Sir Keith Park Statue, London
A bronze tribute in central London to Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park, the New Zealand-born RAF commander who defended London during the Battle of Britain.
Standing in Waterloo Place, this striking bronze statue honours Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Rodney Park, the New Zealand-born RAF commander whose leadership during the Battle of Britain proved pivotal in defending London and southeast England from German invasion. The memorial, unveiled in 2010 on the 70th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day, commemorates Park’s role as the ‘Defender of London’ and his wider service in both World Wars. It serves as a powerful tribute to a Commonwealth hero whose strategic brilliance helped turn the tide of the Second World War.
A brief summary to Sir Keith Park statue
- Waterloo Pl, London, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest crowds around Trafalgar Square and get clearer photos of the statue.
- Take a moment to read the inscriptions on the plinth, which explain Park’s role as ‘Defender of London’ and his military honors.
- Combine your visit with a walk through nearby Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery to appreciate the statue’s place among London’s major memorials and landmarks.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Underground
From Charing Cross Underground station, follow signs for Trafalgar Square and walk through the square towards the Duke of York Steps; the statue is a short walk along Waterloo Place, about 5 minutes from the station exit.
-
Bus
Several central London bus routes serve stops near Trafalgar Square and the Strand; from there, it’s a 5–10 minute walk to Waterloo Place, depending on the exact stop and walking pace.
-
Walking
From central London landmarks like Covent Garden or the National Gallery, allow 10–15 minutes on foot; the route is flat and well signposted, passing through pedestrian-friendly areas.
Sir Keith Park statue location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Clear Skies
Discover more about Sir Keith Park statue
A Hero of the Skies Remembered
In the heart of central London, near Trafalgar Square, a dignified bronze figure stands as a tribute to one of the Second World War’s most crucial but long-overlooked commanders. The statue of Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Rodney Park, GCB, KBE, MC & Bar, DFC, commemorates the New Zealand-born Royal Air Force leader who commanded No. 11 Group Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. As the man responsible for the hour-by-hour defence of London and southeast England, Park’s calm, methodical leadership helped repel the Luftwaffe’s onslaught and thwart Hitler’s plans for invasion. The memorial’s presence in this prominent location ensures that his contribution to Allied victory is no longer forgotten.Design and Symbolism
The statue, sculpted in bronze, depicts Park in uniform, standing tall and resolute. The plinth bears his full name and honors, including his Military Cross and Distinguished Flying Cross, reflecting his distinguished service in both World Wars. A key plaque on the front of the plinth describes him as the ‘Defender of London, 1940’, a title earned through his relentless coordination of RAF squadrons during the intense air battles over southern England. The choice of Waterloo Place, close to other national memorials, underscores his significance not only to New Zealand but to the broader Commonwealth and Allied war effort. The statue’s formal, classical style conveys authority, courage, and quiet determination.Historical Significance
Sir Keith Park’s role in the Battle of Britain was decisive. As commander of No. 11 Group, he directed the fighter defence of London and the southeast, the sector that bore the brunt of the Luftwaffe’s attacks. His strategy of conserving squadrons, rotating units, and intercepting bombers before they reached their targets proved instrumental in preserving Fighter Command’s strength. German military intelligence later described him as a ‘man of action’, and he became known as the ‘Defender of London’. After the Battle of Britain, Park went on to command the defence of Malta and later Allied air operations in Southeast Asia, cementing his reputation as one of New Zealand’s greatest military leaders.Legacy and Commemoration
The statue was unveiled on 15 September 2010, the 70th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day, in a ceremony attended by veterans, members of Park’s family, and senior military figures. Its installation followed a long campaign by the Sir Keith Park Memorial Campaign, which sought to give him a permanent place in the national memory. The memorial not only honours Park personally but also symbolizes the vital role played by Commonwealth and Allied airmen alongside British forces. For visitors, it offers a moment of reflection on leadership, sacrifice, and the global nature of the Second World War, reminding us that history is shaped by individuals whose names deserve to be remembered.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Equestrian statue of Edward Ⅶ
0.0 km
Majestic bronze tribute to King Edward VII in the heart of London’s historic Waterloo Place, blending regal artistry with imperial heritage.
Guards Crimean War Memorial
0.1 km
A poignant bronze tribute in central London honoring the valor and sacrifice of ordinary soldiers in the Crimean War.
3 Carlton House Terrace
0.1 km
Elegant Grade I listed townhouse in London’s historic Carlton House Terrace, blending royal heritage with refined Georgian architecture.
St James's Square
0.2 km
London’s oldest garden square, where Georgian elegance meets centuries of power, politics, and high society in the heart of Westminster.
Royal Marines Memorial
0.2 km
A stirring bronze tribute on The Mall honoring Royal Marines’ sacrifice in China and South Africa, blending art and history in London’s ceremonial heart.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth,The Queen Mother Memorial
0.2 km
A dignified London memorial honoring King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, through iconic bronze statues and historic symbolism.
