Nelson's Column, London

Name: Nelson's Column
Address: Trafalgar Sq, London, WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom

#92 among attractions in London

Memorial, Monuments and statues, Historical place

Gallery (20)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 / RedCoat / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Matid Ahmeq / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Beata May / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Villarreal9 / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Another Believer / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0 / Steve nova / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / TuscanyFirenze01 / URL

Facts and practical information

Nelson's Column is an iconic historical landmark situated in the heart of London, England, at Trafalgar Square. This towering monument, which rises to 52 meters (approximately 170 feet), was built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The column was completed in 1843 and has since stood as a tribute to the naval hero's victory and sacrifice.

At the top of the column, a statue of Nelson gazes out over London, sculpted by E.H. Baily. The column itself is flanked by four massive lions, designed by Sir Edwin Landseer, which were added in 1867. These lions have become an iconic part of the monument, often featured in photographs and postcards of the city.

Visitors to Trafalgar Square can marvel at the grandeur of Nelson's Column and the surrounding fountains and sculptures. Although it is not possible to climb the column, its impressive size and the significance can be appreciated from ground level. The square often hosts public gatherings, celebrations, and political demonstrations, making it a lively spot to experience the pulse of London.

Alternative names: Opened: 1843 (181 years ago)Completed: 1843 (181 years ago)Height: 169 ftCoordinates: 51°30'28"N, 0°7'41"W

Address

Trafalgar SqCity of Westminster (St. James's)London WC2N 5DN United Kingdom

Contact

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London

Day trips

Nelson's Column – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Canada House.

~500 ftNW
Major art from 13th to 19th centuries
National Gallery, London
3 min walk • The National Gallery in London is an emblematic institution that stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. Located in the heart of the capital, at Trafalgar Square, this renowned museum houses a vast collection of European paintings that span from the...
~150 ftN
Square
Trafalgar Square, London
1 min walk • Trafalgar Square is an iconic public space at the heart of London, United Kingdom, known for its cultural significance and historical monuments. This bustling square is often the focal point for political demonstrations, community gatherings, and festive celebrations...
~500 ftNE
Church, Baroque architecture, Georgian architecture
St Martin-in-the-Fields, London
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of London's bustling Trafalgar Square, St Martin-in-the-Fields stands as an iconic example of Georgian ecclesiastical architecture and a beacon of music and compassionate outreach within the city. This Anglican church, with its striking...
~310 ftNE
Museum, Art museum, Georgian architecture
Canada House, London
2 min walk • Canada House stands as a grand symbol of the Canadian presence in the heart of London, England. This historic building serves as the Canadian High Commission, functioning as a diplomatic space as well as a cultural center.
~390 ftS
Edwardian architecture, Memorial, Historical place
Admiralty Arch, London
2 min walk • Admiralty Arch, a majestic building in the heart of London, England, stands as a grand gateway between The Mall and Trafalgar Square. This historical structure, commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his mother Queen Victoria, was completed in 1912 and designed...
~250 ftNW
Square, Monuments and statues, Sculpture
Fourth plinth, London
2 min walk • The Fourth Plinth, located in the northwest corner of Trafalgar Square in London, England, is a unique and ever-changing tourist attraction that captures the city’s creative spirit. Unlike the other three plinths in the square, which display statues of historical...
~170 ftN
Tree
Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, London
1 min walk • The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is a Christmas tree gifted to the people of Britain by Norway each year since 1947. The tree is prominently displayed in Trafalgar Square from the beginning of December until 6 January.
~430 ftSE
Theater, Concerts and shows
Trafalgar Theatre, London
3 min walk • Trafalgar Theatre is a new West End theatre in Whitehall, near Trafalgar Square, in the City of Westminster, London. It is set to open in spring 2021 following a major multi-million pound restoration project aiming to reinstate it back to its original heritage design.
~570 ftSW
Monuments and statues
Royal Marines Memorial, London
3 min walk • The Royal Marines Memorial, also known as the Graspan Royal Marines Memorial, is an outdoor bronze sculpture by Adrian Jones, installed on the north side of The Mall in London, United Kingdom.
~160 ftSE
Monuments and statues, Sculpture
Charles I, London
1 min walk • The equestrian statue of Charles I at Charing Cross, London, is a work by the French sculptor Hubert Le Sueur, probably cast in 1633. It is considered the central point of London.
~700 ftE
Museum, Vernacular architecture, History museum
Benjamin Franklin House, London
4 min walk • Benjamin Franklin House is a museum in a terraced Georgian house at 36 Craven Street, London, close to Trafalgar Square. It is the last-standing former residence of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Nelson's Column?

Nearby attractions include Statue of Charles James Napier, London (1 min walk), Trafalgar Studios, London (1 min walk), Trafalgar Square, London (1 min walk), Charles I, London (1 min walk).

How to get to Nelson's Column by public transport?

The nearest stations to Nelson's Column:

Bus

Trafalgar Square / Charing Cross Station • Lines: N26 (1 min walk)
Charing Cross Station • Lines: N26 (4 min walk)

Metro

Charing Cross • Lines: Bakerloo, Northern (2 min walk)
Embankment • Lines: Bakerloo, Circle, District, Northern (7 min walk)

Train

Charing Cross (5 min walk)
London Waterloo (19 min walk)

Ferry

Embankment • Lines: Green Tour, Rb1, Rb1X, Rb2, Rb6 (8 min walk)
London Eye - Waterloo Pier • Lines: Rb1, Rb1X, Rb2, Red Tour (12 min walk)