Trafalgar Square is London’s largest square and has been a favourite congregation place for the quintessential Londoners since the Middle Ages. In those days, the site was known as Charing Cross. Significantly, the Trafalgar Square tube station is still named Charing Cross instead of Trafalgar Square.
This beautiful square is primarily a commemoration square in honour of the then British Navy who, under the astute leadership of Admiral Nelson, secured a hard-fought victory over the marauding Napoleon fleet in the infamous Battle of Trafalgar way back in the year 1805.
The present Trafalgar Square was possible because of the efforts of the renowned town planner and architect Charles Barry. He came out with the “Charing Cross Improvement Scheme” and transformed this area into one of London’s most picturesque squares where both resident Londoners as well as visitors from abroad could have a jolly good time.
Trafalgar Square is the intersection for some of London’s most famous streets like the Strand, the Mall, White Hall and Charing Cross. By far, the best way of appreciating the beauty of the peripheral areas of the square is by walking leisurely at your own pace and taking in the sights and sounds of this intriguing area of London. Westminster, 10 Downing Street and Buckingham Palace are all reachable through pleasant walks and who knows you might even catch a glimpse of the regal “changing of guards” ceremony.
A visit to Trafalgar Square is incomplete without feeding the resident pigeons numbering around 4,000. Generations of visitors to Trafalgar Square have fed these pigeons.
Trafalgar Square Map
Location Map of Trafalgar Square
Facts about Trafalgar Square
- Trafalgar Square has the rare distinction of housing the smallest police station in London.
- Hollywood diva Elizabeth Taylor can be seen posing with pigeons at Trafalgar Square in a well preserved 1948 photograph at the hallowed National Gallery.
- The square is also used for political gatherings and demonstrations.
Where is Trafalgar Square?
Trafalgar square is located in central London in the Westminster area. The nearest London Underground stations are Charring Cross, Embankment, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. The bus is also a good option.
Best time to visit Trafalgar Square
Christmas witnesses this place turned into a marvel with the city of Oslo’s gift of the largest Christmas tree. It is hence a good bet to visit this place on Christmas eve. New Year’s Eve is a similarly festive time at Trafalgar Square.
More on Trafalgar Square
Nearby Attractions: National Gallery, The West End, Piccadilly Circus, Whitehall
England major attractions: Stonehenge, British Museum, Big Ben London, Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, Millennium Bridge, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, London Zoo, Trafalgar Square, Palace of Westminster, Kensington Palace, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Nelson’s Column, Wellington Arch.
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