Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain

★ 4.5 (1,311)Free

Unveiled in 1893 as a memorial to the philanthropist the Earl of Shaftesbury, the fountain's winged figure is officially the Angel of Christian Charity, though it's been popularly misidentified as Eros, the Greek god of love, almost since it went up. Sitting at the centre of Piccadilly Circus, it's become one of London's most recognisable meeting points, with reviewers with a 4.5 rating enjoying both the statue itself and the trivia around the district's name, which comes from a 17th-century tailor who made his fortune selling stiff lace collars called picadils. It's a quick, free stop naturally folded into any visit to Piccadilly Circus.

✨ Reasons to go

1Unveiled in 1893 as a memorial to philanthropist the Earl of Shaftesbury.
2The winged figure is officially the Angel of Christian Charity, not Eros, despite near-universal misidentification since it was installed.
3The name Piccadilly derives from a 17th-century tailor who made his fortune selling stiff lace collars called picadils.

💡 Good to know

1Use it as a well-known meeting point if you're coordinating with a group, as most Londoners recognise it instantly
2visit in the evening when the surrounding neon signage is lit up for the best atmosphere
3note the statue is popularly called Eros despite officially representing Christian Charity — a good bit of trivia for the group.

⏱️ Typical visit

10 min

🚶 Walking intensity

Easy pace

📍

Address

Piccadilly Circus, London W1J 9HS, UKGoogle Apple

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Booking

Walk-in

What people say

"Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain at Piccadilly Circus is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks. Often mistakenly called the Eros statue, it actually represents Anteros, symbolizing selfless love. Surrounded by bright screens and constant energy, the fountain offers a perfect contrast of history and modern city life. It’s a popular meeting point and a great spot to pause, relax, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. The intricate design and cultural significance make it more than just a photo opportunity. Visiting this iconic monument captures the lively spirit and charm of central London."

— ZRK

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