The Monument to the Great Fire of London
The Monument to the Great Fire of London
The Monument to the Great Fire of London
4.5
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
About
A permanent reminder of the Great Fire of 1666, the Monument commemorates one of the most famous events in London's history. Standing regally on the piazza between Fish Street Hill and Monument Street, the 202ft column designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke, celebrates the City which rose from the ashes. The Monument invites you to climb its 311 spiral steps and enjoy one of the best views over the City.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: City of London
From its ancient past as a Roman trading outpost to its 21st century status as the wealthiest square mile in the world, the financial district known simply as “The City” is one of London's most historic and fascinating neighbourhoods. Here high rise office towers such as Norman Foster’s Gherkin mingle with Roman ruins and architectural marvels from virtually every era in between, including Christopher Wren's glorious St.Paul's Cathedral, and John Soane's dauntingly classicist Bank of England. This neighbourhood is also home to some of the finest restaurants and plushest hotels in Europe, in addition to an assortment of of watering holes, upscale shops, and Tube stations. During the week, the City is abuzz with white collar workers going about their business; the weekend sees this area turn into a quiet haven for sightseers.
How to get there
- Monument • 1 min walk
- Cannon St • 5 min walk
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- Stardoe68 contributionsTerrific View311 steps later you get an amazing 360 degree view of London. The certificate of attainment at the end certainly was appreciated. No info here, just the exprience, the fitness workout and the view. Shop down below. Really cheap entry at around 6 pounds, but we used our London Pass. The site where the Fire started is nearby which the attendants pointed out. Great experience if you are relatively fit.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 20 January 2024
- The Codnor TravellerCodnor, United Kingdom190 contributionsMagnificent, dominating monument.The Monument to The Great Fire of London is 202ft high column in The City of London, erected in 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666 which destroyed large swathes of Medieval London. The Monument is made of Dorset Portland stone and atop it sits a gilded urn blazing with fire - though not literally of course. As a sight it is impressive to behold. In an area awash with huge, tall office blocks and skyscrapers, this Monument somehow manages to dominate the landscape. It's height of 202ft, far from being an arbitrary figure, is the exact distance from the Monument to the spot on Pudding Lane where the Fire began. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Eobert Hooke (who was responsible for over half of the city's reconstruction after the fire) this structure's central shaft also serves as a zenith telescope and there is access to an underground laboratory (I'm not sure whether this can still be accessed) where scientific studies into pendulums and gravity could be conducted. Quite why this is the case I do not know. You can go into the Monument and ascend the spiraling staircase within. We opted not to, having been on our feet all day and not facing the 311 steps to the top. I definitely will do it one day though. Around the base of the column are various inscriptions, some of which are pretty hard to read and could use a little TLC if I am honest, along with some lovely sculptures of dragons and the like. These had some renovarion/restoration work carried out on them a few years ago and so are looking good. The gift still shines and all in all this is a beautiful structure that I always try and take time to visit when I am in London. I shall be visiting again, and might even ascend the staircase next time.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 January 2024
- L H3 contributionsGreat viewsI really enjoyed my visit to the Monument. The views were beautiful and the price point is exactly right. I only took one star off due to the uncontrolled children that pushed past me on those treacherous stone steps. It happened once with a little girl running past me and again when a small boy pushed me while running on the stairs on my way down. Those stairs are steep and dangerous. The only handrail is only on one side. I think that entry should be limited to one child per adult and that the parents and children should be instructed that there should be no running on the stairs. It's just too dangerous to have children running wild and pushing people. It is unfortunate that people need to be told such a common sense thing but many parents do need the reminder. The children were too young to understand but their parents were old enough to know better. It would probably damage the building too much to put a ring and cable railing along the outside wall. I am glad I went but please consider a 'no running or playing on the stairs' condition of entry for children before somebody has a terrible life changing fall.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 14 February 2024
- Josh H5 contributionsGreat view, strange staffAmazing view of the city, really worth doing, and only for £6. A lot of stairs but well worth it. Staff were a bit odd though and wasn't great customer service. A man handed me a certificate at the end but didn't even say a single word to me, just handed me it. Very strange way to start and end the experience from the staff but the actual experience itself was amazing!Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 5 June 2024
