Monument to the Great Fire of London

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Address
Monument Street EC3R 8AH
Opening Hours
9.30am – 1.00pm & 2.00pm – 6.00pm daily. Last entry 12.30pm & 5.30pm
How to get there
Tube: Monument, London Bridge Bus: 17, 521, 21, 43, 133, 141, 48, 149
Duration
45 mins
Age
6+
Accessibility
Not accessible
Price
from £3pp Under 5s FREE
8.4

Based on 7 reviews

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20 February 2015

Climbed up here this week, kids did it easily - staircase gets quite narrow at the top though! Absolute must for any kids studying the Great Fire of London - my 6 year old has been learning all about it this term and knew more about it than me, seeing the real Pudding Lane sign nearby was great. Kids loved getting the certificate at the end. Fantastic to walk from here right down Cannon Street to St Pauls to see just how far the fire spread.

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About the Monument to the Great Fire of London

If your kids are learning about the Great Fire of London, this is the real-life field trip they didn’t know they needed. Built in 1677 to mark the exact spot where the fire began, The Monument is both a piece of history and a mini fitness challenge. Brave the 311 winding steps to the top for a bird’s-eye view of London – and earn a personalised certificate to prove it! It’s a fab way to turn classroom history into real-life adventure. Best for kids aged 6+ with energy to burn and no fear of heights. Not buggy or wheelchair friendly, but absolutely brilliant for school-aged climbers.

Top tip from the KidRated Team:

Bring water and wear comfy shoes – it’s 311 steps to the top and there’s no lift. But the skyline views and certificate at the end are worth every puff!

Is it fun for kids or just a load of steps?

Definitely fun, especially for ages 6+. It’s part adventure, part history lesson, and there’s a certificate at the top to prove your bravery.

How scary is the climb?

It’s twisty and tall – 311 steps – but there’s a handrail all the way and loads of kids smash it. You might hear a few “are we nearly there yets,” but the skyline views are totally worth it.

Can I bring a buggy?

Not this time. It’s all stairs, so best to leave the buggy at home or at the base. Tiny legs might need carrying!

Do you need loads of time?

Nope, it’s a short, punchy visit. Climb, conquer, enjoy the view, grab a selfie and you’re done in under 45 minutes.

Is it a good rainy day plan?

Only if you like your sightseeing with a side of drizzle – the viewing deck is open to the elements, so go on a dry day for max wow-factor.

Is it just stairs or is there cool stuff to see?

There are plaques at the base with fiery facts, epic views at the top, and a real sense of history as you climb a monument built in 1677.

Do we need to book?

You can book online (easiest) or try your luck on the day, but during weekends and school holidays it can get busy.

What do we get for making it to the top?

Bragging rights AND a certificate. Frame it. Stick it on the fridge. Let the kids tell their teacher.

What else can we do nearby?

Sky Garden is minutes away (and free!), plus Leadenhall Market, the Thames Path, and Tower Bridge are all within strolling distance.

Best way to get there?

Hop on the Tube to Monument Station, it’s literally next door. Fancy a fun route? Arrive by river boat to London Bridge City Pier and walk from there.

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