Wellington Arch stands in the shadow of some of London’s top attractions, including Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. Some travelers cruise by the arch on hop-on hop-off buses, while others see it while sightseeing or on walking tours. Few are aware that you can enter the arch, browsing exhibitions inside and taking in views of Hyde Park, Green Park, and the gardens at Buckingham Palace from the balcony. Some London sightseeing passes include entry.
Wellington Arch sits on a traffic circle between the southeast corner of Hyde Park and the western corner of Green Park. Take the Tube (Piccadilly line) to Hyde Park Corner; the arch is mere steps from the station’s exit.
Visitors can only enter Wellington Arch in the day, though it’s worth coming back at night to see it lit up. Views from the observation gallery are best in winter, when there are fewer leaves to obstruct views.
The Changing of the Guard—a ceremony marking the shift change of the Queen’s Guard—is performed daily outside Buckingham Palace at 10:45am. Arrive earlier and situate yourself on the balcony of Wellington Arch to be treated to views of the Household Cavalry stopping traffic as they pass through on their way to and from the Changing of the Guard.
