Wellington Arch

Wellington Arch featuring heritage elements
Wellington Arch showing autumn colours
Wellington Arch
Wellington Arch showing heritage elements
Wellington Arch featuring outdoor art and a garden


One of the largest bronze sculptures in Europe tops a victory arch marking the battle that ended the Napoleonic Wars. Venture inside for exhibits and views.

As the initial entrance to Hyde Park and later a celebratory piece marking victory over Napoleon, Wellington Arch has a rich history and is one of London’s most famous emblems. At the front end of this triumphal arch are imposing columns and a rectangular pediment hoisting a bronze sculpture of a four-horse chariot. Pass through the arch for an idea of its enormous dimensions.

The site is named for Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, who defeated Napoleon Bonaparte’s French army in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Note that it is considered a victory arch by locals, despite being initially built as an entrance to Hyde Park.

Gaze up to see the large sculpture capping the arch’s roof. It portrays the Angel of Peace descending upon a four-horse war chariot. You may also witness the Household Cavalry on their way to the iconic Changing of the Guard Ceremony. See the arch at night, when it is illuminated in a purple glow.

Pay the fee to enter the arch’s interior, which occasionally displays art and history exhibits. These usually cover themes relating to the Battle of Waterloo and the Duke of Wellington. Find out how an initial equestrian statue of the latter sparked controversy over the structure’s aesthetics. Critics argued it reduced the arch to a mere pedestal and it was taken down after his death.

Peruse the items on sale in the gift shop and climb the spiral staircase to the balconies for spectacular views of the Royal Parks. You can also spot Buckingham Palace, Apsley House and other attractions from this vantage point.

The arch contains an elevator and is open daily from morning until late afternoon. Ask for discounted entry fees for kids.

The Wellington Arch marks Hyde Park’s southeastern corner in the western part of central London. Take the London Underground to the Hyde Park Corner station via the Piccadilly Line. Discover neighboring attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Belgrave Square Garden and Hyde Park Bandstand.

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Things to do near Wellington Arch

Wellington Arch offers a range of activities for tourists, including sightseeing tours and guided visits to the arch itself. You can book tickets in advance to ensure a smooth experience. Nearby, you'll find vibrant art galleries, theatres, and excellent shopping opportunities. Be sure to check a map for the best routes and plan your next activity to make the most of your visit to this iconic landmark in London.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Wellington Arch, visit Harrods, located 373m away, and Burlington Arcade, also just 373m away, both offering a mix of luxury and charm. If you’re up for a drive, explore the vibrant Portobello Road Market, 1.2km away, for unique finds.

Recreation

At Stamford Bridge Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of sports events. Enjoy the serene surroundings of Hampstead Heath, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Experience luxury at Wimbledon Tennis Club, where you can unwind in a prestigious setting while indulging in exclusive wellness activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car for stunning aerial views, located 4.3km from Wellington Arch. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill offers exhilarating challenges 1.6km away. Enjoy racing excitement at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, situated 1.2km from the Arch.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Wellington Arch with a visit to the London Palladium Theatre, showcasing spectacular performances just 559m away. For a cinematic treat, head to Curzon Mayfair, only 186m away, perfect for a romantic film night. Don't miss the Apollo Victoria Theatre, 373m away, for more cultural entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Wellington Arch

Wellington Arch, a magnificent triumphal arch in London, serves as a gateway to a variety of attractions including charming streets, bustling piazzas, and tranquil urban parks. This iconic landmark offers cultural experiences and family-friendly activities that appeal to all types of travellers. Be sure to explore the inside of Wellington Arch and read reviews to enhance your visit.

  • Hyde Park: A sprawling urban oasis, Hyde Park offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. Enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, or boating on the Serpentine, all while soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere. Ideal for families, it’s a splendid spot to unwind amidst nature.
  • Big Ben: This iconic clock tower, part of the Palace of Westminster, is a symbol of British culture. Its striking Gothic architecture and the rhythmic chimes create a captivating experience. A visit here immerses you in the rich history and bustling energy of London.
  • Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is steeped in tradition and regal splendour. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the stunning architecture, embodying the essence of British heritage and culture.

Best time to go to Wellington Arch

The best time to visit Wellington Arch can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Wellington Arch falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Wellington Arch falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Wellington Arch

To save money on your visit to Wellington Arch, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, preferably on a Sunday for the best rates. Use Expedia’s last-minute deals for spontaneous trips and refine your hotel search by setting your budget. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can also yield savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area and take advantage of public transport options, while walking when possible to cut costs further.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Wellington Arch are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Wellington Arch about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Wellington Arch is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Wellington Arch is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make use of Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you envision. To uncover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Wellington Arch with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.