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Trafalgar Square

Squares & fountains ·London ·Open now
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#137Things to do in London EnglandTravelers' Choice 2026
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About

Trafalgar Square is a public square at Charing Cross in Westminster, central London, facing the National Gallery. Its name marks Britain’s 1805 naval victory at Trafalgar.

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Trafalgar Square

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What's on here

London New Year's Eve 2026 London New Year's Eve 2026 Thursday · All day Vaisakhi on the Square 2027 Vaisakhi on the Square 2027 Saturday, 12:00 Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2027 Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2027 Tuesday · All day Memorial Service 2027 Memorial Service 2027 Wednesday, 11:50

Why go

  • Nelson’s Column and its four bronze lions
  • Two monumental fountains with mermaids, dolphins and tritons
  • The annual Battle of Trafalgar parade by the Sea Cadet Corps

Opening hours

Today00:00 – 23:59Show all
Monday00:00 – 23:59
Tuesday00:00 – 23:59
Wednesday00:00 – 23:59
Thursday00:00 – 23:59
Friday00:00 – 23:59
Saturday00:00 – 23:59
Sunday00:00 – 23:59

Don't miss

  • Nelson’s Column’s bronze panelsThe four panels at the column’s base depict battles fought by Nelson.South side of the square
  • Fourth PlinthBuilt for an equestrian statue of William IV, the plinth remained empty when funds ran short.North-west side of the square
  • Jellicoe and Beatty fountainsThe western fountain commemorates Admiral Jellicoe; the eastern one honours Admiral Beatty. They operate on most days.North of Nelson’s Column
  • Charles I statueThis bronze equestrian statue was cast in 1633 and placed here in 1678.At the site of the original Charing Cross

Photo spots

  • National Gallery terraceFrame Trafalgar Square from the broad steps of the pedestrian terrace.In front of the National Gallery, on the north side of the square
  • Southeast lampstandPhotograph the lantern-shaped former police post from outside; it now serves as a road-workers’ store.Southeast corner of the square

Interesting facts4

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  1. Nearby building work in the late 1950s uncovered cave lion and hippopotamus fossils from the Last Interglacial.

    Trafalgar Square - Wikipedia

  2. Imperial measures, including perches and chains, can be found outside the café.

    Trafalgar Square | London City Hall

  3. A point in the square is treated as London’s official centre for legislation and distance measurements.

    Trafalgar Square - Wikipedia
  4. 1921

    The George Washington statue in front of the National Gallery was a gift from Virginia’s government and was installed in 1921.

    Trafalgar Square - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

  1. 1200sThe Charing Cross area was already a landmark.
  2. 1826John Nash was commissioned to plan redevelopment of the area formerly occupied by the King’s Mews.
  3. around 1835The square was named for the Battle of Trafalgar following architect George Ledwell Taylor’s suggestion.
  4. 1840–1845Sir Charles Barry gave the square its present form.
  5. 1 May 1844The square opened to the public.
Show all
  1. 1867Four bronze lions were added around Nelson’s Column.
  2. 8 May 1945Crowds gathered here and on Whitehall to hear Winston Churchill’s victory speech.
  3. 1958The first Aldermaston March against nuclear weapons began in the square.
  4. 31 March 1990The square was a major scene of the Poll Tax Riots.
  5. 2003Redevelopment closed the road in front of the National Gallery and pedestrianised the north terrace.

How to get there

  • TrainCharing Cross Underground station has an exit in the square and serves the Northern and Bakerloo lines.
  • BusSeveral bus routes run through the square.
  • On footThe Mall leads southwest towards Buckingham Palace via Admiralty Arch.

Accessibility

  • Step-free access Lifts provide access to the north terrace.
  • Lifts Two lifts were added in the 2003 redevelopment.
  • Café A café was added in the 2003 redevelopment.

Sources: Trafalgar Square - Wikipedia · London/Leicester Square - Wikivoyage (see) · Trafalgar Square | London City Hall · Trafalgar Square - Wikipedia · Trafalgar Square - Wikipedia · checked 6 Oct 2026

Where
Trafalgar Sq, London

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

When is Trafalgar Square open?

Trafalgar Square is open 24 hours every day.

Can I feed the pigeons at Trafalgar Square?

No. A 2003 bylaw banned feeding pigeons in the square.

Are there street performances at Trafalgar Square?

The square is a popular venue for street performances. Since April 2021, buskers have needed a licence and may perform only at designated pitches.

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