50 best statues in London you should see (and where to find them?)
There are over 1500 statues (in public places) in London (and counting!).
Below you will find a description of my 50 favorite statues in London, with their locations.
You can see all of them for free!
Not all of these statues are within walking distance. However, at the end of this post, you will find a few handy interactive maps so you can visit most of them in a short time (2-3 hours).
Enjoy the post!
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50 BEST SCULPTURES IN LONDON
1. The statue of Mr Bean
I can confidently say that the bronze depiction of Mr. Bean is the most beloved (by all age groups!) statue in London.
You can find it in the middle of the park in Leicester Square.
Please note that during the festive season, Leicester Square usually goes through a makeover, and this statue is moved to another location or covered.
More details about this sculpture (including the opening hours of Leicester Park park) you will find in my post: Where to find the statue of MR. BEAN in London? (and all you need to know about it).
2. The statue of Princess Diana (by Ian Rank-Broadley)
The statue of Princess Diana (also called the Princess Diana Memorial) is one of the most popular statues in London.
There are many ways to describe Princess Diana: the Queen of Hearts, royal rebel, fashion icon, the most photogenic woman of the late 20th century (?), the first wife of King Charles III, and the mother of Prince William and Prince Harry.
You can find her statue in Kensington Gardens (in Sunken Gardens).
There are some time restrictions on opening hours. See Where to find the statue of PRINCESS DIANA in London? (and all you need to know about the Princess Diana Memorial) to find out more about that.
3. The statue of Amy Winehouse
Camden Town is a home to one of the most beloved statues in London, the statue of Amy Winehouse.
The lovely statue of the famous singer is probably the most photographed object in Camden.
You can find it in one of the alleys of Camden Market.
You can find more spots in Camden Town connected to Amy Winehouse in my post: 18 things to see in Camden (free self-guided Camden walking tour with a map).
4. The statue of Shakespeare (by Giovanni Fontana)
There are many statues of the legendary English playwright in London.
This beautiful statue of Shakespeare seems to be particularly popular with the public.
You can find it in Leicester Square park.
5. The 'Singing in the Rain' statue
A playful bronze statue of Gene Kelly recreating the iconic scene from the 50’s classic “Singing in the Rain” is one of many hidden gems of Leicester Square.
6. Antelope
Antelope is the gigantic sculpture occupying the Fourth Plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square.
It depicts s Baptist pastor John Chilembwe at the opening of his church in 1914.
Chilembwe is wearing a hat, defying the colonial rule at the time that forbade Africans from wearing hats in front of white people.
Chilembwe was killed a year later in an uprising against British colonial rule in Nyasaland.
7. Ballerina statue
A beautiful life-size statue of a young dancer is situated opposite the Royal Opera House, near Covent Garden.
8. Winston Churchill statue (Parliament Square)
There are many statues of this famous British Prime Minister in London.
The best known (and the biggest) is located near Big Ben, in Parliament Square.
9. The monument of the Women of WWII
This beautiful bronze monument commemorating women's service during WWII has a wonderful story behind it.
You can find more details about it in my post 25 things to see near Buckingham Palace in less than an hour! - free London Walking Tour with a MAP.
Location: Whitehall.
10. Agatha Christie Memorial (by Ben Twiston Davies)
A giant book with Agatha Christie’s depiction in the middle of it.
This is a must-see memorial for true fans of this author.
This statue is located steps away from Leicester Square tube station.
11. Animals In War Memorial
A beautiful monument dedicated to animals used in conflicts.
It’s impossible not to be moved by it.
This lovely memorial is tucked away in the middle of Park Lane, near Marble Arch tube station.
12. The Albert Memorial
The Albert Memorial is dedicated to Prince Albert.
He was the love of life of Queen Victoria. After his tragic death (at the age of 42!), a devastated Queen ordered the memorial to be built in his memory.