- JackHampshire, United Kingdom54 contributionsGreat Views Of London!Despite visiting on an absolute downpour of rain, the visit was quite enjoyable! Obviously a bit tight when passing people on the stairs, however it was fairly quiet. Spent a good 10mins at the top, seeing what buildings we could spot! Came to £6pp which I think is reasonable for what you get.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 9 July 2024
- ScottyLovesFIshAda, Michigan34 contributionsIt's a long way to the top but the views are so worth it!311 steps around the interior stairwell brings you to the top with its amazing view of London, especially the waterfront. You can stop and rest on the way up; the people behind you on the stairs will be secretly grateful because they, too, are out of breath but nobody wants to be the first to admit it. While you're up there, think about the fire which raged through that area in 1666 and how terrifying it must have been. Then give thanks for the modern fire brigade, sprinkler systems, and other innovations that arose in response to such tragedy.Visited July 2024Travelled soloWritten 27 July 2024
- ScottStonehouse, United Kingdom604 contributionsGreat wee hidden gemI climbed this on my recent trip to London. At only £6 it's great value as it was nice and quiet with amazing views at the top. The 311 stairs are quite challenging but you can take your time and there are plenty of areas to stop during it and let people up or down past you. It was a nice touch getting a certificate at the end and there are plenty of bars at the bottom for a well-deserved drink!Visited August 2024Travelled soloWritten 9 August 2024
- hykLondon, United Kingdom52 contributions历史的回声——伦敦大火纪念碑伦敦大火纪念碑是为了纪念1666年伦敦大火而建,这座纪念碑不仅见证了伦敦的历史,也是探索这座城市过去与现在的起点。 The Monument to the Great Fire of London commemorates the great fire of 1666 and serves as a starting point to explore the history and present of the city. Enter RC777E on trainpal and you get a 20% discount on your train ticket.Visited September 2024Travelled soloWritten 16 September 2024
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Brian T
London, UK8,076 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
This is a popular and historic tourist attraction in London. The column, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr Robert Hooke, was built to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666 and stands on the small cobbled piazza between Fish Street Hill and Monument Street, and very close to Pudding Lane which is widely known as the location of Thomas Farriner's bakery, where the Great Fire of London started in 1666. It was built between 1671 and 1677 not online to commemorate the devastating fire but to celebrate the rebuilding of the City. It’s been attracting visitors since it opened in 1677.
It comprises a circular Doric column built of Portland stone, and is topped by a gilded urn to represent fire. The Monument is 202 feet tall, apparently the same distance from the spot where the Great Fire is said to have started.
It’s certainly worth a visit, especially for the views from the observation deck at the top, as there are some great 360 degree views across London.
Here’s some practicalities to keep in mind when planning your visit:
1. The Monument is usually only open on weekends, and during school holiday periods. On the days that it is open, it is closed between 13:00 and 14:00.
2. There are 311 steps up a spiral staircase to the observation deck at the top. It’s quite narrow, but not an arduous climb by any means.
3. There is no lift, hence no access to those using mechanical mobility assistance.
4. There is a bag search before you start the climb. Large bags and cases are not permitted.
5. The observation deck at the top is completely fenced; the wire fencing may hinder your photography.
6. An adult ticket costs £5.80; a ticket for a senior with ID is £4.40. You’re given a certificate after your visit. Tickets can be bought at the entrance, though visitors on the deck are limited to maintain safety, so you may have to wait a bit for your turn to climb the stairs.
7. It’s easily reached by public transport. It is right beside Monument Station for the Circle and District lines, and a short walk across London Bridge from London Bridge mainline station..
Enjoy your visit; it should be included on the itinerary of all visitors to London.
It comprises a circular Doric column built of Portland stone, and is topped by a gilded urn to represent fire. The Monument is 202 feet tall, apparently the same distance from the spot where the Great Fire is said to have started.
It’s certainly worth a visit, especially for the views from the observation deck at the top, as there are some great 360 degree views across London.
Here’s some practicalities to keep in mind when planning your visit:
1. The Monument is usually only open on weekends, and during school holiday periods. On the days that it is open, it is closed between 13:00 and 14:00.
2. There are 311 steps up a spiral staircase to the observation deck at the top. It’s quite narrow, but not an arduous climb by any means.
3. There is no lift, hence no access to those using mechanical mobility assistance.
4. There is a bag search before you start the climb. Large bags and cases are not permitted.
5. The observation deck at the top is completely fenced; the wire fencing may hinder your photography.
6. An adult ticket costs £5.80; a ticket for a senior with ID is £4.40. You’re given a certificate after your visit. Tickets can be bought at the entrance, though visitors on the deck are limited to maintain safety, so you may have to wait a bit for your turn to climb the stairs.
7. It’s easily reached by public transport. It is right beside Monument Station for the Circle and District lines, and a short walk across London Bridge from London Bridge mainline station..
