When you Climb the Monument, a 202-step stone column built to remember the Great Fire of London in 1666. Also known as the Monument to the Great Fire of London, it’s not just a tourist photo spot—it’s a working observatory, a memorial, and one of the city’s most underrated experiences. Most people walk past it on Fish Street Hill, never realizing they can go all the way to the top and see the entire city spread out below.
The Monument was designed by Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, the same minds behind St. Paul’s Cathedral. It’s not just tall—it’s precisely aligned. The distance from its base to the spot where the fire started (Pudding Lane) is exactly 202 feet, matching its height. That’s not a coincidence. It’s a silent, stone reminder of what the city lost. Inside, the spiral staircase is narrow and steep, with no handrails in parts, and the air gets thinner as you go up. But when you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a 360-degree view that includes Tower Bridge, the Thames, and the Shard. On a clear day, you can even spot the hills of Kent.
What most visitors don’t know is that the Monument used to be a scientific lab. In the 1700s, scientists used the top to test gravity and air pressure. You can still see the original brass plate marking the exact ground level from 1677. And while it’s often crowded in summer, go early on a weekday and you’ll have the viewing platform almost to yourself. The climb takes less than 15 minutes, and there’s no elevator—so it’s not for everyone, but if you’re fit enough, it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do in central London.
It’s not just about the view. It’s about standing where London rebuilt itself after disaster. The Monument doesn’t shout—it whispers. And if you listen, you’ll hear the echoes of a city that refused to burn down.
Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve climbed it, tips for avoiding the crowds, nearby spots to grab a coffee after, and how to tie it into a deeper walk through London’s fire-ravaged past. Whether you’re here for the history, the view, or just to check it off your list, this collection has what you need to make it matter.
Climb the Monument to the Great Fire for breathtaking city views and a deep dive into London’s history. Learn how the 1666 fire reshaped the city-and why this 17th-century landmark still matters today.