You can find it in Kensington Gardens, opposite the Royal Albert Hall (but don’t worry that you wouldn’t find it, it is hard to miss).
13. Statue of Nelson Mandela
The bronze sculpture of a former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela is located in Parliament Square, steps away from Big Ben.
14. The statue of Paddington Bear
The cute statue of the world's favorite bear is another statue that you can share a bench with.
Throughout the day, the Paddington Bear bronze figure is popular with all-ages selfie-takers and fellow sandwich eaters!
Leicester Square Park is its home.
15. The statue of Mary Poppins!
You can find this magical statue (and the shelter from the rain!) in a prominent location at one of the entrances to Leicester Square park.
Do I need to say more?!
Simply wonderful!
16. The statue of Harry Potter (riding a broomstick!)
Talking about the magical statues - not far from the statue of Mary Poppins, you can find the bronze depiction of the world's favorite boy wizard - Harry Potter.
Be prepared to queue for the photo with this statue (I guess, real fans of Harry Potter are used to queuing!).
17. King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial
You can find this beautiful monument to the parents of Queen Elizabeth II between the Mall and Carlton Gardens.
If you carefully look at it, you will also spot the young Queen Elizabeth II on it!
You can read more (interesting!) details about it in my post 25 things to see near Buckingham Palace in less than an hour! - free London Walking Tour with a MAP.
18. The statue of Dame Millicent Fawcett
Dame Millicent Fawcett was a British suffragist leader and social campaigner.
Her statue occupies a prominent location in Parliament Square.
19. The statue of Peter Pan
The beautiful statue of The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up is a hidden gem of Kensington Gardens.
Why is the statue located here?
Firstly, James Barrie wrote his Peter Pan novel while living at 100 Bayswater Road (near Kensington Gardens).
Secondly, the opening scene of this famous novel takes place in the Kensington Gardens!
The bronze Peter Pan plays on his pipe for fairies, squirrels, rabbits, and mice and is surrounded by nature. And he talks!
You can find more details about that in my post: See all the TALKING STATUES in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
20. Bomber Command Memorial
A beautiful WWII memorial dedicated to aircrews who died flying Bomber Command during World War II.
Location: Green Park.
21. The statue of Batman!
I love this statue for so many reasons.
Firstly, it is… Batman!
Secondly, despite being one of the most appropriately-placed statues in London, it is rarely seen by tourists!
You can find it on the roof of one of the cinemas in Leicester Square.
Hard to take a photo with but the most enjoyable when seen by night… obviously!
You can find more about this great statue in my post: How NOT to miss THE BATMAN statue when visiting Leicester Square ?
22. The statue of Winston Churchill and Franklin Delano Roosevelt
“Allies” is the correct name for this statue.
The President of the United States (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) and the British Prime Minister (Winston Churchill) are smiling at each other while holding cigars.
There is enough space between the figures for you to fit in - if you wish to have a photo with these important historical figures.
Location: New Bond Street.
23. The statue of Charlie Chaplin
Inside Leicester Square park, you can find the statue of universally recognizable and iconic film character, Charlie Chaplin.
24. My Children
You can find these playful sculptures (of a boy leaping over the bollard and the girl sitting on a stone plinth) within a walking distance from Sloane Square.
25. Hodge the Cat (talking) statue
The statue of an 18th-century feline celebrity is located outside Dr. Samuel Johnson's House, not far from St. Paul's Cathedral.
This statue also talks!
You can find more details about that in my post: See 5 TALKING STATUES near St Paul’s Cathedral in less than an hour.
26. The statue of a Man with Arms Open
The figure of a man looking with happiness (or despair?) towards the sky on West India Ave, in Canary Wharf.
27. National Windrush Monument
National Windrush Monument is a beautiful sculpture of an elegantly dressed family (parents with a daughter) standing on a podium made of suitcases at Waterloo Station.
This statue is by Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson.
28. Statue of suffragette Emily Wilding Davison
Emily Davison was a suffragette who, on 4 June 1913, tried to disrupt the horse race during the Epsom Derby.
