If you have ever been told to “meet me under the clock at Waterloo”, you were being directed to one of London’s most quietly iconic landmarks. Known as the Lovers’ Clock, the large timepiece above the main entrance to Waterloo Station has witnessed millions of arrivals and departures, heartfelt reunions, and final goodbyes for more than a century.

Often overlooked by commuters rushing for trains, the clock and its surrounding architecture tell a much deeper story; one that blends railway history, memorial symbolism, and cinema.

Where is the Lovers’ Clock?

The Lovers’ Clock is located above the Victory Arch entrance to Waterloo Station, facing Waterloo Road. Positioned centrally beneath the vast stone archway, it forms part of the station’s grand façade and was designed to be both practical and symbolic.

Once you know where to look, it becomes impossible to miss; yet many people pass beneath it daily without ever noticing the details above them.

Why is it called the Lovers’ Clock?

The nickname comes from its long-standing role as a meeting point. Before mobile phones, live location sharing, or instant messaging, travellers relied on clear landmarks and accurate timekeeping. The clock provided both.

Over time, it became associated with emotional moments; lovers meeting after long journeys, soldiers returning home, families reuniting, or couples parting ways. These repeated human experiences layered meaning onto a simple functional object, transforming it into a romantic symbol embedded in London’s collective memory.

Even today, despite modern technology, people still instinctively gravitate towards the clock when arranging to meet at Waterloo.

The Architecture Surrounding the Clock

The Lovers’ Clock is framed by the monumental Victory Arch, completed in 1922 and designed by architect James Robb Scott. The arch formed part of Waterloo Station’s post-First World War redevelopment and serves as a memorial as well as an entrance.

Carved into the stonework are allegorical figures and inscriptions representing victory, sacrifice, and national resilience. On either side of the arch sit sculptural reliefs marked 1914 and 1918, directly referencing the years of the First World War.

This gives the clock a dual identity; both a romantic meeting point and a feature embedded within a war memorial. Everyday life and remembrance exist side by side, a recurring theme throughout London.

The Lovers’ Clock as a Filming Location

The clock and Victory Arch have appeared in numerous films and television productions over the years. Filmmakers are drawn to the location for several reasons.

It is instantly recognisable as London, even without dialogue. The station entrance symbolises movement, anticipation, and emotional transition. Architecturally, the arch provides scale and drama, while the clock itself conveys urgency, waiting, or finality.

Scenes filmed here often involve characters meeting for the first time, saying goodbye, or making decisions that change the course of a story. The location communicates meaning visually, making it a subtle but powerful cinematic tool.

A Landmark Hidden in Plain Sight

Despite its cultural significance, the Lovers’ Clock is easy to overlook. Modern stations are fast-paced environments, and attention is usually directed towards platforms, departure boards, and timetables.

Once noticed, however, the clock changes how you experience the space. Waterloo Station becomes more than a transport hub; it becomes part of London’s emotional geography, shaped by countless personal stories layered over time.

This is a recurring theme across the city; famous landmarks that hide their meaning in plain sight.

Visiting the Lovers’ Clock Today

The Lovers’ Clock is visible from the pavement outside Waterloo Station and can be viewed at any time of day. Early morning and early evening offer particularly good light for photography, especially when the interior lighting beneath the arch begins to glow.

It remains a popular meeting point and photo location, continuing to serve the same purpose it has for generations.

Discover More London Stories on Foot



The Lovers’ Clock is a reminder that some of London’s most meaningful landmarks are not always part of a formal itinerary. They sit quietly in everyday places; waiting to be noticed.

While our walking tours do not pass through Waterloo Station, we specialise in uncovering the same kinds of overlooked details across central London; filming locations, symbolic landmarks, and stories hiding in plain sight.

If you enjoy learning about places like this, exploring London on foot is one of the best ways to understand the city more deeply.

You can explore our expert led London walking tours to discover more of London’s hidden stories.