Animals in War Memorial, London
A poignant tribute in central London to the animals that served and died in wars alongside British and Allied forces, from horses and mules to dogs and pigeons.
Standing on Park Lane at the edge of Hyde Park, the Animals in War Memorial is a powerful tribute to the countless animals that served and died alongside British and Allied forces throughout history. Designed by sculptor David Backhouse and unveiled in 2004, the monument features a curved Portland stone wall carved with images of animals in conflict, bronze mules ascending steps, and a horse and dog gazing into the distance. It honours horses, mules, dogs, pigeons, elephants, and many other creatures whose loyalty and sacrifice often went unrecorded in official histories.
A brief summary to Animals In War Memorial
- Brook Gate, London, W1K 7QF, GB
- +442076416000
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the busiest times and crowds from nearby attractions.
- Take time to read all the inscriptions on the stone wall; they provide powerful context and deepen the emotional impact of the memorial.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Hyde Park or a look at nearby monuments like the Wellington Arch and the nearby RAF Bomber Command Memorial.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
From central London, take the Central line to Marble Arch Underground Station; the memorial is a short walk from the station exit, clearly visible on Park Lane near the junction with Upper Brook Street.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve Park Lane near Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch; alight at a stop close to the junction of Park Lane and Upper Brook Street for direct access to the memorial.
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Walking
From central Mayfair or the southern end of Oxford Street, it is a 10–15 minute walk to the memorial along Park Lane, with clear views of Hyde Park and surrounding landmarks.
Animals In War Memorial location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Animals In War Memorial
A Monument to Silent Service
On the eastern edge of Hyde Park, near the junction of Park Lane and Upper Brook Street, stands the Animals in War Memorial, a moving tribute to the millions of animals that served in wars and campaigns under British and Allied command. Unveiled in November 2004 by HRH The Princess Royal, the memorial was inspired by Jilly Cooper’s book *Animals in War* and funded by public donations. It commemorates not just the animals of the First and Second World Wars, but all creatures who have served in conflicts throughout history, from ancient times to modern deployments. The central inscription makes its purpose clear: this monument is dedicated to all the animals that served and died alongside British and Allied forces in wars and campaigns throughout time.Design and Symbolism
The memorial is a carefully composed work of art and remembrance. A 17-metre curved wall of Portland stone forms the backdrop, engraved with carvings of animals in war: horses, mules, dogs, pigeons, elephants, and others, their forms emerging from the stone as if struggling through the chaos of battle. Two bronze mules, laden with equipment, climb steps towards a gap in the wall, symbolising the arduous journey of animals into conflict. On the upper level, a bronze horse and a bronze dog stand facing north into the park, looking out over the gardens as if bearing witness to the loss of their comrades. The design evokes both the burden carried by these animals and a quiet hope for a more compassionate future.Animals of War
During the First World War alone, eight million horses and countless mules and donkeys died, transporting ammunition, supplies, and wounded soldiers across the Western Front and other theatres. Mules proved invaluable for their stamina in extreme climates and difficult terrain, from the mud of Flanders to the mountains of Italy. Dogs served as messengers, mine detectors, and rescuers, often working under fire to locate buried soldiers. Pigeons carried vital messages when other communication failed, sometimes flying through storms and gunfire to deliver information that saved lives. Elephants, camels, oxen, cats, canaries, and even glow worms all played roles in supporting military operations, their contributions woven into the fabric of 20th-century warfare.Words That Remember
The inscriptions on the memorial are as powerful as its sculptures. Alongside the main dedication, the simple phrase “They had no choice” speaks volumes about the animals’ lack of agency in war. On the reverse side of the wall, a longer text explains that many and various animals were employed over the centuries, and as a result millions died; from the pigeon to the elephant, they all played a vital role in every region of the world in the cause of human freedom. These words ensure that the animals’ service is not forgotten, acknowledging their suffering and sacrifice in a way that official histories often overlooked. The memorial also serves as a place where people come to remember their own beloved pets, adding a deeply personal layer to its public significance.A Place for Reflection
Today, the Animals in War Memorial is both a war memorial and a space for quiet contemplation. It invites visitors to reflect on the cost of war not only for humans but for the animals drawn into it. The location, at the edge of one of London’s great parks, offers a contrast between the tranquillity of the green space and the harsh realities depicted in the stone and bronze. It is a place where school groups, veterans, families, and individuals pause to read the inscriptions, to photograph the sculptures, or simply to stand in silence, acknowledging the loyalty and courage of creatures who served without question. In doing so, it transforms a simple stretch of pavement into a site of national and emotional significance.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Royal Artillery Memorial
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Wellington Arch
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Commonwealth Memorial Gates
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Grosvenor Sq
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Essential places to dine
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HIDE
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sketch
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Starbucks Coffee
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Kingly Court
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NOPI
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Quaglino's
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Portland
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Oxford St
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Regent St.
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Hamleys
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Burlington Arcade
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Carnaby St
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
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