Her goal was to draw global attention to the cause of votes for women.
She was hit by King George V's colt, Anmer, and died shortly after.
To see this important statue you will need to travel to Epsom.
29. The statue of Gandhi
"The best way to find yourself is to dissolve in serving others." - a sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi is located in Parliament Square, near Big Ben.
30. The Broad Family statue
The Broad Family statue is an unusual stone portrait of a family of three (and a dog!).
My favorite part of this sculpture is the shoes of a child.
This talking statue is located at the bottom of the steps leading toward the square at the back of Liverpool Street Station.
You can find more about Talking Statues in London in my post: The TALKING STATUES in London - What are they? And where you can find them?.
31. The statue of Wonder Woman
Another wonderful statue of a superhero (also located in Leicester Square) is the statue of Wonder Woman.
Wonder Woman crushes the walls (above the tourist's heads!) of another cinema in Leicester Square.
And is also best seen at night - after sunset, her "lasso of truth" illuminates!
You can learn more about the statue of Wonder Woman in the post: Bronze statues of the iconic film characters in the iconic London square.
32. “Taxi!”
A bronze statue representing a frozen frame of a city worker trying to catch a cab on John Carpenter Street.
However, the man in a suit is not going anywhere anytime soon as the road in front of him has a double red line!
Cars are not permitted to stop there.
33. The Centurione
The monumental, unfinished (or destroyed?) head (or a mask?).
This wonderful statue is placed in the Columbus Courtyard in Canary Wharf.
34. The statue of Laurel and Hardy
The lovely statue of Laurel and Hardy sadly is missed by most tourists as it is located on the roof of the TKTS building, on the south part of Leicester Square.
The famous movie pair is featured “balancing their act” as they did in their classic movie "Liberty".
35. ‘Head Asleep’ statue
The large-scale bandaged face sculpture is located in Canary Wharf.
You can find it by the entrance to no 35 Bank Street.
36. The statue of Bugs Bunny
The beloved movie character hops out of the ground and eats a carrot. Next to Bugs Bunny, you will find an iconic mailbox!
The sculpture of the famous rabbit is located in the northeast part of Leicester Square, opposite Pizza Hut Restaurant.
37. Oscar Wilde statue
Bench-like statue of Oscar Wilde is located near Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross rail station.
It is a very social bench.
You can sit on it, with a cigar and a glass of wine, and have a Conversation With Oscar Wilde (this is the official name of this statue).
I have seen so many people enjoying this little gem.
A must-see statue in London!
38. Draped Seated Woman
Draped Seated Woman is one of many statues decorating Cabot Square in Canary Wharf.
The woman has a small head, a bulky torso, and long legs.
An interesting sculpture placed in a unique location.
39. Minotaur and Hare on Bench sculpture
The sculpture of the Minotaur and Hare on Bench is one of the hidden gems of Canary Wharf.
It is located in very relaxing surroundings, near a waterside promenade.
40. The statue of Achilles (first nude statue in London!)
The most interesting fact about the statue of Achilles is that it was the very first nude statue ever displayed publicly in London.
But the history of its nudity is long and complicated!
This massive sculpture was installed in Hyde Park when Londoners clearly weren’t ready for such a novelty (in 1822!).
And a fig leaf (covering the problematic parts of the statue) needed to be urgently applied!
There were, however, various (illegal) attempts to remove the cover. At least two. In 1870 and 1961! A must-see statue in London with a funny story behind it!
Location: Hyde Park.
41. The Statue of Admiral Nelson (in Greenwich)
The best-known (and hardly reachable) statue of Horatio Nelson is located at the top of Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square.
However, I would like to point your attention towards the statue of this fascinating man located outside the great London pub, Trafalgar Tavern (in Greenwich).
Both statues, the one in Trafalgar and the one in Greenwich, show the famous British navy hero with one arm!
