Nelson's Column image

Nelson's Column

Historical landmark

Tall stone pillar with bronze lions & battle scenes honoring the victorious Battle of Trafalgar. People often mention Nelson, Trafalgar, column, London, Admiral, Square, lions, Nelson', Battle, Column,


Address

A400 Trafalgar Square, London, United Kingdom

Website

www.london.gov.uk

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (309 reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
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  • Friday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Nelson (36) Trafalgar (30) column (21) London (18) Admiral (17) Square (15) lions (15) Nelson' (13) Battle (12) Column (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Paul B. 1 year ago on Google
    On that fateful day in 1805 when Admiral Lord Nelson received a shot that ultimately killed him, few realise that an African member of his crew appeared ready to respond to the attacker who fired the shot. As you can clearly see George Ryan armed with a rifle is looking in the direction the shot came from and, with help of a fellow soldier, stood ready to respond. He was one of 23 men born in Africa serving on the flagship HMS Victory. He was honorably discharged after injury in 1813. Below the panel, we see the words "England expect every man will do his duty". Few realize a black Englishman embodied this duty over 150 years ago.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Koen 1 year ago on Google
    The tribute to Britain's greatest naval hero: Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson. Nelson defeated the Spanish-French fleet in 1805 and won the famous naval battle of Trafalgar, but paid the ultimate price. Trafalgar Square was created in the 1820s, where Nelson's Column was erected between 1840 and 1843. On top of the 46 meter high granite column is the 5.5 meter high statue of Admiral Nelson. In 1867, the four lions were added on which many a tourist (in the past) posed. A real eyecatcher!
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 LUCI P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Built in honor of Admiral Nelson (Original) Construită în cinstea amiralului Nelson
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shane G. 7 months ago on Google
    The column commemorates Nelson’s victory in 1805 over a French fleet at Trafalgar. Nelson, the British Admiral, was killed in the battle which was a decisive British victory. The column stands 169 feet tall and was completed in 1843. The bronze Barbary lions were not added until 1867. If you haven’t had your picture taken with the lions, you haven’t really been to London.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Malarkus 4 years ago on Google
    Too big.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Philippe H. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Extremely beautiful and historically significant place. Recommend everyone visiting London here as it is close to the center and hardly time consuming. The place is beautiful and offers the perfect place to take a little break after intensive sightseeing and just to watch the course of the London streets. (Original) Extrem schöner und historisch bedeutender ort. Empfehle jedem der London besucht hier vorbeizulaufen, da es doch nahe am zentrum und es kaum zeitaufwendig ist. Der platz ist wunderschön und bietet den perfekten Ort um nach intensiver sightseeing ein kleines Päuschen einzulegen und einfach mal nur den lauf der Londoner strassen zu beobachten.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fran J. 4 years ago on Google
    Possibly the best column in London 5 stars
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mary I. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A majestic piece of Nelson (Original) Un majestuoso pedazo de Nelson
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rofik A. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent Beautiful
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 King N. 1 year ago on Google
    The entrance to Buckingham palace is close including Trafalgar Square is close. Went there so busy and no way to to to Buckingham road to Victoria station that's mission impossible to get there so I decided to go back to Waterloo Piccadilly Circus - Waterloo station About 25 minutes Saw some few black car excorted by the police going inside the Buckingham palace
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roman A. 4 years ago on Google
    Unmistakably London.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hfz R. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting tall monumental tower located at the Trafalgar square surrounded by four huge greyish lions statues.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Santiago sebastian H. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Falkland Islands 🇦🇷🇦🇷❤️🌝 (Original) Islas Malvinas 🇦🇷🇦🇷❤️🌝
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JT L. 3 years ago on Google
    Imponent monument for one of the greatest heros of the British History,
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Marlon M. 4 months ago on Google
    Iconic structure with an iconic story. I think it involves a king and a barrel of wine.. on another thought, I don’t want to remember it again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenn Z. 6 months ago on Google
    Impressive sculptures all around the plaza. Nelson’s column stands at the center and overlooks the whole city. It shows the position of him in people’s hearts. The 4 big lions were grant and you had to admire the accomplishments of the Admiral and the history behind the Trafalgar victory.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ian 4 years ago on Google
    Nice column on the edge of Trafalgar square

  • 4/5 Simon D. 3 years ago on Google
    Remember it is called Nelson's column! The emphasis is obviously on the Corinthian (slender fluted columns) rather than on the diminutive statue of Horatio on top. This was erected after his 1815 death at the battle of Trafalgar. The foundations of the column diverted proposed Underground line work. It was refurbished in 2006.

