Marble Arch Mound

19th August 2021

A green “hill” has appeared in the middle of the road junction at Marble Arch. The trials and tribulations of this £6m man-made edifice have been well publicised but as I was in London anyway and it’s currently free to visit I thought I’d give it a go. Besides, Ian reckoned it was worth it. 

 

With impeccable timing I arrived at exactly the same moment as the huge Ashura parade made its way down Oxford Street. Once they had passed I found my way round to the entrance clutching my pre-booked ticket printed out ready to present at my allotted time as instructed.

 

 

 

Only to find that they were just waving people in anyway. So in I went 15 minutes before my booked slot and climbed the metal staircase (you really don’t want to drop anything) to the viewing platform at the top.

 

 

 

There’s a clear view up the Edgeware Road.

 

 

 

One of the few trees they’ve managed to grow has been placed so as to obscure the view east, which seems an obvious mistake as the only point of the structure is the elevated views it gives over this part of London.

 

 

 

Looking south over Hyde Park reveals a lot of trees but little else. Further east you can spot Battersea Power Station, the London Eye and the Shard.

 

I spent maybe 20 minutes taking photos and trying to spot things that I recognised, see below, before making my way back down again and sloping off back to Soho for a pint.

 

 

 

Diamond Geezer also went, the next day I think, and has posted his thoughts here more eloquently and in slightly more detail. I agree with his findings, don’t make a special trip but if you’re in the area make the most of it while it’s free and best book your ticket just in case it becomes suddenly very popular.