Captain James Cook
0.2 km
Bronze tribute to the explorer who charted the Pacific and shaped the British Empire
Admiralty Arch
0.3 km
A majestic Edwardian gateway linking Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, embodying Britain's royal heritage and naval history.
Old Admiralty Building
0.3 km
Historic heart of Britain’s naval command, blending grand architecture with pivotal moments in London’s maritime legacy.
Obelisk Charles James Napier
0.3 km
A contested monument to a complex military figure in London's most iconic public square.
Guards Memorial
0.3 km
A solemn tribute to the valor and sacrifice of the Guardsmen who fell in World War I, set amidst London’s historic ceremonial heart.
Nelson's Column
0.3 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Nelson’s naval triumph, standing proudly at the heart of London’s historic Trafalgar Square.
16-18 Whitehall
0.3 km
Explore 16-18 Whitehall, the historic site of England’s grandest royal palace and home to the stunning Banqueting House, a masterpiece of classical architecture.
225 Piccadilly Circus
0.4 km
At the luminous heart of London’s West End, 225 Piccadilly Circus dazzles with history, iconic lights, and vibrant urban energy.
Piccadilly Circus
0.4 km
Piccadilly Circus pulses with iconic neon lights, historic monuments, and vibrant street life at the heart of London’s West End.
Unmissable attractions to see
Carlton House Terrace
0.0 km
Elegant Georgian terraces on historic royal grounds, showcasing Regency architecture and London’s aristocratic heritage.
Waterloo Pl
0.1 km
Elegant London street rich with historic monuments, grand architecture, and cultural vibrancy in the heart of St James’s.
Duke of York Column
0.1 km
A towering granite column in London honoring the Duke of York’s military legacy, crowned with a grand bronze statue atop historic Waterloo Place.
Carlton Gardens
0.1 km
Elegant Regency architecture and serene gardens meet rich wartime history in the heart of London’s prestigious Carlton Gardens.
Pall Mall
0.1 km
Pall Mall: London’s historic street of royal games, elegant clubs, and pioneering urban charm.
Charles De Gaulle Statue
0.2 km
A dignified tribute in London’s Carlton Gardens honoring Charles de Gaulle’s leadership of Free France during WWII.
His Majesty's Theatre
0.2 km
Experience London's historic His Majesty's Theatre, home to iconic musicals and timeless theatrical heritage in the vibrant Haymarket district.
Theatre Royal Haymarket
0.2 km
Historic West End theatre with rich traditions, elegant design, and acclaimed productions in London’s vibrant Haymarket district.
Wonderville
0.3 km
Discover Wonderville, London’s captivating cabaret club blending magic, comedy, and variety in an intimate West End setting near Piccadilly Circus.
Haymarket
0.3 km
Step into the Theatre Royal Haymarket, a historic West End jewel blending Georgian elegance with three centuries of theatrical brilliance.
Canada House
0.3 km
Canada House: Historic Greek Revival architecture meets vibrant Canadian culture in the heart of London’s Trafalgar Square.
Comedy Carnival Leicester Square
0.3 km
Experience London’s top unapologetic stand-up comedy club with award-winning international acts in an intimate, lively setting near Leicester Square.
The Mall
0.3 km
A majestic royal avenue in London, The Mall connects Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace with regal charm and historic grandeur.
Royal Naval Division War Memorial
0.3 km
A solemn Lutyens-designed fountain and obelisk memorial honoring the Royal Naval Division’s WWI sacrifices on historic Horse Guards Parade.
The Harold Pinter Theatre
0.3 km
Experience world-class drama and rich theatrical history at London’s iconic Harold Pinter Theatre in the heart of vibrant Theatreland.
Essential places to dine
Wild Honey St James
0.1 km
Michelin-starred French-influenced cooking in a Grade II-listed banking hall, where refined technique meets understated elegance.
Golden Lion
0.4 km
Historic 1690s pub in St James's offering classic British fare, rich heritage, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near Buckingham Palace.
Ekstedt at The Yard
0.4 km
Experience Nordic wood-fired cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt in the historic Great Scotland Yard Hotel, blending ancient fire cooking with British seasonal ingredients.
Quaglino's
0.5 km
Glamorous basement brasserie with live music, cocktails, and theatrical dining in St. James's.
Evelyn's Table
0.5 km
Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
Kricket Soho
0.5 km
Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
Great British Restaurant
0.5 km
Elegant British dining in the heart of St James’s, blending traditional flavors with modern sophistication in a tranquil hotel setting.
Seven Park Place by William Drabble
0.5 km
An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair offering refined British-French cuisine by Chef William Drabble in an elegant Art Deco setting.
