Cenotaph
4.5
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The area
Neighborhood: Westminster
If you only had an afternoon to experience London on a grand scale, Westminster would be a wise place to start. The ornate Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey sit adjacent at a corner of Parliament Square, and a short stroll along The Mall leads to Buckingham Palace. Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column are just up the road as well. As captivating as the architecture is, the wonders of Mother Nature are highlights of the area too. St James's Park (arguably London's loveliest), the expansive Green Park, and pedestrian friendly tree lined paths along the river showcase the exquisite manicure provided by English gardeners. Just beyond the landmarks and the gorgeous outdoor spaces, quiet residential squares and age old local pubs offer a more subdued take on this global seat of power in the heart of London.
How to get there
- Charing Cross β’ 4 min walk
- Embankment β’ 5 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
241 reviews
Excellent
127
Very good
77
Average
34
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Clive T
Haverfordwest, UK203 contributions
Nov 2022
Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph is something my wife has wanted to do since attending as a teenager.
An experience we will do as a family again next year.
Respect from all who attended, shivers down the spine feeling.
Something that is so so simple but is so powerful. Seeing the ex-servicemen & women coming together with former colleagueβs is priceless, proud people.
And then to see the match by is a memory that will forever be there.
An experience we will do as a family again next year.
Respect from all who attended, shivers down the spine feeling.
Something that is so so simple but is so powerful. Seeing the ex-servicemen & women coming together with former colleagueβs is priceless, proud people.
And then to see the match by is a memory that will forever be there.
Written November 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UOtterTravel
Port Saint Lucie, FL1,255 contributions
Jun 2019
The Cenotaph is a somber monument to honor the WWI dead who were not repatriated. There are remembrance ceremonies several times a year when wreaths are laid. The main one is on Remembrance Sunday, the closest Sunday to 11 November. We saw the Cenotaph on 1 June and there were many wreaths at the base. The Cenotaph is on Whitehall, not far from the Downing Street gate.
Written March 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandygranny
Sandy, UK932 contributions
Mar 2017 β’ Couples
On the Sunday nearest to 11th November at 11am each year, a Remembrance Service is held at the Cenotaph in Whitehall to commemorate the British and Commonwealth servicemen and women who died in the two World Wars and later conflicts.
The service has hardly changed since it was first introduced in 1921. Hymns are sung, prayers are said and a two minute silence is observed. Official wreaths are laid on the steps of the Cenotaph by Her Majesty the Queen, politicians, representatives of state and the armed and auxiliary forces. The ceremony ends with a march past of war veterans - a gesture of respect for their fallen comrades who gave their lives defending others.
The memorial was originally constructed of wood and plaster and was built as a place to lay wreaths on the first anniversary of the end of the First World War in 1919. It proved to be so important to the public that a permanent memorial was produced, made out of Portland stone. It was officially unveiled by King George V on 11th November, 1920.
The service has hardly changed since it was first introduced in 1921. Hymns are sung, prayers are said and a two minute silence is observed. Official wreaths are laid on the steps of the Cenotaph by Her Majesty the Queen, politicians, representatives of state and the armed and auxiliary forces. The ceremony ends with a march past of war veterans - a gesture of respect for their fallen comrades who gave their lives defending others.
The memorial was originally constructed of wood and plaster and was built as a place to lay wreaths on the first anniversary of the end of the First World War in 1919. It proved to be so important to the public that a permanent memorial was produced, made out of Portland stone. It was officially unveiled by King George V on 11th November, 1920.
Written March 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I visited this placeπΊπΈπ«π·π¨ππ¬π·π¬π§
Israel35,417 contributions
Jun 2023 β’ Solo
PROS
* Impressive imposing and striking memorial structure
* Important place to provide honor and respect
* Prominent location in the middle of Whitehall
CONS
* Not fully appreciated or respected
* Not enough attention or banners or regalia at the place
* It seems to stand forlorn in the middle of the busy Whitehall Avenue
* It is awkward and/or dangerous to stand there to give respect at the actual structure
"I VISITED THIS PLACE"...
... as part of my mission to see and "visit" every single "place" in Whitehall, and to write and publish a review here on tripadvisor. So that's why I did and what I am doing.
This is the central and most important of all the British war memorials, and as such, it is a large and impressive slab structure which occupies a central location in Whitehall, and in the middle of the main street.
However, it is not famously known at all and seems forelorn standing there in the middle of traffic. I crossed the street as close as I could, and stood opposite police barriers in the middle of the street and paused and faced it and nodded for a moment as a sign of respect.
Why isn't there a ceremonial 24 hour honor guard there? After all, this is regal London of the monarchy.
For reference, I saw on one of my visits to the USA that there is a 24 hour honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier but in Paris, I saw that there is also no guard at the Arc de triomphe, although that is a much more grandiose and famous and prominent place.
WAS IT WORTH THE COST?
Sure- it's free
βWOULD "I VISIT THIS PLACE" AGAIN?
Yes, and I would hope that Britain will adopt my suggestions.
ADVICE
For sure visit and honor this memorial
FULL DISCLOSURE
"I visited this place" with the plan to write a "helpful" review and to attach "helpful" photos here on tripadvisor, so if these did "help" you, please indicate that by tikking the "thumbs up" π symbol. Thanks.
* Impressive imposing and striking memorial structure
* Important place to provide honor and respect
* Prominent location in the middle of Whitehall
CONS
* Not fully appreciated or respected
* Not enough attention or banners or regalia at the place
* It seems to stand forlorn in the middle of the busy Whitehall Avenue
* It is awkward and/or dangerous to stand there to give respect at the actual structure
"I VISITED THIS PLACE"...
