The Monument to the Great Fire of London is a towering column opened in 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666 that devastated the city. Standing 202 feet high, it is located at the site where the fire is believed to have started. Visitors can climb 311 steps to reach the viewing platform at its top, offering panoramic views of London. The monument features an urn at its apex, symbolizing the city's regeneration after the disaster. This impressive structure, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, remains a significant historical landmark, attracting many tourists each year.
What each source says
- Viator 4.1 21,525
- Google Places 4.5 13,244
- Tripadvisor 4.5 2,325
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Affordable Attraction At approximately £6 for adults and £3 for children, the Monument offers excellent value compared to other London attractions. The small cost makes it accessible for budget-conscious travelers.
- Certificate of Completion Upon descending the 311 steps, visitors receive a certificate commemorating their climb. This provides a fun and unique souvenir of the experience, especially appealing to children.
- Convenient Location Situated near Monument Station and the Tower of London, the Monument is easily accessible via public transportation. Its central location makes it an ideal addition to any London itinerary.
- Historical Significance As a memorial to the Great Fire of London, the Monument provides a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in the city's history. Informative plaques detail the fire, the city's recovery, and the Monument’s design.
- Panoramic City Views Climbing the Monument rewards you with stunning, 360-degree views of London's skyline, including iconic landmarks like The Shard and Tower Bridge. The viewing platform offers a unique perspective you won't find elsewhere.
Criticised
- Challenging Climb Reaching the top requires ascending 311 narrow, spiral steps, which can be strenuous, especially for those with mobility issues or young children. There is no elevator, making it inaccessible for wheelchair users.
- Narrow Staircase The helical staircase is confined, making passing other climbers difficult. The steps are smooth so caution must be taken. Those with claustrophobia may find the ascent uncomfortable.
- Not Suitable for All The attraction is not suitable for those with mobility difficulties, claustrophobia, or fear of heights. The physical demands of the climb may be too challenging for some visitors.
- Potential Crowds and Wait Times Due to the limited space at the top, only a few people are allowed up at a time, leading to potential waits during peak hours. Arriving early is recommended to avoid long queues.
- Restricted Views for Photography The viewing platform is enclosed with wire netting, which may obstruct clear photography with larger cameras. Smartphone users will likely have fewer issues capturing decent shots.
The longer read
The Monument to the Great Fire of London is a historical landmark offering panoramic views of the city for a reasonable entry fee (£6 for adults, £3 for children). Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, the 202-foot Doric column commemorates the Great Fire of 1666, standing 202 feet from where the fire began in Pudding Lane. Visitors climb 311 spiral steps to reach the top, a challenging but rewarding experience. Many reviewers highlight the climb as a significant part of the visit, emphasizing the sense of accomplishment and the unique perspective it provides. While the stairwell is narrow and can be tiring, especially for those with mobility issues, there are places to stop and rest. Upon completing the climb, visitors receive a certificate, a memorable keepsake. The viewing platform offers 360-degree views of London landmarks, including the Shard and Tower Bridge. However, some reviewers note that the protective wire netting around the platform can hinder photography with larger cameras, though smartphones fare better. The Monument's location near Monument Station and London Bridge makes it easily accessible by public transport. Some reviewers suggest visiting early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds, as the viewing platform has limited space. Backpacks and large bags must be left at the ticket desk. Several reviewers mention the historical significance of the Monument, connecting it to London's resilience and rebirth after the fire. It's considered a must-visit for history buffs and those seeking a unique view of London's skyline. The experience is often described as a mix of history, exercise, and stunning views, making it a worthwhile addition to a London itinerary. Some reviewers recommend combining the visit with a trip to the Tower of London, as the Monument receipt provides a 20% discount. Overall, visitors praise the Monument for its affordability, historical importance, and the stunning views it offers, making it a memorable and worthwhile attraction in London.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7403 3761
- Website
- themonument.org.uk
| Mon | 9:30 - 13:00, 14:00 - 18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 9:30 - 13:00, 14:00 - 18:00 |
| Wed | 9:30 - 13:00, 14:00 - 18:00 |
| Thu | 9:30 - 13:00, 14:00 - 18:00 |
| Fri | 9:30 - 13:00, 14:00 - 18:00 |
| Sat | 9:30 - 13:00, 14:00 - 18:00 |
| Sun | 9:30 - 13:00, 14:00 - 18:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.3 against a median of 4.5 across the 2,371 venues we hold for London, where the most-reviewed is Trafalgar Square.
Still deciding?
- Why was the Monument to the Great Fire of London constructed and what does it commemorate?
- What is the process for climbing the Monument and how many steps does it have?
- What views or landmarks are visible from the top of the Monument to the Great Fire of London?
- Is the Monument to the Great Fire of London suitable for children and families to visit?
- What other interesting attractions or sites are located near the Monument to the Great Fire of London?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.