Marble Arch

The Basics

Marble Arch is one of London’s most photographed sights and a frequent stop on city sightseeing tours. Hop-on hop-off bus tours loop around the intersection, affording a prime view, while black taxi tours stop to let travelers walk beneath the iconic arches. Located at the northeastern corner of Hyde Park, the Arch is also a popular stop on walking or bike tours, and makes an easy detour for shoppers heading to nearby Bond Street.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Visitors are not permitted inside Marble Arch, but it is possible to walk through the arches.

• When visiting Marble Arch, don’t miss a visit to the nearby Speaker’s Corner, a legendary public speaking area, located just inside Hyde Park.

• The monument is easily accessible for wheelchair users, but the closest wheelchair-accessible underground station is Bond Street.

How to Get to There

Marble Arch is located near the northeast entrance to Hyde Park, close to Speaker’s Corner and Oxford Street. The closest underground station is Marble Arch (Central line), while Bond Street station (Central and Jubilee lines) is a 5-minute walk away.

When to Get There

A crowd-free view of Marble Arch is almost impossible, but the monument is particularly impressive at night, when it’s dramatically floodlit. The Arch’s light displays are often changed to mark special events and occasions.

The History of Marble Arch

Designed by architect John Nash and unveiled in 1827, the triumphal arch is a masterpiece of gleaming Carrara marble, inspired by Rome’s Arch of Constantine and featuring fluted Corinthian columns and three archways, cordoned off by bronze gates. Built as a monumental gateway to Buckingham Palace and a tribute to the victories of the Battle of Waterloo, the Arch was moved to Hyde Park in the 1960s.

Ways to explore

Marble Arch is undergoing restoration works until summer 2025. While the project is aiming to repair damage caused by traffic pollution, there are rumors that the public might soon be able to visit inside.

For now at least, exterior visits are the way to experience Marble Arch. It’s easy to combine with a trip to Hyde Park or Oxford Street. However, if you want to learn about its royal history and original John Nash design, or hear tales about its pre-arch life as the King’s Gallows (a place of public execution), there are several tours that pass by.

Accessibility

Marble Arch Underground Station isn’t wheelchair accessible, so wheelchair users should go to nearby Green Park or Bond Street tube stations instead. There are no disabled restrooms in the vicinity, but you can find some in the nearby Selfridges.

Age limits

None

What to pack

A secure bag and a phone or camera for photos

What to wear

Comfortable shoes if you’re walking down Oxford Street to reach Marble Arch, weather-appropriate layers

Not allowed

Passing through Marble Arch’s central bridge is a historic privilege permitted only for select royals and guards (even if it’s not usually enforced).

Amenities

Nothing on-site, but there are eateries and shops (Selfridges, Marks & Spencers, Primark) near the monument. The nearest public restrooms are the Reservoir Gardens and Marlborough Gate toilets, both in Hyde Park.

Address

Marble Arch is located at the far end of London’s Oxford Street, near the northeastern corner of Hyde Park by Speakers Corner. It’s accessible by both car and public transit, but traffic makes the Tube a superior option.

Driving

Traffic congestion is a problem near Marble Arch, so driving is not advised. If you do decide to drive, you’ll need to pay the London Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) fee, if applicable for your vehicle.

Public transportation

Take the Tube to Marble Arch via the Central underground line. Central London bus routes #23, #148, #274, and #390 all stop at Marble Arch.

Best times to visit

Visit in the early morning to see the arch with fewer crowds and less traffic.

Best days to visit

Sundays are quietest in this hectic corner of London, which means fewer tourists to interfere with your photos.

Best months to visit

For the best chance of blue sky snaps, visit in the peak summer months from June to August, although be aware that the warm weather means there will be more people around.

Special events

There are no special events or festivals at Marble Arch, but neighboring Hyde Park offers up the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, with rides, ice skating, and a Christmas market, from November through January.