Wellington Arch

Since 1999 the Wellington Arch has been in the care of English Heritage and the building has been restored and is open to the public.

Wellington Arch is opposite Apsley House, the London home of the Duke of Wellington.

In 1882, as part of a road widening scheme, the arch was moved to its current home at Hyde Park Corner , and now stands in a huge traffic island. English Heritage are campaigning to improve the area's environment.

Address:
Hyde Park Corner, London W1J 7JZ

Nearest Tube Station: Hyde Park Corner

Use Journey Planner to plan your route by public transport.

Telephone: 020 7930 2726

English Heritage Official Website:
www.english-heritage.org.uk

Visit this attraction for free with a London Pass
• Find out more about the London Pass.
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Tickets:
Free for under 16s.
Check latest ticket prices on the official website.
* Joint ticket with Aspley House.

Opening Times:
21 Mar - 31 Oct: Wed-Sun & Bank Holidays: 10am-5pm
1 Nov - 20 Mar: Wed-Sun: 10am - 4pm
Closed: 24-26 December & 1 January.

Visit Duration: 1 hour.

Access:
Fully accessible. Lift access to all floors.

Wellington Arch was originally commissioned by George IV as a grand outer entrance to Buckingham Palace. It was completed in 1830 by architect Decimus Burton, and moved to its present site in 1882-3.

A committee chaired by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) reconsidered the original statue of the 1st Duke of Wellington, and eventually sent it to Aldershot, where it remains. The committee thought that the Arch should be completed to Burton's original design, but did not have the funds to carry this out. At the Royal Academy Banquet in 1891 the Prince saw a splendid sculpture representing an angel of peace descending on the chariot of war. He thought that a larger version of this would be the perfect ornament for the Wellington Arch.

The Quadriga was sculpted by Captain Adrian Jones, who had recently retired from 23 years' service as a veterinary surgeon on the calvary. Jones was enthusiastic about the idea and eventually in 1907 a wealthy banker, Lord Michelham of Hellingly, offered to pay for it. It took Jones three years to model the huge group: first a clay model of each element, then plaster molds, then plaster casts, which were delivered to the bronze founders A.B. Burton & Co. of Thames Ditton. Casting the pieces took another year. The whole Quadriga was trial-assembled at the foundry in September 1911, and erected on top of the Arch in January 1912. This is the largest bronze sculpture in Europe and before it was installed Jones held a party in which eight guests were seated for dinner in the hollow, boat-shaped body of one of the horses!

There are three floors of exhibits plus the Viewing Galleries, just below the enormous bronze statue which tops the monument.

The Arch's Viewing Galleries offer unique views of the Household Cavalry passing beneath on their way to and from the Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade. Top Tip: Arrive around 10.15am to watch this at 10.30am approx. (See my photos.)

You can also see the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London's Royal Parks, and the gardens of Buckingham Palace.

Inside the Arch, three floors of exhibits tell its fascinating history and some of its uses. Until 1992 the arch housed London's second smallest police station. (The smallest is located in Trafalgar Square).

Tea was important to Wellington, so why not book afternoon tea for after your visit? Some of the best afternoon tea venues in London are in the area so book ahead for The Lanesborough or The Dorchester. Or take a walk across Hyde Park to The Orangery at Kensington Palace where you don't need a reservation.