Monument to the Great Fire of London

The Basics

See the Monument along with its neighboring attractions on a city tour, learning more about its history from a guide. Opt for a bike or black cab tour, which includes the Monument, for quick and easy transfer, or enjoy the more immersive experience of a walking tour. Alternatively, hop-on hop-off services allow you to ascend the Doric column and admire its gilded urn, base inscriptions, and sweeping views at your own pace.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Monument is a must-see for anyone interested in London’s history.

• Be prepared for a fair climb, as there are 311 steps to the Monument’s summit.

• The viewing platform is not wheelchair accessible.

• Some tours include admission; otherwise, there is a cash charge to enter the Monument.

How to Get There

Take advantage of tours offering round-trip transfer to skip the hassle of navigating London. Otherwise, Monument is the nearest underground stop, while London Bridge and Fenchurch Street are the nearest mainline stations. Several local and hop-on hop-off bus services stop nearby.

When to Get There

The imposing Monument is a sight to see any time of year, though the vistas it offers are particularly pleasing in spring and summer when the weather is clear—especially as later opening hours offer sunset views. The Monument is open daily, except December 24, 25, and 26.

Annus Mirabilis

It’s often said that there are three key dates in English history: 1066, 1666, and 1966. The middle date is often referred to as annus mirabilis, or year of miracles, in reference to John Dryden’s poem. This year saw the surprising defeat of the Dutch navy, as well as the Great Fire of London, which destroyed more than 10,000 properties but took the life of relatively few people. The Great Fire also led to improved building regulation and the beginning of the fire brigade.

Ways to explore

The Monument was designed by acclaimed architects Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke, and was erected in 1677, not long after the fire itself. You can climb the 311 steps to ascend the Doric column and admire its gilded urn, base inscriptions, and sweeping views at your own pace.

Many city tours include a stop at the Monument, with options by bike, black cab, or walking tours. Hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop locally.

Accessibility

Unfortunately, the Monument is not wheelchair accessible or accessible to visitors with mobility restrictions, due to the stairs to its viewing platform.

Age limits

Anyone aged 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult. Kids under 5 enter for free, but parents should consider whether younger children can climb the 311 narrow steps.

What to pack

A small bag, cash for tickets

What to wear

Flat, comfortable shoes for climbing

Not allowed

Large bags, which must be left at your own risk in a designated area at the foot of the Monument.

Amenities

Public restrooms are available at Monument Square, near the Monument.

Address

The Monument is on Monument Square in central London, just north of London Bridge and west of the Tower of London.

Driving

Driving isn’t recommended in central London due to heavy traffic, expensive parking, and the Congestion Charge. If you must drive, head toward London Bridge, which connects the City of London in the north with Borough Market in the south.

Public transportation

Monument is the nearest underground stop, while London Bridge and Fenchurch Street are the nearest mainline stations. Several local and hop-on hop-off bus services stop nearby.

Best times to visit

Visit later in the day for sunset views if the weather is fine. Avoid the early afternoon as the Monument shuts for an hour’s lunch break, typically between 1pm and 2pm. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. School groups often visit on weekday mornings during term time, so plan an afternoon trip if visiting then.

Best days to visit

The Monument is open daily, except for select public holidays. An alert is posted on its website in the event of unexpected closures.

Best months to visit

The Monument is a sight to see year-round, but the views are best when the weather is clear in spring and summer.