Monument to the Great Fire of London

See the Monument along with its neighboring attractions on a city tour, learning more about its history from a guide. Opt for a bike or black cab tour, which includes the Monument, for quick and easy transfer, or enjoy the more immersive experience of a walking tour. Alternatively, hop-on hop-off services allow you to ascend the Doric column and admire its gilded urn, base inscriptions, and sweeping views at your own pace.

• The Monument is a must-see for anyone interested in London’s history.

• Be prepared for a fair climb, as there are 311 steps to the Monument’s summit.

• The viewing platform is not wheelchair accessible.

• Some tours include admission; otherwise, there is a cash charge to enter the Monument.

Take advantage of tours offering round-trip transfer to skip the hassle of navigating London. Otherwise, Monument is the nearest underground stop, while London Bridge and Fenchurch Street are the nearest mainline stations. Several local and hop-on hop-off bus services stop nearby.

The imposing Monument is a sight to see any time of year, though the vistas it offers are particularly pleasing in spring and summer when the weather is clear—especially as later opening hours offer sunset views. The Monument is open daily, except December 24, 25, and 26.

It’s often said that there are three key dates in English history: 1066, 1666, and 1966. The middle date is often referred to as annus mirabilis, or year of miracles, in reference to John Dryden’s poem. This year saw the surprising defeat of the Dutch navy, as well as the Great Fire of London, which destroyed more than 10,000 properties but took the life of relatively few people. The Great Fire also led to improved building regulation and the beginning of the fire brigade.