Trafalgar Square London: History, Monuments & Top Sights

Trafalgar Square, located in Westminster, central London. It is a famous tourist attraction of London. Known as a public square it carries significant historical importance and is home to a number of tourist attractions. These attractions include galleries, historic buildings, statues, and monuments. Travelling from the Park Grand Hotel Kensington to Trafalgar Square take the Tube from Earl’s Court to Leicester Square. It is approximately a 5-minute walk from the Tube station. Charing Cross is the closest Tube station to Trafalgar Square. If you get off at this Tube Station you will have direct access to the square.

A short history of Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square was commissioned in 1820 as a public space in the center of London. It was decided to name the square, Trafalgar Square, in commemoration of the Battle of Trafalgar and Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson. Britain won that battle; however, Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson was killed during the battle. To honour the war hero, Nelson’s Column was erected and is a key feature of the square. Trafalgar Square has seen a number of protests and demonstrations in the past. It is also seen as a suitable place to host large-scale events.

Monuments and Statues in Trafalgar Square

• Nelson’s Column

Nelson’s Column is Trafalgar Square’s most famous statue. Located proudly in the centre of the square, this impressive structure, standing at 169 feet, pays tribute to the famous UK Naval hero, Lord Nelson.

• Trafalgar Square Lions

Surrounding Nelson’s Column are the four lions at the base of the plinth. It is said that these lions are a fitting representation of the heroism of Lord Nelson. Commonly referred to as ‘The Landseer Lions’ after the man who sculptured them, these lions are said to hold a couple of secrets up their paws. One such secret is that the lions will awaken if Big Ben ever chimes 13 times!

• Trafalgar Square fountains

The two spectacular Trafalgar Square fountains were added to the square in 1845. Sir Edwin Lutyens redesigned the fountains in the 1930s to include new centrepieces featuring dolphins, mermaids, and tritons. The Trafalgar Square fountains are lit up at night, making them look very attractive.

• Trafalgar Square statues

On the four corners of Trafalgar Square, you will find four plinths. Three of the four plinths are permanent. These three statues, carved from bronze, are statues of General Sir Charles James Napier, Major General Sir Henry Havelock, and King George IV. The fourth plinth sometimes remains empty, however, on 28 September 2022, a new statue of John Chilembwe and European missionary John Chorley was unveiled. This statue is replicated from a photograph taken in 1914 and represents Baptist preacher figures.

Also read: Why You Need to Visit London’s Columbia Road Flower Market

Must-see sites in Trafalgar Square

• The National Gallery

One of the best museums in London, The National Gallery is one of the most visited art galleries in the world. A bonus is that entry is completely free. They are open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, and until 21:00 on Fridays.

• Police Box

Referred to be some as the world’s smallest police station, this little space is no bigger than a phone box. It was built in 1926 as a micro-station to keep a watchful eye on demonstrations that had started to take place in Trafalgar Square.

• St Martin-in-the-Fields

St Martin-in-the-Fields is a beautiful church completed in 1726. An unusual name, it comes from the medieval period when it was built. The area was surrounded by farm fields, so St Martin's was literally ‘in the fields’. The church is open for daily services. There is also a gift shop and a charming café in its underground crypt.

• The Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree

Every Christmas Trafalgar Square is gifted with a 20 metre Christmas Tree from Oslo, Norway. This tree has been given annually since 1947 as a token of Norwegian gratitude to the people of London for their assistance during the war years from 1940 to 1945. The tree is illuminated at the beginning of December each year.

Conclusion

During a day trip to Westminster, do plan some time to visit Trafalgar Square. There is plenty to do and see, and a number of places to enjoy lunch, dinner, or simply a cup of tea in a café. For easy access to this iconic London landmark, choose accommodations that allow you to stay near Royal Albert Hall, combining convenience with proximity to both cultural and historic attractions.