He lost one eye and an arm during his early battles.
This is the statue very much “close to earth” and with a great view of Canary Wharf!
You can read more about Admiral Nelson in my post: 14 (cool & FREE) things to see in GREENWICH in less than 2 hours (self-guided Greenwich walk with a map).
42. Traffic Lights Tree
If you are looking for something unusual, this one is for you!
A set of 75 (working!) traffic lights looking like a tree.
Traffic Lights Tree is located in the middle of the working roundabout!
This piece of art is best seen at night.
Location: entrance to Canary Wharf and Billingsgate Fish Market.
43. The statue of Dead Parrot
The statue of what seems to be a resting or (more likely) a dead parrot is a surprising addition to historical Maritime Greenwich!
I need to confess that despite the abundance of more beautiful and more important statues in London, this statue is one of my absolute favorites.
It does put a smile on my face every time I pass it!
The statue is a reference to the Monty Python’s sketch Dead Parrot.
44. Returning to Embrace sculpture
This is one of my favorite sculptures in Canary Wharf.
It depicts a couple locked together into a single organism.
45. The Tear
Despite its sadness-provoking name, this sculpture is fun sculpture to see. It provides a playful experience of reflection and light.
The droplet sculpture is located just by the entrance to the Canary Wharf tube station.
46. The Couple on the Seat sculpture
If you need a break during sightseeing in Canary Wharf, this sculpture of The Couple on the Seat is one of the best spots to rest your legs.
Spectacular art surrounded by fountains and skyscrapers!
47. Two Bears Drinking Fountain
Why should you see the Two Bears Drinking Fountain?
Well, there are at least three reasons for it.
Firstly - it will be fair to say that it is the cutest fountain in London.
Secondly - it is a working fountain. That means that apart from putting a smile on your face, this statue will also refill your empty bottles (free of charge!).
Thirdly: the Two Bears Drinking Fountain is located in the beautiful Kensington Gardens!
Its popularity proves the fact that over the years, there were several attempts to steal it!
48. Standing Figures of Man and a Woman
Standing Figures of Man and a Woman look so real, like a normal people going about their daily routines.
These painted and larger-than-life-scale human statues will stop you in your track when walking on the paving of Park Drive in Canary Wharf.
49. Two Men on a Bench sculpture
The two look-alike strangers sitting on a bench is another sculpture in Canary Wharf that made to my list of 50 the most interesting sculptures in the UK capital.
50. Serenity
The stunning sculpture of a bird is located in Hyde Park.
Serenity closes my list of the 50 best statues in London.
Below you can find a few handy interactive maps so you can visit most of these statues in just a couple of hours.
BEST SCULPTURES IN LONDON WALKING TOUR - MAPS
If you click on the map below, a new window will open for live navigation in the field.
Central London - Part 1
23 statues to see: Hodge The Cat, Taxi!, Ballerina, Agatha Christie Monument, movie statues at Leicester Square (Shakespeare, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Gene Kelly, Charlie Chaplin, Mr. Bean, Paddington Bear, Bugs Bunny, Batman, Laurel and Hardy), Oscar Wilde Bench, Antelope (The Fourth Plinth), The Women of WWII, statues of leaders at Parliament Square (Churchill, Mandela, Gandhi, Millicent Fawcett) and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial.
Central London - Part 2
10 statues to see: King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Memorial, Bomber Command Memorial, Achilles, Serenity, Albert Memorial, Princess Diana, Peter Pan, Two Bears Drinking Fountain, Animal In War, Churchill & Roosevelt.
If you are having difficulties finding all the movie statues at Leicester Square, this map will help you to see them all.
Canary Wharf
11 statues to see: Tear, Head Asleep, Minotaur and Hare on Bench, Standing Figures of Man and a Woman, Traffic Lights Tree, Returning to Embrace, Two Men on a Bench, Couple on the Seat, Draped Seated Woman, Man with Arms Open, Centurione.
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