J Sheekey
0.6 km
Classic British seafood excellence in Covent Garden’s elegant, theatre-adjacent dining gem.
Bantof
0.6 km
Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
The Garden
0.6 km
A Mediterranean-inspired garden oasis offering refined seafood and elegant dining in the heart of London’s Corinthia Hotel.
The Northall
0.6 km
Refined British dining with seasonal flair in a grand, elegant setting at Corinthia London’s distinguished restaurant.
Blacklock Soho
0.6 km
A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Mele e Pere
0.6 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
New Loon Fung Restaurant
0.6 km
Experience authentic Cantonese dim sum and classic Chinese dishes in one of Chinatown’s largest, long-standing restaurants on bustling Gerrard Street.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Crest of London Ltd
0.4 km
Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
Floris London
0.4 km
Experience nearly three centuries of British fragrance heritage at Floris London’s historic boutique on iconic Jermyn Street.
Prestat Chocolates
0.4 km
Royal warrant chocolatier crafting sophisticated truffles in Piccadilly's elegant Princes Arcade since 1902.
Lock & Co. Hatters
0.4 km
Discover the world’s oldest hat shop, where centuries of British style and craftsmanship come to life in the heart of London.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
0.4 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
Princes Arcade
0.4 km
A refined covered arcade where London's bespoke traditions meet curated luxury shopping.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
0.4 km
Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in Leicester Square, London—two floors of interactive fun, iconic models, and endless creativity.
John Lobb St. James
0.4 km
Where 170 years of royal patronage meets handcrafted perfection in every stitch.
Fortnum & Mason
0.4 km
Historic luxury food hall and iconic London emporium offering gourmet delights, royal hampers, and timeless British tradition since 1707.
M&M'S London
0.4 km
Experience the colorful world of M&M'S London, where candy dreams come true with personalized treats and vibrant merchandise.
Piccadilly Arcade
0.5 km
Discover Edwardian elegance and bespoke luxury in Piccadilly Arcade, a historic shopping gem linking Piccadilly and Jermyn Street in London.
Cool Britania
0.5 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
Turnbull & Asser Jermyn Street
0.5 km
Discover Turnbull & Asser on Jermyn Street, the quintessential British shirtmaker blending heritage craftsmanship with timeless elegance since 1885.
Burlington Arcade
0.5 km
Discover a luxurious shopping experience at Burlington Arcade, where timeless elegance meets exquisite craftsmanship in the heart of London.
Unique Britain
0.5 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and artistic keepsakes in the heart of London’s lively West End on historic Cranbourn Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Old Shades
0.4 km
Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
All Bar One Leicester Square
0.4 km
Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
0.4 km
Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
The Spy Bar
0.4 km
Step into London’s secret subterranean bar where espionage history meets masterful cocktails and exclusive, no-photos privacy.
The Harp, Covent Garden
0.6 km
A historic Covent Garden pub famed for award-winning ales, traditional ciders, and a timeless, welcoming atmosphere.
The Thin White Duke
0.6 km
Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
0.6 km
Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
Blind Spot London
0.6 km
Discover a secretive speakeasy with globally inspired cocktails and intimate ambiance tucked inside St Martin’s Lane Hotel, Covent Garden.
Duke of Argyll
0.6 km
Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
Ku Bar
0.6 km
Soho's legendary gay bar icon: three levels of inclusive vibes, cocktails, and basement beats in Chinatown's electric heart.
Mr Fogg's Tavern
0.6 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired tavern in Covent Garden, where inventive cocktails meet hearty British fare in an eclectic and lively setting.
Duke Of Wellington
0.6 km
A lively Soho pub blending traditional British charm with modern nightlife energy on Wardour Street.
Village Soho
0.6 km
A lively, inclusive gay bar in Soho with energetic dance floors, go-go dancers, karaoke nights, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ atmosphere.
Gordon's Wine Bar
0.6 km
Step into London's oldest wine bar, where history, candlelight, and award-winning wines create an unforgettable cellar experience.
The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
0.6 km
Experience theatrical cocktails and vibrant dining in the heart of Covent Garden’s iconic theatre district.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
TSQ Club
0.2 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
The Scotch of St James
0.3 km
Legendary Mayfair speakeasy where 60s rock stars jammed and today's elite dance till dawn in velvet-clad intimacy.
Luxe Club
0.4 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
The Penthouse London
0.5 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
The Cuckoo Club
0.5 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.5 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.5 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
Heaven
0.6 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Tabu London
0.6 km
Escape Mayfair's polish for Tokyo's neon-lit Shinjuku alleys at Tabu London—retro gaming vibes, caged dancers, hip-hop beats, and upscale bites fuel epic nights.
Sophisticats Soho
0.6 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.7 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
The Box Soho
0.7 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.7 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
0.7 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
The Ivy Club
0.8 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Monumental
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