Enjoy your visit; it should be included on the itinerary of all visitors to London.
Written 23 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberts69
Northampton, UK18,928 contributions
Feb 2022
I have visited London dozens of times over the years and always like to see something new on each visit... Today I visited the Monument to the Great Fire of London located at Pudding Lane where the Great Fire started in September 1666 which devastated two-thirds of the City. The column of the monument is 61m (202ft) tall which is equal to the distance from the spot where the monument stands to the bakers shop in Pudding Lane where the Great Fire started. The monument was built in 1671 - 1677 in consultation with Sir Christopher Wren (if St. Pauls fame!). You can go un inside the column to a viewing balcony which affords great views across London to Tower Bridge, however I did not get chance to do this as it was closing early when I arrived. The cost to go inside is £5.40 for an adult and £2.70 for a child aged 5 - 15 years old. I liked the area around the monument with the 'Fire Fire London's Burning' concrete benches and educational information boards explaining the history of the monument and the Great Fire. Glad I stopped by to take a look at this historic monument to a very historic event.
Written 21 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Baartos
36 contributions
Sept 2019
The Monument looks great and moreover offers great view of London and perhaps the best view of the Tower Bridge during the lifting. To get to the top of the Monument, you need to climb over 300 quite narrow stairs, but it's worth the effort. Plus, you get a nice certificate after the visit.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Snowdrop683
Norwich, UK128 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
The steps to the top of the monument are quite steep so be prepared. The stairwell is narrow so it's encouraged to leave bags at the base before going up. The trip doesn't take long to go up to the top and back down so the entry fee is a bit high. The view from the top is great but you can get a better one by booking to go up the Skygarden which is free.
Written 6 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KiwiKerry53
Wellington, New Zealand5,091 contributions
Sept 2019
So the ticket came with our Tower of London tickets, but as our party had swelled by two people, the girls decided the Monument Pub was a better option!
I had no idea however, that the Monument was built to commemorate the Great Fire of London and to celebrate the rebuilding of the city.
It's an attractive monument and I like that it celebrates as well as commemorating. In my place I let my partner's grand daughter do the climb to the top on the condition they took some good photos - fairly cunning move I thought! The photographic record of the views was great.
I had no idea however, that the Monument was built to commemorate the Great Fire of London and to celebrate the rebuilding of the city.
It's an attractive monument and I like that it celebrates as well as commemorating. In my place I let my partner's grand daughter do the climb to the top on the condition they took some good photos - fairly cunning move I thought! The photographic record of the views was great.
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve P
Southampton, UK767 contributions
Jan 2022
This is a must visit. The winding stairs are awesome (remember to take a photo at the bottom looking up - you'll need to lean out, and a photo looking down, spacing your family out so they all appear in the photo at different heights!)
The views from the top are great. And the monument is a piece of history.
If the monument were laid down, the flame at the top would mark where the fire started (which is a few feet beyond the plague on the road in Pudding Lane, as the fire started at the back of the baker shop, while the plague marks the front of the shop).
There is a toilet and some seating in Monument Square, and - appropriately, if you walk up Pudding Lane (turn left out of the square) you'll come to Greggs the baker, where you can buy some bakes and return to the square to eat them.
The views from the top are great. And the monument is a piece of history.
If the monument were laid down, the flame at the top would mark where the fire started (which is a few feet beyond the plague on the road in Pudding Lane, as the fire started at the back of the baker shop, while the plague marks the front of the shop).
There is a toilet and some seating in Monument Square, and - appropriately, if you walk up Pudding Lane (turn left out of the square) you'll come to Greggs the baker, where you can buy some bakes and return to the square to eat them.
Written 27 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gareth B
Bayford, UK306 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Essential visit for kids. Not just a monument to the Great Fire of London but acts as a physical learning experience. The kids (and adults) get to climb the extremely steep winding staircase to the very top. Great views of the river and London’s landmarks.
1. You will always have to Queue (30mins-ish)
2. Queue area is not covered. So rain wear may be needed.
3. Costs £5 for adults £2.50 Kids
4. Must be physically fit.
5. Not for those scared of heights
1. You will always have to Queue (30mins-ish)
2. Queue area is not covered. So rain wear may be needed.
3. Costs £5 for adults £2.50 Kids
4. Must be physically fit.
5. Not for those scared of heights
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben F
Bloomington, IN1,815 contributions
May 2022
I stumbled upon the Monument of the Great Fire of London purely by accident, but I was glad I did. It’s a touching remembrance of those who perished, and it’s also a signal of London’s resilience. You can climb steps to the top of the monument, which I recommend that able-bodied travelers do.