... as part of my mission to see and "visit" every single "place" in Whitehall, and to write and publish a review here on tripadvisor. So that's why I did and what I am doing.
This is the central and most important of all the British war memorials, and as such, it is a large and impressive slab structure which occupies a central location in Whitehall, and in the middle of the main street.
However, it is not famously known at all and seems forelorn standing there in the middle of traffic. I crossed the street as close as I could, and stood opposite police barriers in the middle of the street and paused and faced it and nodded for a moment as a sign of respect.
Why isn't there a ceremonial 24 hour honor guard there? After all, this is regal London of the monarchy.
For reference, I saw on one of my visits to the USA that there is a 24 hour honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier but in Paris, I saw that there is also no guard at the Arc de triomphe, although that is a much more grandiose and famous and prominent place.
WAS IT WORTH THE COST?
Sure- it's free
βWOULD "I VISIT THIS PLACE" AGAIN?
Yes, and I would hope that Britain will adopt my suggestions.
ADVICE
For sure visit and honor this memorial
FULL DISCLOSURE
"I visited this place" with the plan to write a "helpful" review and to attach "helpful" photos here on tripadvisor, so if these did "help" you, please indicate that by tikking the "thumbs up" π symbol. Thanks.
Written February 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shephepe
aldridge51 contributions
Nov 2012 β’ Solo
This is for adults and not young children. If you want a half decent view get there around 08:00, but you won't leave until 12:45 due to the March past (10,000 this year) and the Military bands and personal leaving. Expect a 15 minute wait before the public can go, so its a long time in one place. It is worth attending, there is a most definite silence and its a moving experience. Seeing some of the Veterans who are now really old, you can see their pride still shining through. If you've time visit the Bomber Command memorial too, about a 25min walk through St. James Park and then Green Park, not far from Hyde park corner.
This was my first visit so I took the advice go early. Access to the Cenotaph is via airport style walk through scanners and bag searches. Whitehall opens at 08:00, I came out of Westminster tube station, (opposite Big Ben) at 08:10 and the queue had already reached there. It took about 10mins to get through so not so bad. If you wanted to view the Queen then the best vantage spots outside the Department of Health were already 3 deep, so I'm not sure what time you need to start to queue to get in first. You need to wrap up warm, as things don't really get started until around 10:15 - 10:25 when the military bands start to arrive. Before that you are treated to some classical music over the Public address system. Photographers be aware that the sun streams in from the Westminster tube station end which makes it difficult if your on the Downing Street side and want to take pictures of the bands arriving. Best place would be on the other side of the road between Derby Gate and Bridge Street, there are no Military personal standing in front of you either. The Veterans march past the Cenotaph on the Downing Street side, however the Military bands are in the center of the road from the Cenotaph to King Charles Street, so may block the view of the Veterans as they march past. Worth a visit but be aware of dressing suitably for standing around.
This was my first visit so I took the advice go early. Access to the Cenotaph is via airport style walk through scanners and bag searches. Whitehall opens at 08:00, I came out of Westminster tube station, (opposite Big Ben) at 08:10 and the queue had already reached there. It took about 10mins to get through so not so bad. If you wanted to view the Queen then the best vantage spots outside the Department of Health were already 3 deep, so I'm not sure what time you need to start to queue to get in first. You need to wrap up warm, as things don't really get started until around 10:15 - 10:25 when the military bands start to arrive. Before that you are treated to some classical music over the Public address system. Photographers be aware that the sun streams in from the Westminster tube station end which makes it difficult if your on the Downing Street side and want to take pictures of the bands arriving. Best place would be on the other side of the road between Derby Gate and Bridge Street, there are no Military personal standing in front of you either. The Veterans march past the Cenotaph on the Downing Street side, however the Military bands are in the center of the road from the Cenotaph to King Charles Street, so may block the view of the Veterans as they march past. Worth a visit but be aware of dressing suitably for standing around.
Written November 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,808 contributions
Oct 2021
This monument is the de facto national war memorial of the United Kingdom and one of the focal points of Remembrance Sunday. The three main branches of the British armed forces are represented here. Itβs simple and elegant.
Written October 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TeamWard
Nottingham, UK5,690 contributions
Aug 2019
When visiting Whitehall a visit to the Cenotpah is a must, this marvellous monument used ever remembrance day celebration is stunning and well worth a viewing.
Written August 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helena
London, UK189 contributions
Nov 2011
If you leave in London, you must attend the Remembrance Sunday National Service held every year. It is attended by the Queen, her heirs, PM, The Leader of the opposition and war veterans to lay a wreath of poppy on the cenotaph. Itβs really emotional moving, you feel a great sense of pride and gratefulness to those who paid the ultimate price in the wars for our peace. Itβs humbling
Written October 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jallen4049
London, UK66 contributions
Apr 2012
I understand why it is important to remember anyone who has died in a war . . . and the Cenotaph does this. It is at its best when it reminds you of these deaths (necessary or not). Losing a loved one violently is never a good thing.
Written April 29, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian C
London, UK23,699 contributions
Nov 2020 β’ Solo
The Cenotaph designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens was originally erected as a memorial to those who had died in the First World War. Sadly, its role has been extended to cover the Second World War and other conflicts.
Standing in the centre of Whitehall, it becomes the focus of the national ceremony of Remembrance in early November, this year much muted than previously.
Standing in the centre of Whitehall, it becomes the focus of the national ceremony of Remembrance in early November, this year much muted than previously.
Written November 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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