Whitehall Stairs, Victoria Embankment, London, SW1A 2HR
Royal Air Force Memorial
Battle & memorial
Place photograph
3.3
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
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Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
3.3A gilded RAF eagle crowns this 1923 memorial on the Thames, commemorating the sacrifices made by air force personnel.
This is a brief heritage stop rather than a wild landscape destination. Its appeal lies in the distinctive riverside setting and the bronze eagle above a nationally significant memorial to the RAF.
Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapWhitehall Stairs, Victoria Embankment, London, SW1A 2HR
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
A short stop to view the memorial, read its inscription and consider its setting beside the Thames. It can also be included on a wider Westminster walk.
Things to do
Look for the gilded eagle
The supplied walking-tour source identifies a golden eagle atop the memorial’s obelisk as its most conspicuous feature.
Read the RAF motto
The walking-tour source identifies the motto as “Per ardua ad astra” and translates it as “through struggle to the stars”.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
A riverside memorial stop
- 01
Visit the memorial at Whitehall Stairs on Victoria Embankment.
- 02
Look up to the gilded eagle and read the memorial’s inscription.
Verified history
Historic England records this as a war memorial unveiled in 1923, designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield with bronze sculpture by Sir William Reid Dick. It is listed at Grade II* and described as the national memorial to the Royal Air Force erected after the First World War. Historic England says it bears witness to the sacrifices of air force personnel in twentieth-century conflicts.
Hidden details
The RAF motto — A walking-tour source says the memorial carries “Per ardua ad astra”, translated there as “through struggle to the stars”.
The sculptor and architect — The memorial’s bronze sculpture is by Sir William Reid Dick, and its architecture is by Sir Reginald Blomfield.
When to go
· No specific time is recommended by the supplied sources.
The supplied sources do not identify a seasonal reason to visit.
Check conditions before visiting; no weather-specific guidance is available in the supplied sources.
What to look for
The gilded eagle at the top of the memorial and the RAF motto, Per ardua ad astra, described by the supplied walking-tour source.
The story
War & battle
Best time to go
Any season; the supplied sources do not identify a particular seasonal advantage.
No particular time of day is identified by the supplied sources. Check access before setting out.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Walkers
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
The memorial is located at Whitehall Stairs on Victoria Embankment. Public access arrangements are not confirmed by the supplied sources; check before visiting. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance, but this is not independently confirmed by the supplied research. Check before visiting.
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Cost
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Water
River
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Royal Air Force Memorial
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
