Members get more
BOOK NOW
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes.
Trafalgar Square, a vibrant landmark in the heart of London, is home to a collection of iconic statues rich in history and cultural significance. Key highlights include Nelson’s Column, a tribute to Admiral Lord Nelson’s naval victory, as well as contemporary art showcased on the Fourth Plinth. The area also features the majestic Landseer Lions, a must-see for picture-taking, and memorials dedicated to military figures like General Sir Charles James Napier and Major General Sir Henry Havelock. Visitors can explore nearby eateries and accommodations, making it a perfect spot for tourists and locals alike.
Table of Contents:
If you ask a Londoner what’s most iconic about Trafalgar Square England, odds are they’ll send you straight to Nelson’s Column. This 52-metre monument rises at the centre of the square, topped by Admiral Lord Nelson standing watch over London’s bustle.
Horatio Nelson is immortalised here for his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805). William Railton designed the column and Edward Hodges Baily sculpted Nelson himself, giving us a statue that’s instantly recognisable from postcards and films. Take a step closer and you’ll see four detailed bronze reliefs at its base, each telling part of Nelson’s naval story. These plaques were cast from captured French cannons—a fun detail many first-time visitors miss.
For photographers, Nelson’s Column is a dramatic anchor point, best snapped early morning or just after sunset when the square glows. Want to learn more about the history behind Nelson’s Column? Dive deeper into its story from the official city resource—have a look at the official London.gov.uk Trafalgar Square page.
One of the square’s most endearing traditions: clambering onto the giant bronze lions at Nelson’s Column’s base for a commemorative photo. Sir Edwin Landseer’s lions have been here since 1867, after a commission that famously involved sketching actual lions at London Zoo.
Their size alone—each one is nearly as long as a London taxi—makes them a magnet for families and solo visitors alike. Their realism is eye-catching, their expressions dignified yet approachable. Locals will tell you the early morning is peacefulest for a lion selfie before crowds gather.
For art fans, the lions are a testament to Victorian ambition. If you’re a parent, keep in mind that climbing is officially discouraged, but nobody minds a safe photo on the low plinth. You can read more about the lions’ fascinating origins and significance among statues in London by exploring the city’s official arts resources—start with the Google Arts & Culture feature on Trafalgar Square.
While three corners of Trafalgar Square boast historic statues, the northwest is home to something very different: the ever-changing Fourth Plinth. This originally empty plinth has become London’s boldest outdoor contemporary art showcase, with new commissions debuting every couple of years.
Whether it’s a giant ship in a bottle, a blue cockerel, or a plinth-sized swirling swirl of whipped cream, the Fourth Plinth is where Londoners debate art, history and identity in the open. It’s entirely free to visit and makes for fantastic pictures—you’ll see as many locals as visitors gathered here, sometimes with sketchpads or coffee in hand.
If you’re curious about what’s on display right now or the process behind it, check the dedicated section from the city authorities for up-to-date information and background stories—visit the official Fourth Plinth site.
If you cross to the south-west corner, you’ll find the proud bronze form of General Sir Charles James Napier. Designed by G.G. Adams in 1856, Napier is remembered for campaigns in India. His presence here is not without debate, but he stands as a heirloom of Britain’s imperial and military past.
Napier’s statue is easy to spot for its slightly weathered patina and the textbook stance—boots together, sword close. For those interested in architecture, the granite plinth is worth a close look, and you’ll often see guides using it to illustrate Victorian sculpture. Find out about Napier’s role among the London memorials and the process behind his Grade II listed statue on the official square’s historical register.
Diagonal to Napier, Major General Sir Henry Havelock gazes over the square’s south-east. Cast in bronze by William Behnes in 1861, Havelock’s statue is less crowded than some—take your time with it and you may have a corner of Trafalgar Square to yourself.
Havelock’s exploits in India gained him fame at the high point of the British Empire, and his statue, spare but dignified, reflects Victorian commemoration style. For history buffs, he’s always a talking point. Both Havelock’s and Napier’s statues are among the best-preserved examples of 19th-century London memorials. For context and their place among other statues in London, the London.gov.uk overview is a reliable reference.
Head to the north-east corner and you’ll find King George IV astride his famously athletic horse, sculpted by Sir Francis Chantrey and installed in 1843. This bronze equestrian statue is a glimpse into Regency tastes—George IV wears classical Roman dress, which, at the time, was the style for showing a ruler’s might and cultural savvy.
Photographers will note the elegant lines and the powerful profile, pronounced against the stone backdrop of the National Gallery. It’s one of the few equestrian statues in London in a major civic space, and the contrast between George’s calm pose and Trafalgar Square’s lively comings and goings is always striking.
For a quick historical deep-dive into this statue’s background and London’s other royal memorials, read up at the city’s official resources.
Along the north side of Trafalgar Square, between the iconic National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, you’ll meet two more historic figures: Admiral Sir John Jellicoe and Admiral Sir David Beatty. These statues honour First World War naval leaders, a reminder of Britain’s long maritime tradition.
