Name: The Monument to the Great Fire of London
Rating: 5.0

The Monument to the Great Fire of London

Monument to the Great Fire of London, Fish Street Hill, London, UK

1-90 Years

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Description

The Monument to the Great Fire of London is a towering, historic haven situated at the northern end of London Bridge, offering families an active, educational escape in the heart of the City of London. Constructed between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the devastating fire of 1666, this exceptionally well-preserved 17th-century landmark serves as a magnificent historical stop between urban explorations. If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in the Monument or London Bridge area, this architectural masterpiece provides a perfect pocket of history to challenge your physical endurance.

Visiting this beautifully maintained stone structure is highly affordable, making it an excellent budget-friendly addition to a family day out in central London. Standard entry tickets can be purchased directly on the day of your visit, allowing families to step into a piece of living history without breaking the bank. It provides a spectacular, memorable spot to let older children burn off energy, admire panoramic views, and absorb centuries of city history.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines Christopher Wren history with breathtaking 360-degree city views, this landmark column fits the bill perfectly. It allows parents to introduce an engaging fitness challenge while children look down at London's iconic skyscrapers, observe the winding River Thames, and learn about the city’s dramatic rebirth. Its central location near major transport links means you can effortlessly weave it into any central London sightseeing itinerary.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

What makes The Monument unique?

The Tallest Isolated Stone Column: Reaching a soaring height of 202 feet, it is recognized as the tallest freestanding isolated stone column anywhere in the world.
A Hidden Scientific Telescope: Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke deliberately engineered the column to double up as an enormous vertical zenith telescope for scientific gravity and pendulum experiments.
The Exact Measurement to Pudding Lane: The tower's height matches the precise distance—exactly 202 feet west—from the bakery shop of Thomas Farriner on Pudding Lane where the Great Fire originally broke out.
The Official Completion Certificate: Every single visitor who successfully completes the steep vertical trek to the upper viewing deck is awarded an authentic certificate of achievement.

Top Highlights

The 311-Step Spiral Climb: Climb the narrow, winding stone staircase built directly within the hollow central core of the column. Following in the footsteps of generations of Londoners, older kids will love the physical challenge of conquering all 311 steps to reach the very top.
The Breathtaking Panoramic Platform: Step out onto the high, secure viewing deck to experience stunning 360-degree aerial views of central London. From this historic vantage point, families can spot landmark architecture like Tower Bridge, the River Thames, and the majestic dome of St Paul's Cathedral.
The Sculpted Historical Relief: Before starting your climb, spend a few minutes looking closely at the western face of the square stone base. Carved beautifully by sculptor Caius Gabriel Cibber, this detailed allegorical relief artwork vividly depicts the ruin, destruction, and ultimate architectural restoration of the City.
The Gilded Urn of Fire: Look up from the pedestrian square to admire the brilliant, towering golden orb that caps the structure. Designed to resemble an elaborate bronze urn erupting with flames, it provides a striking visual symbol of the Great Fire that reshaped the entire metropolis.

Beyond the Main Attraction: Because The Monument sits in a deeply historic corner of the City, families can easily explore the fascinating sights surrounding it. Heading just a brief walk away brings you to the exterior of Pudding Lane, the historic spot where the Great Fire started in 1666. A short stroll leads straight to the underground platforms of Monument tube station or towards the vibrant food stalls of Leadenhall Market. For families interested in exploring more iconic history, the towering walkways of Tower Bridge and the ancient battlements of the Tower of London are located right down the road.

Facilities

Toilets: No public restrooms or baby changing facilities are available inside the historic stone column.
Buggy Parking: There is no dedicated buggy storage counter, and strollers are strictly prohibited up the stairs due to space constraints. Prams must be left at ground level at your own risk.
Food Options: No commercial cafes operate inside the tight historical footprint, but multiple local sandwich shops, bakeries, and casual family restaurants line Monument Street.
Lockers: No managed cloakrooms operate on-site, but a self-service designated bag storage zone is available at the bottom of the staircase for any bags exceeding the maximum permitted size of H40 x W25 x 15 cm.

What to see

What Visitors Love

A brilliant, active physical challenge that gives children a real sense of accomplishment once they reach the summit.
Incredible, world-class 360-degree panoramic views of London's skyline at a very reasonable ticket price.
The lovely, unexpected touch of receiving a personalized paper climbing certificate at the exit.
Deep historical significance that pairs perfectly with primary school history lessons about the Great Fire of London.

What Visitors Don't Like

The staircase is very narrow, steep, and winding, which can feel slightly claustrophobic when passing other tourists.
There are no lifts, ramps, or step-free access options, making it completely unsuitable for prams or anyone with limited mobility.
The lack of public toilet facilities on-site can prove inconvenient for families travelling with younger children.

Pro-Tips

Claim Your Certificate: Don't forget to collect your official commemorative certificate of achievement from the staff at the bottom of the column before you leave. It makes a fantastic, free souvenir for school-aged kids to show their friends.
Travel Light: Because the winding stone steps and viewing platforms are exceptionally narrow, avoid bringing large backpacks. Any bags larger than the standard limit must be left downstairs at your own risk.
Check the Weather: If visibility is low or heavy downpours occur, the outdoor viewing deck can occasionally experience temporary closures for safety reasons. Check the weather on your travel day to ensure the best 360-degree views.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adults (16+): £7.00
Children (5–15): £3.50
Under 5s: Free (must be accompanied by an adult)

Pricing URL: https://www.themonument.org.uk/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

The historic column is open daily to the general public during the following hours:

Daily Hours: 09:30 am to 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Last Entry: 12:30 pm (morning session) and 5:30 pm (afternoon session)

Address: Monument to the Great Fire of London, Fish Street Hill, London, UK

Post Code: EC3R 8AH

Council: City of London

County: Greater London

By Tube: The attraction is exceptionally well-connected to public transport networks. Monument Underground Station (Circle and District lines) is situated just a stone's throw away. Bank Station (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City lines, and DLR) is a short five-minute walk away.
By Rail: Mainline train services can be accessed easily at nearby London Cannon Street, London Bridge, or Fenchurch Street stations.
By Bus: Multiple local bus networks serve the immediate area, with routes 17, 21, 35, 40, 47, 133, and 149 stopping right nearby.