Statue of William Shakespeare
Statue of William Shakespeare
Highlight • Monument
Hiking
5.0
(33)
The Statue of William Shakespeare in London's bustling Leicester Square stands as a prominent tribute to England's most celebrated playwright. This Grade II listed monument, sculpted by Giovanni Fontana, is a focal point within the square's gardens, offering visitors a moment of reflection amidst the vibrant energy of central London. It's an easily accessible historical site, making it a popular stop for those exploring the city's rich cultural landmarks.
Visitors particularly appreciate the statue's central location and its connection to…
Tips
September 24, 2023
Hiking
August 23, 2022
Hiking
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Statue of William Shakespeare
4.8
(32)
353
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.6
(8)
43
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
48
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 90 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Saturday 14 March
12°C
1°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
While the statue in Leicester Square is a prominent London tribute, other significant monuments to William Shakespeare can be found globally. These include a bronze sculpture in Central Park, New York City, and a marble statue in Poets' Corner within Westminster Abbey, London. His earliest memorial, a funerary monument, is located above his grave in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon.
No, the Statue of William Shakespeare in Leicester Square is located in central London and is distinct from the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre Gardens in Stratford-upon-Avon. While both commemorate the playwright, they are in different cities and serve different purposes. The Leicester Square statue is a historical monument within a public garden, whereas Stratford-upon-Avon is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company and various sites related to Shakespeare's life.
As the statue is an outdoor monument in a public square, the duration of your visit is entirely up to you. Many visitors spend anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes appreciating the sculpture, reading the inscription, and taking photos. If you wish to also enjoy the surrounding Leicester Square Gardens or explore nearby attractions, you could easily spend an hour or more in the area.
Yes, the Statue of William Shakespeare in Leicester Square is located in a public garden that is generally flat and well-paved, making it wheelchair accessible. The surrounding area of Leicester Square is also designed to be accessible for all visitors.
Leicester Square is a hub of entertainment and offers many family-friendly options. Beyond the statue itself, you'll find cinemas, M&M's World, and Lego Store nearby. The square often hosts events and street performers, providing additional entertainment for children and adults alike. The surrounding area is vibrant and offers plenty to explore for families.
The statue can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different ambiance in Leicester Square. While the intro mentions it can be busy during peak tourist seasons, visiting during the spring or autumn can offer pleasant weather and potentially fewer crowds than the height of summer. However, the statue is always accessible, and its central location makes it a convenient stop regardless of the season.
The marble statue, sculpted by Giovanni Fontana, depicts Shakespeare in a classical pose. A notable feature is the scroll he holds, which is inscribed with a quote from his play Twelfth Night: "THERE IS NO DARKNESS BUT IGNORANCE". This detail connects the monument directly to Shakespeare's literary legacy.
While Leicester Square itself is a well-known area, exploring the smaller streets and alleys radiating from it can reveal some hidden gems. For instance, nearby Covent Garden offers unique boutiques and street performers, and the historic theatres of the West End are just a short walk away, each with its own rich history. You might also discover plaques or smaller memorials dedicated to other literary or theatrical figures in the vicinity.
The Leicester Square statue holds significance as a prominent public tribute to Shakespeare in the heart of London, a city central to his career. It's a Grade II listed monument, installed in 1874, and is a copy of an 18th-century original by Peter Scheemakers located in Westminster Abbey's Poets' Corner. Its location in a bustling square makes it highly visible and accessible to a wide audience, serving as a constant reminder of Shakespeare's enduring cultural impact.
The statue itself is the central viewpoint within Leicester Square Gardens. For a broader perspective of the square and its vibrant atmosphere, you can find benches around the gardens. While there aren't elevated viewpoints directly overlooking the statue, the surrounding cafes and pubs often offer outdoor seating where you can observe the monument and the lively square from a comfortable distance.