Wellington Arch
- History enthusiasts
- Architecture and design enthusiasts
- Families with children
What Visitors Say
Wellington Arch offers excellent panoramic views of Hyde Park, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, and the busy Hyde Park Corner area. The historic architecture and the impressive Quadriga sculpture are worth seeing up close, while the exhibits inside provide interesting insights into London’s history and the Duke of Wellington. The location is a major highlight, it is within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park, and the luxury hotels and shops of Mayfair. The surrounding green spaces make it a great spot for a leisurely stroll, and there are plenty of cafés and attractions nearby to continue your day. Less crowded than many of London’s famous landmarks, making it a peaceful and rewarding visit. Highly recommended for history lovers, photographers, and anyone exploring central London.
Wellington Arch was such a wonderful landmark to visit during my recent trip to London ⭐ The architecture is beautiful and full of history, and seeing it in person gave me a real appreciation for the craftsmanship and design from that era. The area around it is also lovely to walk through, making it a great spot to stop, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere of London. Definitely worth seeing if you are visiting the city 🇬🇧
One of the most famous land marks in London. What a fantastic view from the top overlooking Apsley house, Statue of Wellington and the world war one monument. Small gift shop can be found as you enter under the arch. Also you can purchase tickets so you can investigate the rooms above. Currently the lift isn't working so you need to be quite mobile to climb the steps. The Arch is caretakered by English Heritage so as always your greeted by amazing staff and if you invest in a years membership then entrance is free. All in all well worth the visit but the best part is sitting under the horses statue and getting that amazing view. If your lucky the horse gaurds are practising so you could get a great picture of them riding through the Arch unfortunately we just missed it, check the pics and video below for a more detailed look.
Wellington Arch is a beautiful piece of architecture and a great spot for photos, especially when you’re walking through the historic parts of the city or moving between the nearby parks. It’s perfectly located in central London and adds a special charm to your walk. Definitely worth stopping by if you’re exploring the area!
Handy to visit this when you're visiting Aspley House and get the full Wellington experience. Bothe are English Heritage. Carefully check opening times as it's not always open. It's a tiny building inside with anu unusual history which you can learn about in the first floor exhibition. The 2nd floor is a military exhibition whilst the top 2 floors are a variable art exhibition. The best thing is the 2 outside balconies where you get a very unusual view over Green and Hyde parks
Highlights
Quadriga Close-Up
Largest bronze quadriga in Europe, at eye levelAdrian Jones’s 1912 chariot—Peace taming War—was cast to read from the street; from here you see tool-marks the traffic never will.
Top balconies
Moved Monument
London once shifted an arch like furnitureIn 1882–83 the whole structure was dismantled and rebuilt a short distance away to unclog Hyde Park Corner—Victorian urbanism with nerve.
Intro gallery
From Duke to Angel
Two very different toppersThe first crown was a gigantic equestrian statue of Wellington—loathed by many—removed in the 1880s and sent to Aldershot before the current quadriga arrived.
History panels, mid-level
Parade Watchpoint
Guards and motorcades pass right belowOn Changing-of-the-Guard days, you’re above the route as soldiers, bands and horses thread the arch like a living frieze.
South balcony, towards Constitution Hill
Pocket Museum
A monument with rooms insideEnglish Heritage carved compact galleries into the piers—bite-size shows on the arch, the area and temporary art.
All levels (lift available)
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
Before 1912, a colossal bronze of the Duke of Wellington sat on top; it was unpopular, then removed and sent to Aldershot when the arch was moved.
From 1960 to 1992 the interior housed the Hyde Park Corner police station—a triumphal arch with a front desk and a kettle.
The current sculpture shows Peace restraining War in a four-horse chariot; sculptor Adrian Jones based details on real cavalry horses from the nearby barracks.
The arch was physically relocated in 1882–83 to improve traffic flow—dismantled stone by stone and rebuilt a short distance away.
On ceremonial days, the Household Cavalry and state processions use the arch like a stage prop—millions see it on TV without realising you can go inside.
