Monument to the Great Fire of London Reviews Summary

Views and Experience

Pros:

• "For £4.50 and a bit of exercise, one can get GREAT views of London."
• "The view from the top of the Monument is spectacular even on a murky day."
• "From the top you have awesome views including of Tower Bridge."
• "The 311-step climb to the top is well worth the effort, as the views from the top are simply stunning."
• "Catch amazing views of London atop the monument."
• "The view from the top is I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E! Well worth the 311 steps climb."
• "Great view of London from the top. Steep climb up, mind you but it is totally worth."

Cons:

• "Feels a bit claustrophobic and dark inside."
• "Rather windy on the top and it can be a problem to take photos, cause the area is surrounded by a net."
• "The view from here is a little disappointing but, nevertheless, one of the cheaper London tourist options."
• "Views are good, but the security mesh ruins it a bit."
• "The platform is fenced all over, even above visitors' heads with square mesh fence, therefore it obstructs the views a little and makes it almost impossible to take a decent picture."
• "It's all netted so pics can be tricky to take."
• "The views from the top are good, but hampered by safety mesh."

Value and Accessibility

Pros:

• "Tickets are a fair price in my opinion. Friendly staff on the door reassuring us while we waited for others to come down before we could go up."
• "Great value for money tourist attraction, with historical interest."
• "It's just 5£ to get up so it doesn't burn your wallet."
• "Reasonable price of entry £5 adult £3 child, under 5 don’t pay."
• "£5 entry for your regular adult price is cheaper that any pint you'll find around here."
• "It is good value at £5 for an adult and £2.50 for a child."
• "Entry is about £7.00 for an adult (free last time I went) so one of the cheapest things to do in London."

Cons:

• "But at £5 to climb, it's a little too expensive when all you get is a viewing platform."
• "In my opinion the adult rate is quite expensive at £6 with other viewing platforms available."
• "But i doubt whether it is really worth climbing 311 steps. Many neighbouring buildings are taller than the Monument."
• "We were asked to leave 5:45 even though it closes at 6 and last entry is 5:30, so it was a bit short (paid the full price to get in)."
• "For adults it’s £6 it’s cheaper for students and children."
• "If you have already seen view from Tower Bridge then better avoid this as it's almost same."
• "It’s always shut at the last minute."

Customer Service and Facilities

Pros:

• "You also get a certificate which is a nice detail."
• "You also get a nice A3 size sketch of the Monument as a souvenir once you come down."
• "People who work here were really friendly and they give you a small brochure and printout about the monument that’s very easy to digest."
• "The staff were friendly and helpful."
• "You get a certificate upon completion as you exit."
• "You even get a certificate on completion of the ascent and following descent."
• "On leaving the building you are handed a certificate to say you have climbed the Monument."

Cons:

• "Staff looked bored 😐 wanted to know more - maybe they should interact 👍🏼🌈"
• "Rudest staff in existence, the place has a last entry at 12.30, when they are supposed to close at 13.00."
• "However there is no dedicated place for luggage storage, so my backpack was just sitting at the bottom of the staircase and I felt a little insecure about it."
• "Just like to say, it's not suitable for wheelchair access."
• "No strollers. No elevator/lift."
• "You can park your buggy downstairs or can Keep your bag near their booking office."
• "I read from past reviews that people are handed a certificate once you come back down bit I was not offered one by the staff."

Physical Effort and Accessibility

Pros:

• "For a few pounds you can enter the observation deck (311 steps) and see the entire panorama of the city."
• "Oh wow! Visited this monument during our first trip to London. We were literally short of breath while making our way up to the top. But it was absolutely worth the effort!"
• "A great place to look around the City of London and far beyond. This is one of the best and most accessible observation decks in the city."
• "It’s definitely worth paying to climb up the steps to the top as it’s cheaper than gym membership and there’s a great view from the top."
• "Great views from the top. Steps are easy going and there are a number of alcoves where you can take a rest if necessary."
• "The Monument is accessible by all public transport provided by the city and it is conveniently reached by tube."
• "Very easy access to the monument. If you arrive early it is not busy at all."

Cons:

• "There are over 300 steps to get to the top with no places to stop so be careful of that."
• "However if you are claustrophobic, not a very good idea to climb it. The stairway is absurdly cosy and anyone with a problem with tight spaces should avoid the climb."
• "Going down the stairs is simply scary. They are narrow with literally no space when you cross paths with someone going up."
• "No lift, more than 300 narrow stairs. The stairs could be unsafe for old people and children."
• "You will need to be fit! Not recommended for young children! Wouldn't advise if you're clostrophobic!"
• "There isn't a lot of space to pass on the stairs, so you are asked not to carry large bags with you."
• "Don't expect to take backpacks or anything to the top - the stairs are narrow and travel both ways."