloo. Then, switch to the Northern Line towards King's Cross St. Pancras and transfer to the Piccadilly Line, which will take you to Wood Green Station. From there, it's just a short walk to reach the studios. This easy route allows you to move seamlessly from exploring musical history to making your own.

    To see your route from Big Ben to Select Recording Studios, check the map below. You can also find the studio's opening hours and customer reviews on their Google Business Profile.
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