Trafalgar Square

Chilled isn’t the right word for Trafalgar Square. Don’t expect to sit down there for hours, just taking in the vibe. Firstly because there aren’t a lot of benches around. Secondly because this is all a bit overwhelming. Between the hungry pigeons, street performers and countless selfie sticks, you won't know where to look.

I love Trafalgar Square. If you plan to visit London, you should not miss it.I have posted a couple of blogs about what to look out for while you are there!

Part 1

https://reviewdonkey.wordpress.com/2018/04/10/trafalgar-square-nelsons-column-and-charles-i-london-wc2/

Part 2 https://reviewdonkey.wordpress.com/2018/04/11/love-london-part-2-trafalgar-square-george-iv-victorian-generals-and-the-fourth-plinth/

Under the watchful eye of Lord Nelson perched high above on his column is this iconic landmark of London. This place has hosted many a demonstration, protests, festivals, events and even the annual pillow fight. It’s a constant hub of buzzing activity, home to hungry pigeons and popular with camera snappy tourists posing by the lions and fountains.

Hangout for secret lovers and rebellious bored teenagers, during the evening I have passed through many times on my way to catch the night bus and with everything lit up this makes it look extra special. The National Gallery overlooks the square is a treasure to some the world’s most famous paintings in itself that must be explored. The National Portrait Gallery isn’t too far away either as well as St Martins in the fields that often holds free lunchtime concerts. Make sure you check the evolving fourth plinth that has hosted lots of different commissioned artworks over the years, currently home to a big thumbs up ‘Really Good’ by David Shrigley.

If you are new to London, this will undoubtedly already feature high on your list. The fourth plinth is always home to some temporary, bizarre creation - from a skeletal horse to a blue chicken, this serves as an amusing contrast to the classic works of art in the National Gallery behind it. Head up along The Strand and visit Simpsons for a famous sunday roast, sip cocktails in the ME London rooftop bar and indulge in some west end theatre. 

Above all return at night when everything is calmer and even more beautiful. 

An iconic place in literally the centre of London.  Trafalgar Square is home to Nelson's Column and the lions.  There are also three plinths containing different historical figures.  The four plinth is currently used for temporary works of art and it changes every year or so.  I have heard rumours that the exhibits are temporary as long term, this plinth is reserved for a statue of Her Majesty after she departs.  Other things to look out for here is the smallest police station in London and the Charles I roundabout just below the actual square marks the official centre of London from which all distances are measured.

Around the square are two of the best art galleries in London - The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery (shouldn't they call the other one the National Landscape Gallery?).  Both are free entry, so worth a look here as well to see some of the well known paintings.  Across the road is St Martin in the Fields church, which has a café in the crypt and does lovely cakes and lunches.

You must not go to London without paying a visit to Trafalgar Square.

Lovely square, esp in the summer. It's lovely to dangle your feet in the cold fountain when it's really hot outside!