The world famous Trafalgar Square is located in central London and for most visitors, it is the first tourist destination. Some would have it that Trafalgar Square is the centre of London and, given that all official distances to London are measured from here, one would have to agree
There are many London hotels of varying standards within the area of Trafalgar Square but because this is a prime location for tourists, hotel standards tend to be superior to deluxe standard such as the Savoy Hotel on the Strand, the Thistle Trafalgar Square Hotel London and the The Trafalgar Hotel London. From this location, Westminster and the London Eye are within a few minutes walk.
What was once the site of the Kings Mews (the Royal Stables), is a square that salutes the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval defeat of the Napoleonic Wars and the many monuments within the square tell the story. Nelsons Column, dominating the sky at 145 feet tall, is in the centre and was erected to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson who died during the Battle. It is surrounded by fountains and the four giant lion sculptures that are said to be made of bronze from the cannon of the French fleet (ironically designed to deter unruly crowds). The four corners of the square boast statues of George IV on horseback in the northeast corner, Major General Sir Henry Havelock in the southeast and General Sir Charles Napier in the southwest corner. And the fourth? Well, it was originally reserved for King William IV but he did not leave enough money behind to erect his statue after his death, so it remains vacant.
The National Gallery resides on the northern side of the square and this beautiful building houses the National Collection of Art from 1250 to 1900. Make sure you take a walk to Trafalgar Square at night, for when the lights are lit, the Gallery looks stunning. Recent work has been completed to close off the northern side of the square to traffic making it much more pedestrian friendly.
Every Christmas since 1947, the people of Norway's capital, Oslo, present Britain with a giant Christmas tree as a token of gratitude for Britain's assistance during WWII. The Mayor of Oslo visits London to light the tree at a Christmas ceremony and it is truly an incredible sight at night to see the tree all lit up with fairy lights and surrounded by carol singers.
Trafalgar Square is also a favourite site for demonstrations and marchers, with the more recent being anti-war demonstrations for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. There was also a vigil held in the square after the recent terrorist bombings in London on July 7, 2005.
The closest and easiest underground stations are Charing Cross, Embankment or Leicester Square. Covent Garden tube is also only a ten minute walk away.
With a new snack bar and improved access, Trafalgar Square is a great place to hang about in, relax, walk around and take in the history - but do your best not to feed the pigeons! What was once London's largest aviary, feeding of the pigeons is now forbidden. At its peak, an estimated 35,000 birds sought comfort and food in the square, so you can only begin to imagine the mess to clean up! Let's just say that amount of yuck on your shoulder can't be that much good luck.
Covent Garden, an essential London attraction, is only a few minutes walk to the east with its markets, street performers and restaurants. Also close by are Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, a bustling tourist area. The Strand runs from the eastern side of Trafalgar Square and a short walk up this famous road will bring you to The Aldwych and Covent Garden.
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