If you’re a military history enthusiast or a fan of portrait sculpture, these statues are well worth a look. There’s less crowding here, especially in early afternoons. Locals often point to these naval statues as examples of the period’s public art, where form and symbol are tightly fused. For additional detail on these military London memorials, turn to the latest square descriptions at London.gov.uk.
Not every piece of Trafalgar Square is heroic or regal—some are practical, and quietly delightful. Set into the north terrace, you’ll spot a set of engraved metal imperial measures: a yard, a foot, even a chain, embedded in the stone.
Originally installed in Victorian times for surveyors, these standard measures are a living bit of engineering history, now with updated plaques just outside the square’s café. They’re fun for kids (and engineers at heart) and uniquely British—a simple way to physically experience a yard or metre, the old-fashioned way. If this piques your interest, dig deeper via the detailed listings on the Trafalgar Square site.
The two grand fountains in Trafalgar Square, updated for the Second World War, are more than decorative. They double as memorials to admirals who served in both World Wars. On a sunny day, you’ll see rainbows shimmering in the spray—a lovely contrast to the square’s harder edges.
The squat blue police box in the south-east corner is another bit of London lore. First built as a lamp in 1826 and rebuilt in the 1920s, it’s often said to be the smallest police station in London. Eagle-eyed Doctor Who fans sometimes mistake it for a TARDIS—a harmless bit of tourist mischief.
To explore their exact locations and significance among London memorials, check out the details provided by the city’s own experts at London.gov.uk.
Best time for photography: Early mornings (before 09:00) or golden hour (around sunset) give you atmospheric shots—especially around Nelson’s Column, the lions and the fountains.
Family visits: There’s plenty of space for pushchairs. Children love the lions (and the Imperial Measures). The fountains are safely fenced, but do keep kids close by the plinths.
For business travellers: If you’re staying at Thistle London Trafalgar Square Hotel, use your central location. You’re steps away from both corporate offices and London landmarks—the square is just outside, perfect for walking calls or a lunchtime stroll.
Access: All main entrances are step-free. There are public toilets (fee required) and several benches for a mid-tour rest. Sturdy shoes recommended—a full lap of the square is a mile if you zigzag for every statue.
Getting here: Charing Cross and Embankment stations are both a short walk. Buses from all corners of London serve Trafalgar Square.
Safety: The square is very busy mid-afternoon—avoid the tightest knots of people near Nelson’s Column if you’re crowd-averse. Beware of pigeons; they’ll try for your snack at the drop of a hat.
A visit to Trafalgar Square puts you at the true centre of the city, with endless possibilities no matter your taste. If you’re planning more time, book your room at the Thistle London Trafalgar Square, known as a thoughtful Hotel in Central London, with a very practical location for sightseeing and business alike.
Around the square you’ll find a refreshingly wide choice of dining and accommodation:
For more inspiration about what’s on nearby, see the always-fresh recommendations at the official city guide—take a look at the latest listings from Visit London.
At Thistle London Trafalgar Square Hotel, you’re in the thick of it—just a couple of minutes from landmark statues in London, box-office galleries, and atmospheric memorials. Step outside and the city is yours: you can greet the lions before breakfast, dip into the National Gallery between meetings, or unwind by the fountains with a book.
We love helping guests uncover the city’s quirks and stories. Staying in a Trafalgar Square Hotel puts London’s culture at your doorstep, making your itinerary as busy or breezy as you like. Reception staff know the square inside-out, and we’re always happy to suggest a walking route, a hidden lunch spot, or the least crowded corner for that perfect photo.
Whether you’re organising events at the Thistle Hotel, planning family time, or simply reconnecting with the city as a Londoner, the statues of Trafalgar Square offer history, energy and sheer variety you’ll struggle to match anywhere else. Book your stay with Thistle London Trafalgar Square or pop in for recommendations on getting the most from your visit.
Nelson’s Column is by far the largest monument, towering at over 52 metres including its base. The Admiral’s statue tops the column, surrounded by the famous bronze Landseer lions.
Climbing is strongly discouraged now, mainly for safety reasons. You’re very welcome to sit carefully on the low stone plinths for a photo, which is the tradition for many London visitors.
No, Trafalgar Square remains one of London’s best free public spaces. You can wander, photograph, sketch or people-watch to your heart’s content at no cost.
Yes—private guides and walking groups often centre their routes here. Start with a reputable city operator; browse quality advice on the latest at London Walks or ask the hotel concierge for custom tours.
Absolutely. With a little planning, you could see all the main statues and art commissions in under 90 minutes. Stay at a Trafalgar Square Hotel for maximum convenience—you’ll be able to pop out early or late for quieter views.
For Indian cuisine, Colonel Saab Trafalgar Square is both local-loved and stylish. For brunch or a classic English breakfast, try cafés around St Martin’s Lane or the Thistle Trafalgar Square lobby itself.
Each season brings something different: in late spring, the fountains and plaza are at their liveliest. Autumn is quietly stunning, with golden leaves and fewer crowds.
The square is paved and step-free, with good signage and dropped kerbs. Public toilets (with accessible stalls) are available, though some side corners can get busy at peak hours. Staff at Thistle Trafalgar Square Hotel can advise on the best access routes for your needs.
