Trafalgar Square Information

Trafalgar Square Information

Trafalgar Square is one of those places where you stand and feel physically connected to history.  You’ll be able to feel the weight of man’s awe-inspiring creations - from the grand and prominent National Gallery to the smaller and architecturally beautiful St Martin-in-the-Fields church.  Even though Trafalgar Square surrounds you on all four sides with heavy, decorative buildings, it creates a feeling of spaciousness and freedom by a few deftly positioned statues, fountains and of course the dart in the square’s bulls-eye - Nelson’s Column.  

Commemorating the victory of the British navy in the Battle of Trafalgar, the ending triumph of the Napoleonic Wars - the Square was commissioned by George IV in the 1820s.  The square has been the sight of numerous political demonstrations, including Bloody Sunday riots and anti-apartheid campaigns, a place of celebration for many victorious sporting events and is also a popular location for many on New Years Eve.  Trafalgar Square has truly been inculcated into the London way of life - whether it be as a thoroughfare for busy commuters or as a place to stand in wonder.  

The reliable London tube will take you to Charing Cross, the nearest station, on the Northern and Bakerloo lines.  From there, make your way along to the National Gallery which fills the square’s entire northern side and houses masterpieces by da Vinci, van Eyck, Rembrandt, Turner along with many others.  The National Portrait Gallery is another London marvel with its portraits of significant people arranged by era.  There is generally a superb exhibition supplementing the permanent collection.

There are lots of casual eateries surrounding the square and on sunny days, basking in the sun on the Gallery’s stairs or next to the fountains is highly recommended.  With no traffic allowed through the northern half of the square since the year 2000,m you’ll only have the pigeons to grapple with, but do be aware feeding these pests is banned!