Monument to the Great Fire of London

Updated April 5, 2026

Monument to the Great Fire of London is a highly acclaimed historical landmark located in London, United Kingdom. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5, it stands out as one of the top-rated historical landmarks in the area.

Location

You can find Monument to the Great Fire of London at Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH, United Kingdom.

Historical Significance

Monument to the Great Fire of London is a historical landmark of historical significance in London, United Kingdom. It offers visitors a glimpse into the area heritage and history.

Planning Your Visit

The historical landmark is located at Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH, United Kingdom. GPS coordinates: 51.510143, -0.085942. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

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Right in the heart of London, there’s this towering column that’s hard to miss. The Monument to the Great Fire of London rises 202 feet above the street—a Doric column built from 1671 to 1677, marking the spot where the Great Fire of 1666 started.

It sits at Monument Street and Fish Street Hill, just a few steps from Pudding Lane. That’s where the fire first broke out, and honestly, you can almost feel the weight of history hanging in the air.

Most London monuments blend into the background, but not this one. If you’re up for it, climb the 311 spiral steps inside.

You’ll get a certificate at the top, plus some of the best city views around. The golden urn crowning the Monument was re-gilded in 2008, so it catches the light, even on a gray London day.

Key Takeaways

• The Monument is 202 feet tall and stands exactly where the Great Fire of London began in 1666.
• Climb 311 steps for panoramic city views.
• Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, finished in 1677.

About Monument to the Great Fire of London

This isn’t just a column—it’s a symbol of London’s resilience and rebirth. You’ll find it right at the corner of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill, a stone’s throw from the fire’s origin.

It’s a commemoration of disaster, but also a celebration of how London bounced back.

History and Significance

Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke dreamed up this memorial between 1671 and 1677. They placed it exactly 202 feet from the bakery on Pudding Lane where the fire started—a quirky detail that’s easy to miss unless you know to look for it.

Back in 1666, the Great Fire raged for four days, wiping out four-fifths of the medieval city. It started in a bakery and ended up devouring 13,000 houses and 87 churches.

Wren later rebuilt St Paul’s Cathedral and over 50 other churches lost to the flames. The Monument became the tallest freestanding stone column on earth at the time.

It’s now Grade I-listed, and honestly, it’s one of those landmarks you can’t quite forget once you’ve seen it.

What Makes It Special

Climbing the 311 spiral steps is a rite of passage. It’s a narrow, winding staircase, and it’s definitely not for anyone claustrophobic.

But the view from the top is something else—London sprawls out in every direction. Don’t forget to grab your certificate at the end; it’s a quirky little tradition.

The Monument isn’t just for history buffs. Hooke, who was something of a mad scientist, wanted to use the hollow core for experiments—a giant zenith telescope, to be exact.

The fluted Doric style gives it a classical vibe, which is a bit surreal when you’re looking out at the glassy towers of the modern city.

Weekdays are best if you want to dodge the crowds, especially from April to September when it’s open a bit later. Winter hours are shorter, so double-check before you go.

What to See and Do

There are really two reasons to visit: the climb, and the views at the top.

If you time it right, you’ll have the platform mostly to yourself.

Main Attractions and Highlights

The climb is the main event. 311 spiral steps, worn smooth by centuries of feet, twisting up a column that feels like it might never end.

At the top, you get a 360-degree sweep of London. Sure, 202 feet isn’t much compared to the Shard, but from here—so close to London Bridge—you get a unique angle on the Thames, the Shard, and the old City.

Once you’re back on solid ground, a staff member hands you a certificate. It’s a bit cheesy, but hey, you earned it.

A few things to keep in mind:

• The staircase is tight—no elevator.
• Large bags (over H40 x W25 x 15 cm) stay at the bottom.
• The viewing platform can get crowded.
• No restrooms at the top, so plan ahead.

Best Time to Visit

Doors open from 09:30-13:00 and 14:00-18:00 daily, with a midday break that catches plenty of people by surprise.

If you want peace and quiet, show up right at 9:30 AM. Weekday mornings are your best bet for empty stairs and clear photos.

The Monument is basically glued to Monument tube station, so it’s easy to swing by before you hit the Tower of London or Borough Market.

Closed December 24-26, and opening is a bit later on New Year’s Day. Sometimes they shut unexpectedly, so check the website before you head out.

Visitor Information

You’ll find the Monument at Monument Street and Fish Street Hill, exactly 202 feet from the fire’s starting point. It’s open daily from 09:30-13:00 and 14:00-18:00, with last entry at 12:30 and 17:30.

Location and How to Get There

Right in the City of London, just north of London Bridge. The nearest Underground stop is Monument (District and Circle lines)—you’ll basically step out and see it.

Bank station is close, too, if you’re coming from the Central, Northern, or Waterloo & City lines.

London Bridge station is about five minutes away on foot. It’s a pleasant walk through some of the city’s oldest streets.

Buses 15, 17, 21, 35, 40, 47, 48, 149, and 343 all stop nearby. You’re really in the thick of it here.

The location makes it easy to pair with the Tower of London or Borough Market—both are just a short stroll away.

Tips for Visitors

Bag checks are standard for everyone, and there’s a strict size limit: nothing bigger than 40cm x 25cm x 15cm. If your bag’s too big, you’ll have to stash it in a storage area at the base—just know that’s at your own risk.

Honestly, most folks don’t realize this until they’re standing at the entrance. Save yourself the hassle and pack light.

Climbing those 311 steps? It’s tougher than it sounds. The spiral staircase is pretty narrow, and it really squeezes in at a few points.

They’re strict about bags for a reason. If you deal with mobility issues, heads up—there’s no elevator here.

The Monument shuts down December 24-26 and opens a bit later on January 1 (10am instead of 09:30). Definitely check their website the morning you’re heading over; sometimes they close for private events.

If you want a quieter experience, show up right at 09:30 when they open. Early mornings are just better—trust me.