Trafalgar Square, A400, London
Nelson’s Column
Battle & memorial
Place photograph
5.3
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Check
Cost
Grand
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.3Nelson’s Column was erected in 1843 to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson. Bronze lions designed by Sir Edwin Landseer were added at its base in 1867.
A landmark of national remembrance rather than a wild landscape: the column is most worthwhile as part of a closer look at Trafalgar Square’s memorials, fountains and civic history.
Grand · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapTrafalgar Square, A400, London
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Take a short look around Nelson’s Column and the surrounding square. The supplied official source also identifies its fountains, statues and Imperial Measures; check current visitor information before setting out.
Things to do
Look closely at Landseer’s lions
See the bronze lions designed by Sir Edwin Landseer, placed at the base of Nelson’s Column in 1867.
Find the Imperial Measures
Look for the Imperial Measures set into the north terrace wall; the Greater London Authority dates their installation to 1876.
Explore the square’s fountains and statues
The Greater London Authority identifies fountains and statues among the square’s features. Check current visitor information for any event-related changes.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
Quick look at the column and square
- 01
Visit Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square.
- 02
Look at the bronze lions at its base.
- 03
Take in the square’s fountains and other statues.
Half day · Allow a longer visit; exact duration not established
Explore Trafalgar Square’s details
- 01
Start at Nelson’s Column and look closely at the bronze lions.
- 02
Explore the fountains and statues around the square.
- 03
Find the Imperial Measures set into the north terrace wall.
- 04
Check the Greater London Authority’s visitor information for current facilities and access details.
Verified history
The Greater London Authority says the area now occupied by much of Trafalgar Square was once the Great Mews courtyard serving Whitehall Palace. The site was officially named Trafalgar Square in 1830. Nelson’s Column, designed by William Railton, was erected in 1843; Sir Edwin Landseer designed the bronze lions placed at its base in 1867. Imperial Measures were set into the north terrace wall in 1876. The square is also used for rallies and demonstrations.
Hidden details
Imperial Measures in the north terrace wall — The measures were installed in 1876. Look for them in the north terrace wall.
When to go
· No source-supported recommendation; check for events or demonstrations before visiting.
The supplied sources do not establish a seasonal advantage.
Check the forecast before visiting; no site-specific weather guidance was supplied.
Worth pairing with
National Gallery
The Greater London Authority says Trafalgar Square is linked to the National Gallery by its pedestrianised north terrace. Check the gallery’s own visitor information before planning a visit.
What to look for
- 01
The bronze lions designed by Sir Edwin Landseer
- 02
the square’s fountains and statues
- 03
the Imperial Measures set into the north terrace wall.
The story
War & battle
Best time to go
No season-specific recommendation is supported by the supplied sources.
No best time of day is established by the supplied sources. Check for events or demonstrations before visiting.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
In Trafalgar Square, which is managed by the Greater London Authority. Check current visitor information for access details and any event-related restrictions.
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Parking
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Toilets
The Greater London Authority page reports public toilets in Trafalgar Square; check current visitor information.
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Food & drink
The Greater London Authority page reports a café in Trafalgar Square; check current visitor information.
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The Greater London Authority reports a lift for disabled access as part of the square’s 2003 transformation. This does not establish the accessibility of every area or current facilities; check before visiting.
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Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Nelson’s Column
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