  • 5/5 Bratislav D. 3 months ago on Google New
    Nelson's Column, standing tall in London's Trafalgar Square, is an awe-inspiring testament to British history and naval prowess. The grandeur of the monument, topped by Admiral Lord Nelson, captures the essence of the city. Surrounded by fountains and flanked by historic buildings, the column creates a picturesque scene. The location is vibrant, often hosting cultural events and gatherings. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a quintessential London experience, Nelson's Column is a must-visit. The panoramic views of the city from this point are unparalleled. It's a symbol of London's resilience and a reminder of its glorious past. Don't miss the chance to soak in the ambiance of this iconic landmark.

  • 5/5 Suki R. 8 months ago on Google
    Keep your eyes peeled, as one of the 7 noses of Soho will be nearby. Before it was found out to be an art piece, many people believed this was Nelson's spare nose. Just in case his original nose was damaged during the war. And judging by the holes you'd see on the walls that was caused from the war, he would have come close to losing his spare nose!! That's if the story were true 🤣

  • 5/5 Piotr P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The column is visible from a distance, a symbol place that I think defines the location of Trafalgar Square in London. Built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, killed in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. (Original) Kolumna widoczna z daleka, miejsce symbol, które według mnie określa lokalizację Placu Trafalgarskiego w Londynie. Wzniesiona ku upamiętnieniu admirała Horatio Nelsona, poległego w Bitwie pod Trafalgarem w 1805 roku.

  • 5/5 Andreas S. 8 months ago on Google
    Large and not overlookable column in the Centre of London. It can get quite crowded around Nelson’s Column on weekends and especially later times of the day but its always very invigorated.

  • 5/5 Jessica S. 4 years ago on Google
    Situated in the centre of Trafalgar Square. A competition was held for the design of this memorial to Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The winner William Railton was chosen by the Duke of Wellington. It was funded by public subscription. 169 & a quarter feet high. A granite corinthian column erected 1843. The bronze statue of Nelson atop of it was sculptured by EH Baily. Nelson faces South towards The Thames and Whitehall. In Nelson's day his naval ships would have been able to make it this far in from the sea. The four bronze reliefs at the base of the pedestal are 18ft square. Each designed by a different artist and the bronze reliefs were cast from captured French cannons ; West facing, Battle of Cape Vincent by Musgrave Watson ; North facing, Battle of the Nile by William F Woodington ; East facing, Battle of Copenhagen by John Ternouth ; South facing, the Death of Nelson by John Edward Carew in 1849. Sir Edwin Landseer and Baron Marochetti added the four barbary lions in 1867. Never having seen a living lion they used a decaying one to model them on. Interestingly, if Hitler had successfully invaded the UK, he had planned to move Nelson's Column in it's entirety to Berlin. In 2011 visitors to Nelson's Column were banned from climbing up onto the lions due to much damage done to them over the years. In close proximity to the North, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, and Leicester Square Station. To the East, St Martin's in the Fields and Charing Cross Station. To the South, Whitehall, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Station and The River Thames. To the East, St James's Park, St James's Park Station, The Mall, Institute of Contemporary Art's, and Buckingham Palace.

  • 5/5 Josh S. 1 year ago on Google
    Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square is a must-see for any tourist in London, there is a real buzz and it is only a short walk from either Big Ben or Buckingham Palace.

  • 5/5 Paul Tooze (No Journey Too S. 6 months ago on Google
    An imposing statue memorial of Lord Nelson with plenty of historical content below. I never knew about the African sailors, thanks Paul! Plenty of people about today but not particularly busy. It’s looking really nice with the fountain looking stunning. Once the gallery is finished the whole area will look perfect.

