Climbing The Monument: Inside London’s Hidden Spiral Staircase

311 Steps to London’s Best Views

I’d walked past The Monument countless times on my way to the office on the days I worked in the City on Fenchurch Street, without ever paying much attention to what this impressive column actually was. That all changed one sweltering summer’s day when my brother and I happened to walk past it. He looked up and said, “Shall we climb it?”

Climb it? I thought. For one, I didn’t even know you could because it looked far too narrow, and secondly, London was in the middle of a heatwave. Despite my reservations, curiosity got the better of me, so we bought our tickets and headed inside.

The Monument, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, was completed in 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London.

The fire is thought to have started in a baker’s shop on nearby Pudding Lane on 2 September 1666 before spreading rapidly through the tightly packed wooden streets, destroying much of medieval London, including the original St Paul’s Cathedral. Yet from the devastation came the rebuilding of the capital, reshaping it into the city we know today.

Hidden inside the 62-metre column is a narrow spiral staircase of 311 steps leading to a viewing platform. Climbing it on one of the hottest days of the summer wasn’t exactly ideal, but taking in the spectacular 360-degree views across London made every step worthwhile.

From the top, you can look back down at the staircase curling beneath you like a giant spiral, adding to the unique experience of exploring one of London’s oldest landmarks. Reaching the summit also comes with a small reward, as every visitor receives a certificate to remember their visit.

Today, I think The Monument remains one of London’s most underrated attractions. Just a few minutes from Monument Underground Station, it’s easy to overlook despite standing in plain sight. At just £7, it offers some of the best panoramic views of the capital for a fraction of the price of London’s larger viewing platforms.

Now, whenever I’m nearby, I can’t help but look up and smile as I remember the spontaneous climb I shared with my brother on that hot summer’s day.