Trafalgar Square

Nelson's Column is in the centre of the wonderful Trafalgar Square, surrounded by fountains and guarded by four lions. Nelson’s column is in honour of Admiral Horatio Nelson who fought the French fleet at Trafalgar. There are four plinths in the square that hold other statues the first of these contains’ a statue of King George IV on horseback, and the second is of Sir Henry Havelock. The third plinth is filled with Sir Charles Napier – a military man from the mid 19th-century. The fourth plinth was supposed to be a statue of William IV, but they ran out of money and it remained empty for decades. In 1999 a project was launched to find a suitable replacement – and it is currently housing a series of modern art pieces. On the north side of the square is the National Gallery which has permanent collection’s consisting of Western European paintings dating from about 1250 onwards. To its east is the St Martin's-in-the-Fields Church, there has been a church on the site since 1222, the square adjoins The Mall which leads to Buckingham Palace, via Admiralty Arch, the arch is an impressive quintuple arched ceremonial gateway and is one of London's most famous landmarks to the southwest. To the south is Whitehall, to the east Strand and South Africa House, to the north Charing Cross Road and on the west side Canada House. Some of the square is pedestrianized and since this was done in 2003, visitor numbers have increased by some 200 per cent. Why not visit the Cafe on the Square for a relaxed meal or a drink or just coffee and a chat. There are a variety of hotels in the vicinity of the Square to suit all visitors to the area. The visitor to Trafalgar Square should obviously visit Buckingham palace, and the National Gallery, but places near Trafalgar Square which would allow you to shop is the whole of Oxford Street which includes Marble Arch, Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road.