An excellent experience!
An excellent experience!
Written 15 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward
Santa Rosa, CA3,181 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
The Monument to the Great Fire of London, also called simply The Monument, is just that, a monument and more specificlly a tall column. However, it has a spiral staircase inside going all the way to the top, with a baclony all the way around the top. The baclcony is fully enclosed in safety mesh along with the railing, to ensure safety but also allowing good views. This is a nice walk up and gives great views of the City of London and surrounding area. There's a fee and you get a souvenir paper for doing it. I just walked up and had to wait about 5 to 10 minutes before going in. You walk up at your own pace and stay up and take in the views at your own pace.
Written 30 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seattle
Coventry, UK188 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
The Monument to the Great Fire of London is a poignant reminder of the city's resilience and its ability to rise from the ashes. Completed in 1677, the monument stands as a testament to the tragic fire that swept through London in 1666, destroying most of the city's buildings, including the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral.
The monument itself is an impressive structure, a 61-meter-tall column made of Polish stone in the classical Doric style. The top is adorned with a golden flame surrounding a copper urn, while the base features commemorative inscriptions and reliefs.
Climbing the 311 spiral steps to the top is a rewarding endeavor. The effort is worth it for the breathtaking views of London's financial district, including landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge. You're also given a certificate for reaching the top, which is a nice keepsake of your visit.
I bought a railcard on trainpal and got a 20% discount when I entered the RC777E code! Hope to help those who come to the UK to play~
The monument's design is rich in symbolism, with the viewing platform's iron railings made from melted iron from the fire, adding to its historical significance. As a tourist, I found the monument to be both informative and inspiring, a reminder of London's past and its enduring spirit.
The monument itself is an impressive structure, a 61-meter-tall column made of Polish stone in the classical Doric style. The top is adorned with a golden flame surrounding a copper urn, while the base features commemorative inscriptions and reliefs.
Climbing the 311 spiral steps to the top is a rewarding endeavor. The effort is worth it for the breathtaking views of London's financial district, including landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge. You're also given a certificate for reaching the top, which is a nice keepsake of your visit.
I bought a railcard on trainpal and got a 20% discount when I entered the RC777E code! Hope to help those who come to the UK to play~
The monument's design is rich in symbolism, with the viewing platform's iron railings made from melted iron from the fire, adding to its historical significance. As a tourist, I found the monument to be both informative and inspiring, a reminder of London's past and its enduring spirit.
Written 18 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
While there wasn't a specific spot for them, there is an attendant who is standing at the entrance as well as someone working the cash register. The attendant near the door is there to hand you a certificate showing that you climbed to the top! I am more than confident that you could leave your pushchair at the bottom. Now...climbing to the top is another question entirely! My wife still says it ruined her legs for the rest of the week. :)
Written 6 January 2020
Roughly how long does it take to climb the stairs, have like 10/15mins at the top and come back down again?
Written 10 August 2017
It depends how fit you are in terms of climbing the stairs. I would say that 5-10 minutes to climb, 10 minutes at the top and then a couple of minutes down. It does also depend on how busy the stairs and top is. 30 minutes max for the whole monument.
Written 10 August 2017
Has The Monument reopened after its recent repairs, and will it be open on Saturday, 12th November (the day of The Lord Mayor's Show).
Written 3 November 2016
It's reopened - not sure about Lord Mayor's show.
Written 9 November 2016
sandraengleder89
London, United Kingdom
Weiß man, wie lange das Monument wegen Renovierung geschlossen hat?
Written 24 June 2016
when will this reopen? this was something i was very excited to do and was devasted to find it was closed
Written 19 May 2016
Had a look at the Monument's website. According to the website, it's closed for essential maintenance work until further notice. So no word yet when it'll reopen.
I hope this helps!
Written 28 May 2016
if i have a joint ticket with the tower bridge exhibition can visit them on different days?
Written 10 April 2016
Hi, sorry I am not sure if you can use the tickets the next day. If it's with a train ticket you have to use it on the same day.
Written 10 April 2016
if i have a joint ticket with the tower bridge can i visit the attractions on different days
Written 10 April 2016
Sorry I don't know the answer to that.
Best to give each a call to check.
You will find their telephone numbers in line .
Have a good visit.
Written 10 April 2016
Is this suitable for children with the stairs? My youngest is 7. Thanks
Written 23 July 2015
As long as the children have the energy to climb 200+ stairs, they should be fine. The view at the top is reward for all the effort.
Written 28 July 2015
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