Tourist Attractions around Trafalgar Square, London
Trafalgar Square is considered to be the heart of London. It is a huge tourist draw and known the world over for its vivacious environment. No trip to London can be complete without paying a visit to Trafalgar Square. Built to honour Admiral Nelson, the square was christened after the Spanish Cape Trafalgar where Admiral Nelson won his final battle.
Every December, to thank the British people for their role in Norway’s liberation, during the Second World War, the people of Norway present a massive Christmas tree to Britain, which is put up in Trafalgar Square. When the giant tree is lit by hundreds of twinkling fairy lights with carol singers gather around it against the backdrop of the fountain, it makes for a memorable sight and this image is often illustrated on Christmas cards.
Getting to Trafalgar Square:
Trafalgar Square is extremely well connected by all means of public transport.
- The Tube:
The closest station is Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines), with an entry/departure on Trafalgar Square.
Other stations that are within walking distance are:
- Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
- Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines)
- Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, District and Circle lines)
- Mainline Train:
Charing Cross mainline rail station is approximately a three minute walk from the Square.
- Buses:
There are plenty of buses that go past Trafalgar Square.
Attractions around Trafalgar Square:
There are plenty of places in and around Trafalgar Square that are worth a visit. Read on for more…
The National Gallery is located on the north side of the Square. Owned by the British public, it contains more than 2300 paintings including Van Gogh’s well-known “Sunflowers” and John Constable’s “The Hay Wain”.
The St. Martin-in-the-fields church is located at the north-east end of Trafalgar Square. An Anglican church dedicated to Saint Martain of Tours, it is famous for the social work it has done for the large destitute population of London. It also is the venue for many concerts, including candlelit concerts for special occasions.
To the East side of the Square, is the South Africa House. Unfortunately, it is closed to the public. It houses the South African consulate and the offices of the High Commissioner. However, it is still worth a visit to view the African animals featured on the buildings stone arches.
The Canada House which was designed by Sir Robert Smirke, lies on the west side of Trafalgar Square. It regularly conducts exhibitions that are open for public viewing.
It also houses the Canadian High Commissioners office and serves as a venue for Britons and Canadians to interact with each other.
South-west of Trafalgar Square is the Admiralty Arch- one of London’s most famous landmarks. This structure is best known for its “nose”, which is a small projection the size and shape of a human nose on the inside wall of the northernmost arch. The arch is the ceremonial doorway to Buckingham Palace passing through The Mall.
The residence of the British Prime Minister, Number 10, Downing Street, is also in the region of Trafalgar Square. Even though it is not open to the public, it can be viewed from a distance. Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square are within easy walking distance of Trafalgar Square.
- Mehernaz Jila
Tags: admiralty arch, canada house, heart of london, london, national gallery, south africa house, st. martin in the fields church, tourist places, trafalgar square
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