Cenotaph

The basics

Designed by Edwin Lutyens in 1919, the Cenotaph began as a temporary structure, and was originally made from wood and plaster. However, the memorial earned such overwhelming public support that a permanent stone version debuted on Armistice Day—November 11, 1920. Today, the Cenotaph is London’s most important war memorial. On Remembrance Sunday (held on the Sunday closest to November 11), it hosts an annual National Service of Remembrance, during which members of the royal family, heads of military service, and veterans lay poppy wreaths on the monument.

The Cenotaph is included on hop-on hop-off bus itineraries, and other history-themed walking tours in London. Given its proximity to many of London’s top attractions, the Cenotaph is also simple to visit independently.

Things to know before you go

• Cenotaph means “empty tomb” in Greek, and is designed to commemorate those who were buried elsewhere or whose bodies were never found.
• As the Cenotaph occupies the middle of Whitehall, in between lanes of traffic, take care when crossing the road to see it up close.
• The landmark is a major destination for history buffs and for those with personal connections to the World Wars.

How to get there

The Cenotaph can be easily reached by public transit. Take mainline trains or the Bakerloo or Northern line Tube to Charing Cross station. Alternatively, take the Circle or District line to Embankment station, or the Jubilee line to Westminster station. The area is also served by numerous bus lines, and can be reached on foot, by bike, or by taxi.

When to get there

The Cenotaph is a public landmark and is always accessible, though visiting by day offers the best way to discover it. Expect larger crowds of visitors and commemorative ceremonies on and around Remembrance Sunday each year.

Nearby Historical Highlights

For those with a yen for history, the Cenotaph is located conveniently close to other major London landmarks. After your visit, you can glimpse the Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street, visit the Imperial War Rooms, discover Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, drop by the Household Cavalry Museum, and more.

Ways to explore

Designed by Edwin Lutyens in the aftermath of WWI, the Cenotaph hosts an annual National Service of Remembrance on Remembrance Sunday (held on the Sunday closest to November 11, when WWI ended). After a military parade, members of the royal family, heads of military services, veterans, and sometimes visiting dignitaries lay poppy wreaths in a moving ceremony that’s free for the public to watch. While the Cenotaph is easy to visit independently, you can put it into context on tours that explore Westminster, London’s politics, royal London, or World War II history.

Accessibility

Whitehall and the Cenotaph are wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

A book of WWI poetry is another way to remember.

What to wear

It’s polite to wear a poppy in your coat lapel when attending Remembrance Sunday. They’re easy to buy in the run-up to the event.

Not allowed

If you’re at the Cenotaph on November 11, don’t even think about talking during the two-minute silence, which starts at 11am.

Address

The Cenotaph stands on Whitehall in the heart of London, less than a 10-minute walk south of Trafalgar Square.

Driving

Between the congestion charge, the wealth of road rules, and the lack of parking, central London is no place to drive a car. Make like a local and walk, cycle, use public transit, or take a taxi or a rideshare.

Public transportation

The Cenotaph is a stone’s throw from Westminster Tube station (Circle, District, and Jubilee lines) and Westminster Pier, where river boats stop. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Embankment (Bakerloo, Circle, District, and Northern lines) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo line and suburban rail services).

Best times to visit

The Cenotaph is a public landmark and open at all times, though it’s best to visit during daylight hours.

Best days to visit

There’s no bad day to visit the Cenotaph.

Best months to visit

November is the classic month to visit the Cenotaph, but you can see it year-round.

Special events

The Cenotaph comes into its own on Remembrance Sunday, with a parade, wreath laying, and a memorial service.