The monument in the City of London was built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1667 after the Great Fire of London to send the message that “the city would soon rise again.” Visitors who climb to the top are rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view of London.
The history
Sir Christopher Wren’s Monument to the Great Fire of 1666 is the tallest isolated stone column in the world. Completed in 1677, The Monument is 202 feet tall (61 meters) and stands 202 feet (61 meters) from the site on Pudding Lane, where the Great Fire of London is believed to have started.
How to get to the top
There is no lift / elevator, so the only way to get to the top of the Monument is to climb the 311 spiral steps. It is a narrow staircase and there is nowhere to stop and rest. Also, it gets off the same way, so be prepared to pass other visitors going in the opposite direction.
Note: you don’t actually climb to the top as there is a golden golden sphere at the top. Visitors can reach heights of 160 feet in the observation “cage” and the top is 202 feet.
The monument review
The Monument reopened in February 2009 after extensive restoration. There is now a pavilion with public toilets and ground-level staff facilities.
It can fill up on the top so don’t try to stay too long but be careful from all sides. Unsurprisingly, there isn’t much room at the top, but they can be passed if everyone breathes. There are not many iconic sights, but you can see Tower Bridge.
If you enjoy these views, you might also want to consider Up at The O2, The London Eye, and St Paul’s Cathedral Galleries.
The best tips when visiting the monument
- Do not take a large bag, as it makes it difficult to pass other people on the stairs. Leave bags with a friend at the bottom (no wardrobe) or just don’t bring much when you visit
- Bring your camera as you can enjoy fantastic views from the gallery ‘cage’ at the top. Place your camera in your pocket or around your neck as you will need your hands free to hold the handrails when going up and down
- There are talking telescopes in the “cage” to let you know what you can see.
- Don’t give up as those who climb to the top (and come down again) receive a certificate
Visitor information
The Monument is located at the north end of London Bridge, at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill, 61 meters from where the Great Fire of London started in 1666.
Address: The Monument, Monument Street, London EC3R 8AH
Nearest Tube Stations: Monument (District and Circle lines) and London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines)
Phone: 020 7626 2717
Tickets: £ 4.50 per adult. £ 2.30 per child 5-15 years old. Combination tickets are available for the Tower Bridge Monument and Exhibition. Check the current prices on the official website.
Hours: Open every day from 09.30 to 17.30 (last entry 17.00)
Duration of the visit: 1 hour.
