Mary Poppins Statue
Where cinema's most elegant nanny takes flight in the heart of London's film district.
A bronze statue of Mary Poppins captured mid-flight with her iconic umbrella raised, located in Leicester Square's gardens. Installed in February 2020 as part of the Scenes in the Square trail celebrating a century of cinema, this whimsical sculpture depicts the beloved nanny from the 1964 Disney film. Positioned on a low plinth among flower beds near the Lego Store, the statue has become a beloved photo spot for film enthusiasts and families alike, offering a nostalgic tribute to one of cinema's most enchanting characters.
A brief summary to Mary Poppins Statue
- Leicester Square, London, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. The bronze finish photographs beautifully in soft, golden light.
- Combine your visit with the other Scenes in the Square sculptures—there are ten in total scattered throughout Leicester Square Gardens, making for an engaging film-themed trail.
- The statue sits on a low plinth that functions as a bench, perfect for sitting and soaking in the atmosphere while watching the square's constant activity.
- Leicester Square is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and theatres—plan to spend time exploring the wider area and enjoying the vibrant entertainment district.
- If you're a Mary Poppins enthusiast, visit the English Heritage Blue Plaque at 50 Smith Street in Chelsea to learn about author P.L. Travers' London home.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground (Tube)
Leicester Square station is directly beneath the square, served by the Northern and Piccadilly lines. Journey times from central London locations range from 5–15 minutes depending on your starting point. The station has multiple exits that lead directly into Leicester Square Gardens. Single journey fares within London zones cost approximately £1.75–£3.00 depending on distance.
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Walking from Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus station is approximately 400 metres away, a 4–5 minute walk southwest through Piccadilly Circus itself. This route is flat, well-lit, and passes through one of London's most vibrant commercial areas. No payment required; simply follow the main pedestrian thoroughfares toward Leicester Square.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Leicester Square, including routes 14, 19, 38, and 159. Journey times vary depending on traffic and your starting location, typically 10–30 minutes from other central London areas. A single bus journey costs £1.75 with contactless payment or an Oyster card.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Black cabs and ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout London and can deliver you directly to Leicester Square. Fares typically range from £8–£25 depending on your starting location and traffic conditions. Journey times during off-peak hours are 10–20 minutes from most central London locations.
Mary Poppins Statue location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Mary Poppins Statue
A Moment Frozen in Flight
The Mary Poppins statue captures one of cinema's most magical moments—the instant when the world's most practically perfect nanny takes to the London skies with her trusty umbrella. Crafted in bronze, the sculpture depicts Mary Poppins as she appears in the beloved 1964 Disney film, with her characteristic umbrella raised gracefully above her head and her posture suggesting effortless ascent. The attention to detail is remarkable: her formal coat, her distinctive hat, and even the suggestion of her famous carpetbag are rendered with precision. The statue stands on a low plinth positioned among the flower beds of Leicester Square Gardens, making it accessible and inviting for visitors to approach and photograph without barriers.Part of Leicester Square's Cinematic Legacy
Leicester Square has been the heart of London's film industry for nearly a century, hosting its first film premiere in 1937 and serving as home to cinemas since 1930. The Mary Poppins statue is one of ten sculptures that make up the Scenes in the Square trail, an interactive exhibition launched in February 2020 to celebrate a hundred years of cinema. This film-themed sculpture trail was created by the Heart of London Business Alliance in partnership with Westminster City Council and supported by major movie studios. The collection includes iconic characters spanning multiple decades: Laurel and Hardy, Batman, Bugs Bunny, Gene Kelly as Don Lockwood from Singin' in the Rain, Paddington Bear, Mr. Bean, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, and the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones. Each sculpture represents a different era of filmmaking, making Leicester Square itself a open-air museum of cinema history.The Enduring Magic of Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins remains one of the most beloved characters in cinema history, brought to life by Julie Andrews in the 1964 film that won five Academy Awards. The character's influence extends far beyond the original film—a sequel, Mary Poppins Returns, was released in 2018 with Emily Blunt in the lead role, introducing the character to new generations. The stage musical adaptation, created by Disney and producer Cameron Mackintosh, has delighted audiences worldwide. The statue serves as a tribute to this enduring legacy, celebrating not only the character's charm and wit but also her cultural impact on storytelling and cinema. For many visitors, encountering the statue evokes childhood memories and the timeless appeal of a character who has remained relevant across generations.A Perfect Photo Opportunity
The statue's positioning on a raised plinth in Leicester Square Gardens makes it an ideal spot for photography. Unlike some installations that are cordoned off or difficult to access, the Mary Poppins sculpture sits on a low wall that doubles as a bench, allowing visitors to get close and capture images from various angles. The bronze finish catches light beautifully throughout the day, and the surrounding flower beds provide natural framing. The location's prominence within Leicester Square means it's easy to find, and the proximity to other Scenes in the Square sculptures encourages visitors to explore the entire trail while enjoying the square's vibrant atmosphere.Discovering Mary Poppins in London
While the statue in Leicester Square is the most visible tribute to Mary Poppins in the capital, the character's presence extends throughout London. The author P.L. Travers, who created Mary Poppins, is commemorated with an English Heritage Blue Plaque at 50 Smith Street in Chelsea, where she lived from 1945 onwards and where she raised her son while negotiating the film adaptation with Disney. Several London landmarks featured in the Mary Poppins films and their sequel, including St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the Bank of England, which was used in Mary Poppins Returns to evoke the 1930s setting. These connections weave the character throughout London's geography, making a visit to the statue a natural starting point for exploring the city's film heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mary Poppins Statue
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Where cinema's most elegant nanny takes flight in the heart of London's film district.
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Essential places to dine
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J Sheekey
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Bantof
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Clos Maggiore
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Quo Vadis
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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House of Spells
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La Boutik
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Charing Cross Rd
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Henry Pordes Books Ltd
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Art & Design
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
