It’s almost hard to believe but the infamous Marble Arch Mound closes in two weeks time, so you better hurry up if you want to visit.
From a blaze of publicity to ignoble infamy when the construction costs soared, almost everything was late, and then even the entry fee had to be scrapped.
I have noted previously, that while not what was planned, it’s still reasonably fun to visit, and the recent addition of the light exhibition inside the Mound, also delivered late, has added to its appeal.
But there’s another way of looking at it – and that is to simply note that it’s an experience and one that you can’t have for very much longer. It’s not the greatest experience, but it’s free, and yes, it’s a pleasantly enjoyable experience at that.
I know that some will refuse to visit because they don’t like Westminster Council and that’s fair enough, but to all the more open-minded out there, look at it as a free bit of fun and ignore the naysayers. After all, it’s likely that it wasn’t your money wasted, nor your councillor who messed up, so why not take in a chance to climb up a free viewing platform.
It closes on Sunday 9th January, so you have just two weeks to climb up to the top.
Book tickets in advance from here.
Spare a thought for the Westminster residents who are paying for this folly.
A very balanced write-up, Ian. Whilst I wouldn’t recommend making a special journey to London just to visit the Mound, it’s certainly worth fitting in if you happen to be in the area already. As you say, it’s pleasantly enjoyable, and with the added attraction that there is no admission charge.
I suppose that means the planting will never reach maturity, which is a bit silly. I had thought they were going to reinstate the entry fee, but if nobody wanted to pay to visit it, the upkeep wouldn’t be worth it. You can see the Shard and Canary Wharf towers, just, the treetops of Hyde Park, and a nice view up Edgware Rd, but nothing much up Oxford St, it’s set too far back.
I’ve been up a few times and found the staff to be very friendly and helpful.
On my first visit it did feel like someone had placed a fire escape around a grassed over slag heap but now that the plants have taken it is a real treat.
Shame that it can’t be like The Crystal Palace and be relicated to somewhere with better views.
The view from the summit does reveal that The Marble Arch is looking very tatty and in need of a refurb.
I went on the very last day! I’m glad I went – the queue was epic and amusing. I enjoyed the view for a bit though the perimeter was crowded. My favourite part was the lighting exhibition inside. The Mound, haha, legend.