Bomber Command Memorial

The basics

Unveiled by the Queen as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, the Bomber Command Memorial honors the 55,573 troops who died fighting with the Royal Airforce’s Bomber Command in WWII. Hailing from Britain, New Zealand, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries, the soldiers participated in many pivotal raids, including the Dambusters Raid and the Battle of Britain. Today, the landmark is a moving testament to those who lost their lives, and consists of a classical portico as well as a bronze sculpture of a seven-man bomber crew. The Bomber Command Memorial features on history- and war-memorial-themed tours of London. It’s also easy to plan an independent visit.

Things to know before you go

• Like other wartime monuments, including the Cenotaph, the Bomber Command Memorial is built from Portland stone hailing from Dorset.
• The memorial has been designed so that sunlight falls directly on the bronze sculptures of the seven-man aircrew.
• The memorial’s rooftop features aluminum recovered from a Handley Page Halifax III bomber that was shot down in Belgium.
• The Bomber Command Memorial is a popular landmark for history buffs and those with personal ties to WWII.
• A free Bomber Command Memorial smartphone app provides historical details about the monument.

How to get there

The Bomber Command Memorial is located on Piccadilly, at the western edge of Green Park, and is just a short stroll from Hyde Park Corner. To visit via public transportation, take the Piccadilly line to Hyde Park Corner or the Victoria, Jubilee, and Piccadilly lines to Green Park. The area is served by numerous bus lines and can be reached by taxi, bike, and on foot.

When to get there

Green Park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so the Bomber Command Memorial can be viewed whenever convenient. Note that the landmark will be particularly busy on and around Remembrance Sunday (the closest Sunday to November 11th each year).

Other Major Military Memorials

Beyond the Bomber Command Memorial, other major military memorials across London include the Cenotaph (located on Whitehall), the Tower Hill Memorial, and the Royal Artillery Memorial at Hyde Park Corner.

Ways to explore

Unveiled by the Queen as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, the Bomber Command Memorial honors the 55,573 troops who died fighting with the Royal Air Force’s Bomber Command in WWII. The landmark, composed of a classical portico as well as a bronze sculpture of a seven-man bomber crew, is a moving testament to those who lost their lives.

The Bomber Command Memorial can be seen as part of a history- or war-memorial-themed tour of London. It’s also easy to plan an independent visit.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible, with level access from Green Park

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, umbrella if necessary, flowers for laying if desired

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate gear

Not allowed

Climbing on the memorial, loud or disruptive behavior, littering

Amenities

Nearby Green Park facilities include restrooms, cafés, and benches.

Address

Facing Hyde Park Corner, London’s Bomber Command Memorial is easy to spot on walking tours, and convenient to reach via public transit.

Driving

The Bomber Command Memorial is within the London Congestion Charge Zone. While driving is technically possible—with parking available at Park Towers in Knightsbridge or Carrington Street in Mayfair—driving in central London isn’t recommended.

Public transportation

Take the Piccadilly Line to Hyde Park Corner to reach the memorial.

Best times to visit

Arrive in the early morning or later in the afternoon for softer lighting and fewer crowds.

Best days to visit

There’s no bad day to visit, though weekdays tend to be quieter. Sundays may have more visitors paying respects.

Best months to visit

May to September means the best weather, with May and June being nice for Green Park’s flowers. November around Remembrance Sunday is special, too.

Special events

The Remembrance Sunday ceremony (second Sunday in November), VE Day commemorations (May 8), and Battle of Britain Day events (September 15) have particular significance for visiting the landmark.