Queen Mary’s Gardens, The Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NR
Triton and Dryads Fountain
Strange monument
Place photograph
4.5
Wildland
Under 1 hour
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Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
4.5A bronze sea god sounds his conch above two water nymphs and twisting fish, at the heart of a circular stone basin. Designed by William McMillan in 1936, the fountain was installed in 1950 as a memorial to park benefactor Sigismund Goetze.
A small, distinctive heritage stop in the landscaped heart of Regent’s Park: the fountain brings sculpture, mythology and the story of a generous local benefactor together in one carefully composed garden setting.
Atmospheric · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapQueen Mary’s Gardens, The Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NR
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The experience
A short stop to see the bronze sculpture and read its dedication, with the option to extend your visit around Queen Mary’s Gardens and Regent’s Park’s other monuments.
Things to do
Study the bronze figures
Look for Triton blowing his conch, the two nereids beside him and fish woven through the composition.
10–15 minutes
Read the basin dedication
Find the inscription commemorating Sigismund Christian Hubert Goetze as a painter, lover of the arts and benefactor of the park.
5 minutes
Continue to other park monuments
The Royal Parks’ monuments guide also describes the Griffin Tazza and the Ready Money drinking fountain, offering a nearby extension for visitors interested in sculpture and park history.
30–60 minutes
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
A close look at the fountain
- 01
Visit the fountain in Queen Mary’s Gardens during park gate hours.
- 02
Look closely at Triton, the two nereids and the fish in the bronze sculpture.
- 03
Read the dedication around the basin to learn who the fountain commemorates.
Half day · Half day
Fountain, gardens and park monuments
- 01
Begin at the Triton and Dryads Fountain in Queen Mary’s Gardens.
- 02
Explore the gardens; in June or July, the Royal Parks highlights the rose display.
- 03
Continue through Regent’s Park to seek out other listed park monuments, such as the Griffin Tazza and Ready Money drinking fountain.
- 04
Check current park food and drink information if you would like a break.
Verified history
The fountain was designed by William Macmillan in 1936 but not erected until 1950. Historic England records that it was donated to Queen Mary’s Gardens by Sigismund Goetze and is Grade II listed; its bronze Triton is flanked by two nereids and interwoven fish. The inscription around the basin commemorates Goetze, who died in 1939. The Royal Parks describes the fountain as one of Regent’s Park’s notable monuments.
Folklore & legend
The sculpture draws on Greek mythology: Triton, son of Poseidon, is associated with the sea and the conch shell. This is the mythological subject of the artwork, not a local legend about the fountain.
Hidden details
The dedication around the basin — The stone rim carries a memorial inscription to Goetze, identifying him as a painter, lover of the arts and benefactor of the park.
A design delayed by war — The design dates to 1936, but the fountain was not erected until 1950. The gap between design and installation is part of the monument’s documented story.
When to go
June · July · During pedestrian gate hours; check current park information before setting out.
The Royal Parks highlights the sight and scent of 40,000 roses in Queen Mary’s Gardens in June and July. The fountain’s sculptural and historical interest is not limited to those months.
Check current park conditions and access information before visiting.
Worth pairing with
Other Regent’s Park monuments
The Royal Parks guide includes the Griffin Tazza and Ready Money drinking fountain, which can extend a visit focused on the park’s sculpture and memorials.
Queen Mary’s Gardens
The fountain sits within Queen Mary’s Gardens; the Royal Parks recommends the gardens for their roses, especially in June and July.
What to look for
- 01
Notice Triton’s conch shell, the two nereids and the interwoven fish
- 02
then look for the inscription around the stone basin commemorating Sigismund Goetze.
The story
Literature
Best time to go
June–July for the rose displays in Queen Mary’s Gardens; the fountain can be visited at other times, subject to park access.
Visit during park gate hours. For the garden setting, June and July bring the Royal Parks’ reported display of 40,000 roses in Queen Mary’s Gardens.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Photographers · Walkers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 8am-8pm
- Tuesday: 8am-8pm
- Wednesday: 8am-8pm
- Thursday: 8am-8pm
- Friday: 8am-8pm
- Saturday: 8am-8pm
- Sunday: Closed
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The fountain is in Queen Mary’s Gardens in The Regent’s Park. The Royal Parks lists pedestrian gates as open 5am–7pm; check current park information before travelling, as access arrangements may change.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
The Royal Parks lists food and drink in the park; check current options before visiting.
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Dogs
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Accessibility
Google’s supplied place information describes a wheelchair-accessible entrance, but does not establish the route or surface to the fountain. Check current access details with The Royal Parks.
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Cost
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Water
Pond
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Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Triton and Dryads Fountain
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
