Description
Trafalgar Square is one of London’s most famous public spaces, located in the heart of the city and surrounded by museums, galleries and historic buildings. It was developed in the 19th century and remains a central gathering place for visitors and Londoners alike. The square is open 24 hours a day and is well known for cultural celebrations, public events and demonstrations.
At the centre stands Nelson’s Column, designed by William Railton, with four bronze lions at its base. The square also features two large fountains decorated with mermaids, dolphins and tritons, along with statues of Admiral Beatty, Admiral Jellicoe and Admiral Cunningham mounted along the north wall. Three of the four plinths hold bronze statues, while the famous Fourth Plinth showcases changing contemporary artworks. Other interesting features include the historic Imperial Measures set into the wall and one of the smallest police boxes in London.
Entry to Trafalgar Square is completely free. Public toilets are available on the west side of the square, open daily from 10am to 8pm, with a 20 pence contactless charge.
With its iconic landmarks, lively atmosphere and central location near Charing Cross, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square is an essential stop when visiting London. Whether you are admiring the monuments, relaxing by the fountains or attending a public event, it offers a true taste of the capital.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Trafalgar Square is surrounded by museums, galleries, cultural spaces and historic buildings. Find out how to get here and what facilities are available, on our visiting page.
- Nelson’s Column: William Railton designed the column and statue to honour Admiral Nelson, after his victory in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The granite statue was sculpted by E. H. Baily. It is five metres high and stands on a bronze platform made from old guns from the Woolwich Arsenal Foundry. The four bronze panels at the base of the column depict some of Nelson’s battles. The lions, designed by Sir Edwin Landseer, are said to protect Nelson’s Column.
- Fountains: The fountains were added in 1845. The mermaids, dolphins and tritons (the male figures with tails like fish) were installed later. The fountains operate on most days.
- Admiral Beatty: The bronze bust by William MacMillian, Royal Academician is mounted on a granite pilaster against the north wall of the square.
- Admiral Jellicoe: The bronze bust by Charles Wheeler, Associate Member of the Royal Academy is mounted on a granite pilaster against the north wall of the square.
- Admiral Cunningham: The bronze bust by Franta Besley, is mounted on a granite pilaster against the North wall of the square.
- The plinths: There are four plinths for statues in the square. Bronze statues stand on three of them: General Sir Charles James Napier, Major General Sir Henry Havelock, King George IV.
- The Fourth Plinth: The fourth plinth, in the northwest of the square, was empty for many years. It is now managed by a Commissioning Group Panel of specialist advisors. This group guides and monitors the commissions for the plinth. The content presents world-class contemporary artworks in the public realm.
- Imperial Measures: In 1876 the Imperial Measures were set into the north terrace wall. Surveyors can still check ‘Perches’, ‘Chains’ and other archaic measures against feet and yards. When the central staircase was added, the measures were relocated, and you can now find information about them outside the café on the square.
- Police Box: Probably the smallest police box ever built can be found on the southeast corner of the square. There was originally a lamp, built in 1826. In 1926, Scotland Yard installed a telephone line and light which the police could use to call for assistance. It is now used for storage.
- Events: Many events are hosted at Trafalgar Square, including cultural celebrations, commercial events, rallies and demonstrations, filming and photographic shoots. Find out more about the events held at Trafalgar Square and in the rest of London.
0.03 miles
