Visiting Monument, London

Dave and I last went to visit Monument in London about ten years ago – maybe longer – but way before we had children. So when LP started learning about the Great Fire of London at school last year we promised her we would make the trip and climb the iconic London landmark. We finally made it to Monument a few weeks ago, on a weekend break to London, during the summer holidays and it was such a nice addition to our day out and a great London activity with children.

Monument is a column in the City of London that commemorates the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was designed by Christopher Wren and built between 1671 and 1677. It’s 202 meters tall and it’s exactly 202 meters from where the Great Fire started in a bakery on Pudding Lane. Visitors to Monument can climb the 311 steps to the viewing platform for 360 degree views of London that are simply breathtaking. A wire cage surrounds the viewing platform to keep visitors safe but doesn’t detract from the beauty of the Monument or the views of London below.

LP and Little Man loved climbing Monument although it is quite a climb – really young children simply wouldn’t manage it. It’s also not pushchair friendly and if you bring a baby a baby carrier would be the best option. But, it’s such a great, underrated attraction in London, one that children will love, that the whole family can enjoy and one that really does have such a lot of history behind it.

Monument can be seen throughout the capital and it’s something I didn’t even realise you could climb for years. Now, it’s something LP and Little Man love to point out and happily tell anyone who listens that they climbed Monument – all 311 steps!