  • 5/5 Balaram N. 2 years ago on Google
    Adorable place❤️

  • 5/5 Natalie J. 11 months ago on Google
    Lovely historic site to visit, beautiful to sit & have a sandwich & coffee look at the beautiful fountain :)

  • 5/5 David L. 1 year ago on Google
    Recommend walking tours to explain the rich history of this area

  • 5/5 Salty Light M. 2 months ago on Google New
    Ah, Trafalgar Square, where the lions sit stoically beneath Nelson's Column, like guardians of British stoicism, or perhaps just grumpy old cats in need of a nap. I approached these majestic feline sentinels with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store, ready to unleash my inner lion-tamer and mount one for a regal photo op. But lo and behold, a sign caught my eye – a picture warning tourists not to turn these kings of the concrete jungle into unwitting steeds. I couldn't help but chuckle at the sheer brilliance of this public service announcement. It's like the city of London preemptively knew that some overzealous tourists might mistake these stone sculptures for the latest thrill ride at the amusement park. Perhaps they imagined an influx of selfie-snapping daredevils, perched precariously on the backs of these leonine works of art, striking poses that scream, "I conquered Trafalgar Square, one lion at a time." As I stood there, contemplating the missed opportunity for an epic Instagram post, I couldn't help but appreciate the strategic placement of this sign – a gentle reminder that, despite the temptation, these lions are not your average jungle gym. It's a testament to the fact that even the most cultured of travelers can sometimes succumb to the siren call of a cheeky photo op. In the spirit of rebellion, I briefly entertained the idea of defying the sign, tossing caution to the wind, and channeling my inner stuntman atop the unsuspecting lion. But then reason prevailed, and I thought, "Ah, Anthony, mate, you've seen one too many action movies." Instead, I settled for a more dignified selfie beside the lions, honoring the unspoken agreement between man and sculpture – no horsing around on the wildlife, even if it's made of stone. So, to the brilliant minds behind the warning sign at Trafalgar Square, I tip my imaginary hat. You've managed to preserve the dignity of both lions and tourists, ensuring that our conquests in London remain firmly grounded in respect, with just a dash of humor on the side. After all, nothing says "I came, I saw, I didn't mount the lion" quite like a well-placed sign. Cheers to you, London, for keeping us in check – one lion at a time.

  • 5/5 David F. 1 year ago on Google
    Iconic feature that you simply have to visit when in London. I went on an early morning and found it surprisingly quiet.

  • 5/5 Bahadır S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It is the name of the huge and tall monument statue located in the famous Trafalgar Square in London. Built in memory of Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, the construction of the monument began in 1840 and was completed in 1843. Designed by William Railton, this 51.58 meter giant monument is made of Corinthian Order and Dartmoor granite. The statue of Nelson on the monument is signed by British sculptor Edward Hodges Baily. Four lion statues added to the base in 1867 were designed by the British painter and sculptor Sir Edwin Landseer. On the base of the column, the important naval victories of the British navy and the death of Admiral Nelson are depicted on 4 5.5-meter reliefs. It has also hosted various meetings and protests for years. From time to time, it was used by Greenpeace as a protest area. Bne, I passed this square many times during my 1 week trip to London in July 2018 and I was fascinated by the majesty of the monument. You should definitely see this square in London. (Original) Londra'nın meşhur Trafalgar Meydanı'nda bulunan devasa ve uzun anıt heykelin adıdır. 1805 yılında Trafalgar Savaşında hayatını kaybeden Amiral Horatio Nelson anısına yaptırılan anıtın inşaası 1840'ta başlamış ve 1843'te bitirilmiştir. William Railton tarafından tasarlanmış olan bu 51,58 metrelik dev anıt Korint Düzeni'nde ve Dartmoor granitinden yapılmıştır. Anıtın üstünde bulunan Nelson heykeli ise İngiliz heykeltıraş Edward Hodges Baily imzası taşımaktadır. 1867 yılında temel kısmına eklenen dört adet aslan heykeli de İngiliz ressam ve heykeltıraş Sir Edwin Landseer tarafından tasarlanmıştır. Sütunun kaidesinde de 4 adet 5,5 metrelik rölyeflerde de İngiliz donanmasının önemli deniz zaferleri ve Amiral Nelson'un ölümü tasvir edilmiştir. Yıllardır çeşitli miting ve protestolara da ev sahipliği yapmaktadır. Zaman zaman Greenpeace tarafından da protesto alanı olarak kullanılmıştır. Bne de temmuz 2018 yılındaki 1 haftalık Londra gezimde bu meydandan çok kez geçtim ve anıtın heybeti ile büyülendim. Londra'da bu meydan mutlaka görmelisiniz.

