'''Trafalgar Square''' is a large public square in London commemorating Lord Horatio Nelson's victory against Napoleon's navy at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The central monument within the square is a single tall column on which the figure of Nelson stands gazing over London. His monument is surrounded by four colossal lions and a series of large fountains.

Much more than just an open plaza, Trafalgar Square is famous as the location of a large number of important buildings and institutions that surround the square and fill the streets surrounding it. Trafalgar Square also marks the northern end of Whitehall, the centre of British government.

Understand

Trafalgar Square has recently (2002-2003) been renovated and expanded to link up directly with the National Gallery on the north side of the square - a great improvement to the traffic which once completely encircled this, the largest public square in London's West End. The early 18th century church of St Martins in the Fields stands at the north-east corner of the square. Just by the church, Charing Cross Road gives access to the fabulous National Portrait Gallery, and leads on further to Leicester Square, Soho and the famous collection of bookstores on the road itself. To the south, Whitehall leads to Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and 10 Downing Street.

Christmas time sees the erection of a large Christmas Tree within the square, the annual gift of the people of Oslo, capital of Norway, as a token of gratitude for Britain's help in WWII. Trafalgar Square is also traditionally the scene of lively celebrations for Londoners on New Years Eve, though an increasingly heavy police presence has meant that some antics (drunks leaping into the fountains) have all but disappeared. More recently, Trafalgar Square has served as an outdoor venue for concerts and VIP appearances, courtesy of the Mayor of London's Office, which is keen to see Londoners use their public spaces better. Visitors to the square on an ordinary day may also discover small-scale demonstrations and public speakers - the Square is a convenient gathering place near to, but not threatening, the seat of British Government down the road at Westminster.

Get in

The nearest Tube / Rail station to Trafalgar Square is Charing Cross. The tube station is on the Northern and Bakerloo Lines. The rail station serves the South Eastern region.

See

  • National Gallery. ttp://www.nationalgallery.org.uk. Excellent art collection, the vast majority of which is free of charge to visit. The audioguides are very comprehensive, have comments on most of the paintings in the museum, and are free, though this fact is not advertised, and a donation is suggested. In addition to courses, workshops, lectures and other events, the National Gallery has free talks and tours every day.

    :* Guided tours ? every day at 11.30am and 2.30pm. :* Lunchtime talks ? Tuesday to Saturday each week at 1pm. :* Ten-Minute Talks ? a quick insight into one painting, Monday to Friday at 4pm. :* Picture in Focus ? 25-minute talk on one painting, every Wednesday evening at 6pm. :* Painting of the Month ? a range of free talks at different times on one painting. :* Art Through Words ? session for visitors with a visual impairment, last Saturday of the month, 11.30am. :* British Sign Language-interpreted events take place on the first Saturday of every month [http://www.artinfo.com/galleryguide/22865/9383/about/the-national-gallery-london/ Source]

  • National Portrait Gallery. ttp://www.npg.org.uk. Just around the corner from the National gallery; also admission free excepting some exhibitions.

  • Edith Cavell Memorial.

  • St Martins in the Fields. ttp://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org. A classical church that stands opposite the National Gallery. Since WW1, the homeless have sought shelter from the church, a tradition that continues to this day.

    Do

  • Somerset House Ice Rink. trand. ube: Temple, Charing Cross, Holborn, Covent Garden or Blackfriars. ttp://www.somersethouse.org.uk. In the courtyard of Somerset House, this has become a Londoner's favorite, although how it will compete with the newcomers remains to be seen. It's preferable to visit at night, when the Christmas tree is lit up.

    Buy

    Eat

  • Cafe in the Crypt. rafalgar Square. ttp://www2.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/page/cafe/cafe.html. In the basement of St Martin-in-the-Fields church is the Cafe in the Crypt which offers reasonably-priced cafe food that you can eat amongst the brick-vaulted ceilings, pillars and gravestones.
  • The Portrait Restaurant. n the National Portrait Gallery. 312 2490. Offers spectacular food accompanied by spectacular food on the 5th floor of the National Portrait Gallery. A must do dining experience.
  • Gordon Ramsay at Claridges. rooks ST.

    Drink

    Sleep

  • The Trafalgar. Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square. 74 1500. Hilton's first boutique hotel in London, the Trafalgar impresses with rooftop bar views and elegant furnishings.

    Contact