Wellington Arch, London

Wellington Arch, London

Located across from the residence of the Duke of Wellington, Apsley House, stands this impressive stone arch, overseeing the bustling traffic at Hyde Park Corner. Crafted by Decimus Burton and finalized in 1828, it was conceived as a grand gateway to the western side of London, mirroring the design of another iconic structure, Marble Arch. Both arches serve as triumphant memorials commemorating Britain's victory over France in the Napoleonic Wars.

Crowning the structure, you'll find the Angel of Peace descending upon a quadriga, a four-horse chariot representing war. Inside, three levels house both permanent and temporary exhibitions that unveil the arch's history, including its previous role as London's smallest postwar police station. Two additional floors offer a more extensive exhibition focusing on the Battle of Waterloo.

For a modest perspective of Buckingham Palace gardens, Hyde Park Corner, and the bustling traffic below, you can also take a leisurely stroll onto the external balconies near the top of the monument.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Wellington Arch on Map

Sight Name: Wellington Arch
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in London, England

Create Your Own Walk in London

Create Your Own Walk in London

Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
City of London Walking Tour

City of London Walking Tour

The City of London, often referred to simply as the City (with the capital C), is the historic and financial core of the British capital. Despite being just over one square mile in area (for which reason it is also lovingly dubbed the Square Mile), it holds immense importance as the original site of Londinium, the Roman settlement founded circa 43 AD. Over the centuries, this small patch of land...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Bridges of London

Bridges of London

Around thirty bridges span the Thames river in London, each with its own story. Our self-guided walk takes you to see nine such historical structures located in the heart of the city, starting from the storied Westminster Bridge and ending at the iconic Tower Bridge.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
London's Historic Pubs Walk

London's Historic Pubs Walk

If there’s any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.

With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
Charles Dickens Tour

Charles Dickens Tour

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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Kensington/Knightsbridge Walking Tour

Kensington/Knightsbridge Walking Tour

Situated just below Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and South Kensington are two adjacent neighborhoods with grand Victorian homes and leafy garden squares. Home to London’s most expensive homes, Knightsbridge has some of the highest density of millionaires in the world. This is clearly reflected in the selection of stores & restaurants in the area, including the famous Harvey Nichols and Harrods...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Walk around Buckingham Palace

Walk around Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, the British monarch's official residence, is a must-see for anyone visiting London, but so are the adjacent royal establishments that give a unique window into the royal way of life. On this self-guided walking tour, along with Buckingham Palace and its memorable fountain, you will visit the St. James's private royal residence, the wonderful Queen's Gallery, and...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers

London Souvenirs: 18 Distinctively British Products for Travelers

Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...