Climbing the Monument with children: everything you need to know
For children who have learnt about the Great Fire of London in school, climbing the Monument to the Great Fire with your children can be an exciting adventure and also a great way to experience London’s history firsthand. Whether you’re a local looking for a new family outing or a tourist seeking a unique London experience, ascending the Monument can be a memorable challenge for both parents and kids alike. But before you embark on this vertical exploration, there are a few things you should know to ensure your family’s visit is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about climbing the Monument with children, to help you make the most of this iconic London landmark.
Climbing the Monument: the essentials
What is the Monument?
The Monument is one of London’s landmarks. Built as a memorial to the Great Fire of London of 1666, the Monument was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke.
The Great Fire of London started on 2 September 1666, in a bakery on nearby Pudding Lane owned by the King’s baker, Thomas Farriner. The fire spread quickly through the city, burnt for four days and destroyed much of medieval London. It took nearly fifty years to rebuild the parts of the City that were destroyed in the Great Fire.
Construction of the Monument was completed in 1677. It takes the form of a column topped with a golden urn of fire.
Inside the column is a spiral staircase that allows visitors to ascend to the top of the Monument where there is a small viewing platform from which the sights of London can be seen.
Where is the Monument?
The Monument is located in the City of London, at the junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill.
The Monument is located 61 metres (202 feet) from the site in Pudding Lane where the fire began. The Monument is also 61 metres high (this is not a coincidence).
How much does it cost to climb the Monument?
Climbing the Monument costs £6 for adults and £3 for children aged 5-15. Children under 5 are free. There are various concession tickets available.
Do you need tickets to climb the Monument?
Admission is paid for on the day upon entrance to the Monument. Tickets are not bookable in advance.
When is the Monument open?
The Monument is open daily from 9.30am – 1pm and 2pm-6pm. Last entry for each time slot is at 12.30pm and 5.30pm respectively.
The Monument is closed 24 – 26 December.
Getting to the Monument
What is the nearest tube to the Monument?
The Monument is easily accessible by public transport.
The nearest Tube station to the Monument is Monument tube station (Circle Line and District Line).
Bank tube station is also close (Central Line, Northern Line, Waterloo and City Line and DLR). Tower Hill station (Circle Line and District Line) and London Bridge station (Northern Line, Jubilee Line and Thameslink) are also relatively close.
Several bus routes also stop nearby.
Do I have to queue to climb the Monument?
At busy times the number of people who can enter may be limited, therefore you may find that you need to wait for a short time before being allowed in to climb the Monument.
School groups often visit the Monument during term time on Mondays-Thursdays between 10am and 11.30am. This may prevent others visitors from being able to visit during this timeslot. Avoid visiting then if possible or be prepared to possibly wait.
At the Monument
What is there to see from the Monument?
The top of the Monument offers 360 degree views across London. For safety, the viewing platform at the top is enclosed by a strong wire mesh, but this does not impair the view. The gaps in the mesh are large enough that you can get a decent view or photo through them by putting your eye or lens up to the mesh. The gaps are small enough though that you aren’t able to drop anything through the mesh – reassuring when taking photos!
Being located in central London, you can see a lot of different London landmarks.
To the North you have an excellent view of the buildings of the City of London, including the Walkie Talkie and the Gherkin.
To the East you have a panoramic view across the city over to Canary Wharf in the distance and, closer to the Monument, Tower Bridge and the HMS Belfast.
To the South you have a great view across the river to the Shard and to the West you have a view across to St Paul’s Cathedral and the old BT TV Tower.
What facilities are there for children at the Monument?
There are no real facilities at the Monument due to the nature of the structure. There are no toilets at the Monument itself. Storage space for bulky bags is limited to a small space at the bottom of the Monument. Items are left at your own risk.
Do make sure though to pick up a certificate on your way out that proves that you climbed the 311 steps up to the top of the Monument. It makes for an excellent souvenir of your time in London and everyone gets one, not just children!
How long can you spend at the Monument?
You can spend as long as you like at the top of the Monument once you get up there. Most families probably wouldn’t spend more than 15 minutes up there. Allow for around 30-40 minutes in total for your visit to allow for time to climb the Monument, look around at the top and to descend.
Can you eat at the Monument?
There are no facilities within the Monument itself where you could stop and eat. Given this and the short duration of your visit, it is advisable to eat before or after. There are plenty of nearby places where you can buy food and drink either before or after your visit and there are outdoor benches (with wording from the song ‘London’s Burning’ on their side) within sight of the Monument where you could sit and have a picnic.
TOP TIPS for climbing the Monument
- Take your time. Don’t start off too fast, it’s a long way up. The steps at the bottom of the Monument is wider than those further up and there are places where it is easier to stop and take a breath if needed. As you get further up it gets narrower and whilst it’s still possible to stop and allow others to pass, it’s less comfortable.
- Pay attention to the instructions and keep to the right. Take it slowly with your children, make sure they keep hold of the hand rail and, when coming down, stand against the wall to give those coming up a bit more room (they’re on the narrow bit of the steps).
Is there a question you have about climbing the Monument with children that we haven’t answered here? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to address it.