Trafalgar Square is a public square in the City of Westminster, Central London, established in the early 19th century around the area formerly known as Charing Cross.
Trafalgar Square is surrounded by museums, galleries, cultural spaces and historic buildings. It also has the café on the square.
Trafalgar Square is a centre of national democracy and protest. Rallies and demonstrations are frequently held at weekends on different political, religious and general issues. The Mayor supports this democratic tradition, and gives access to the square for such causes.
Trafalgar Square is a public square that features some of London’s top attractions, from galleries and historic buildings to statues and monuments. It also plays host to a range of events throughout the year that are supported by the Greater London Authority, who manage the square.
Trafalgar Square is in Westminster, in central London. Charing Cross is the nearest station (Underground and local train services). It’s surrounded by the National Gallery to the north; St Martins-in-the-Fields Church and The Strand to the east; Whitehall to the south; and Admiralty Arch and The Mall to the south west.
You can attend one of the numerous family-friendly Trafalgar Square events today. Supported by the Mayor of London, these Trafalgar Square free events include multicultural festivals and religious celebrations, ranging from Chinese New Year and Pride in London festivities, to carol singing beneath the Christmas tree, an annual gift from Norway every year since 1947.
Things to see in Trafalgar Square
Discover what to see in Trafalgar Square, from historic statues to contemporary art.
Nelson’s Column
Gaze up at Nelson’s Column, the centrepiece of Trafalgar Square. William Railton’s Trafalgar Square monument, which was erected in 1805, honours Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar and includes a 5m-tall (16ft) statue of the naval hero.
Trafalgar Square lions
Snap a selfie with one of the Trafalgar Square lions. The four bronze lion statues in London’s famous square were added in 1867 by Sir Edward Landseer and sit at the base of Nelson’s Column as protectors of the monument.
Trafalgar Square fountains
Gather around the two spectacular Trafalgar Square fountains, which were added to the square in 1845. Sir Edwin Lutyens redesigned the fountains in the 1930s to include new centrepieces featuring dolphins, mermaids and tritons. Visit Trafalgar Square at night, and you’ll see these fountains illuminated with LED lights.
Trafalgar Square statues
Spot the four plinths in the corners of the square. Three of these support bronze statues of General Sir Charles James Napier, Major General Sir Henry Havelock and King George IV. The fourth was left empty until 1999, when it housed the first of a series of contemporary artworks – find out what’s currently on The Fourth Plinth.
Police Box
Don’t miss the Trafalgar Square police box, which was the smallest police station in London – although some argue it wasn’t technically a police station.