  • 1/5 Ingrid R. 3 years ago on Google
    What a disappointment. I travelled 500 miles and could not believe how tiny the column was in real life. He looks far bigger in the photos. Not only is this emasculating, but it brings shame on Great Britain. Why does his hat only have two points? Why isn't he wearing the regular bowler?

  • 2/5 The W. 3 years ago on Google
    It is around this large column surrounded by four majestic lions. You can try to take a photo in which you will never be alone.

  • 5/5 Tommaso di C. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing Place enriched by history

  • 4/5 Skylar S. 3 years ago on Google
    Pretty cool but very busy all the time.

  • 5/5 Savio L. 4 years ago on Google
    Nelson's Column is a monument built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The monument has four bronze lions on the base added 24 years later. The pedestal is decorated with four bronze relief panels, cast from captured French guns. They depict the Battle of Cape St Vincent, the Battle of the Nile, the Battle of Copenhagen and the death of Nelson at Trafalgar.

  • 5/5 C 3 years ago on Google
    Can't beat watching birds sitting on top of statues!🤣

  • 5/5 Севдалина �. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) In the center of the square is Nelson's column, erected in 1843 in honor of Admiral Nelson. Despite Britain's victory, war hero Admiral Nelson was killed during the Battle of Trafalgar. The marble column is 20 meters high, and at the top is a statue of Admiral Nelson. At the base of the column are four huge lions, made of molten bronze from the cannons of the French flotilla. Nearby you can see the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin's Church, the Arch of the Admiralty, and Piccadilly Circus. (Original) В центъра на площада се намира колоната на Нелсън, издигната през 1843 г. в чест на адмирал Нелсън. Въпреки победата на Великобритания, героят на войната адмирал Нелсън е убит по време на битката при Трафалгар. Мраморната колона е висока 20 м, а на върха ѝ се намира статуя на адмирал Нелсън. В основата на колоната са разположени четири огромни лъва, направени с разтопен бронз от оръдията на френската флотилия. Наблизо можете да разгледате Националната Галерия, Националната портретна галерия, църквата Свети Мартин, арката на Адмиралтейството, както и площад Пикадили.

  • 5/5 Gourmet L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Impressive autumn. To see if you visit London. The statue is truly monumental. (Original) Colomne impressionnante. A voir si l'on visite Londres. La statue est vraiment monumentale.

  • 5/5 ARTUR B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) COOL! But where is Nelson? :-) (Original) SUPER! Tylko gdzie się podział Nelson? :-)

  • 5/5 Mayte G. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Iconic Trafalgar Square Column 😊 (Original) Icónica columna de Trafalgar Square 😊

  • 5/5 Itay L. 4 years ago on Google
    Nelson

  • 5/5 First N. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful monument

  • 4/5 Маринела �. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It was built between 1840-1843, in honor of Admiral Nelson. It was built so that the admiral's gaze looks to Admiralty and Portsmouth. The statue is 5.5 meters high and is built on a 46 meter granite column. The column is surrounded by a fountain and is guarded by four bronze lions ... The place is always very lively. (Original) Построена е между 1840-1843 г , в чест на адмирал Нелсън.Тя е построена така че погледа на адмирала да гледа към Адмиралтейството и Портсмут.Статуята е с височина 5,5 метра и е построена върху 46 метрова гранитна колона.Колоната е заобиколена от фонтан и се охранява от четири бронзови лъва... Мястото винаги е много оживено.

  • 5/5 جدة �. 3 years ago on Google
    👍👍👍

  • 5/5 Jorge Salgado G. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) In Trafalfar square (Original) En plaza de Trafalfar

  • 5/5 Brian L. 3 years ago on Google
    What do Winnie Mandela and a Pigeon in Trafalgar Square both have in common. They've both sat on Nelson's Column 😆

  • 1/5 Gaming B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) some too high (Original) jakis taki za wysoki

  • 5/5 Patricia N. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Corinthian column built in honor of Admiral Nelson who died in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. (Original) Columna Corintia construida en honor al almirante Nelson que murió en la batalla de Trafalgar en 1805.

  • 5/5 Anil S. 4 years ago on Google
    Trafalgar Square

  • 5/5 Sushill Shyam S. 4 years ago on Google
    It's all part of a walkabout in the area of Buckingham palace


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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