Exploring London will never be complete without dropping by some of its well-known public fountains offering a relaxing way to simmer down after a tiring tour under the scorching heat of the sun. Admire the intricate sculpture and architecture while taking Instagram-worthy shots of these public fountains are refreshing sights for Londoners, especially during the summer months. Ranging from sprinklers with heat-relieving jets to Roman fountains featuring gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures scattered in parks and gardens, you should definitely spare a moment to watch and appreciate the playful waters. So before you retire to a party hotel or an Airbnb vacation rental in London, be sure to check them out. Whether you’re looking for the fountain of youth or just feeling the heat and want to make a splash, don’t miss these best fountains in London, UK.
1. Princess Diana Memorial Fountain
Best for dipping your toes after walking around Hyde Park, make sure to visit this expansive fountain dedicated to remembering Princess Diana’s love for children. Admire its detailed stream bed with 545 individual pieces of Cornish granite while simply sitting and paddling your feet together with your friends. Don’t forget to pack some snacks and a mat for the entire fountain is surrounded by a lush grassy field perfect for a family picnic. Though the park is open daily, the area may be closed off during extremely cold or severe weather conditions so make sure to check online to know the latest updates.
Princess Diana Memorial Fountain
Address: Hyde Park, W Carriage Dr, London W2 2UH, UK
Website: Princess Diana Memorial Fountain
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily); closing times vary depending on the season
Price: Free
2. Venus Fountain
Located in the center of Sloane Square, this lovely fountain is a worthy place to visit while looking for great finds around this busy area packed with shops, eateries, and glitzy nightspots. Take time inspecting the intricate bronze sculpture depicting the goddess of beauty and love, Venus, holding a vase and pouring water from a conch shell. Perfectly situated above an octagonal stone pool lined with blue ceramic tiles, you can leisurely walk around it or be seated on its rim to cool down after a tiring walk. Take a quick photo and enjoy its tranquil waters which is a great contrast to the loud noises and the busy streets that enclose the square on all four sides.
Venus Fountain
Address: 13-14 Sloane Square, Chelsea, London SW1W 8SB, UK
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
3. Joy of Life Fountain
Spare some time to spot this lovely sculpture capturing the joy of living located next to Aldford Street North Gate, alongside Park Lane and where the Boy and Dolphin Fountain is previously situated. Aside from the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Hyde Park also houses the Joy of Life Fountain showcasing man and woman bronze figures holding hands while appearing to dance above the water, with four bronze children emerging from the pool. A popular spot for splashing around when the weather heats up, make use of the nice seating area around it and take a rest before continuing your exploration around the park.
Joy of Life Fountain
Address: Aldford Street North Gate | Hyde Park, London, England
Website: Joy of Life Fountain
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Granary Square Fountain
Have fun with the kids in this impressive courtyard with playful fountains that is considered as the most popular attraction at King’s Cross. Enjoy hours of entertainment and photo ops as fountain jets of no less than 1,080 spurt, dance, and erupt at different heights. Grab some quick bites and sit on one of the carved benches that surround the fountains to watch the aqua-choreography as soon as the sun sets when fountains are illuminated with multicolored lights. Take your experience to a new level and download the ‘Granary Squirt’ app that you can use to control a line of colored water jets via your smartphone.
Granary Square Fountain
Address: 1 Granary Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AA, UK
Opening hours: 7:40am - 11:30pm (daily)
Price: Free
London Tour Guide
Robert Woolf
I am a London tour guide and my tours include talking about people who have shaped the city plus the many connected places such as Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the commercial centre of the city: the City of London, and London’s world class museums and galleries. I have been guiding for 12 years. I am a licenced London Blue Badge Tour Guide, a City of London Guide, and a Westminster Guide. The reviews I receive from clients speak of their enjoyment from the local knowledge and the humour I bring to my tours. Born within sight of Hampton Court Palace, I am a Londoner and apart from 2 years in the Middle East, I have worked in this capital city all my business and tour guiding careers. I have travelled widely and I appreciate what appeals to visitors coming to London. I can tailor my tours to interest children. I guide couples, families and larger tour groups. I particularly enjoy visits to Westminster Abbey, where I also volunteer guiding students and children through its wonderful interior – on my tours you will hear about monarchs, why scientists and poets are remembered, the architecture and religious history. The Abbey is the story of England. Come on an engaging and fun tour with me. There is so much to show you !
Tours by Robert
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5. Sibirica Fountain
Installed in the Iris Garden at Holland Park, this elegant green patinated bronze fountain named Sibirica is designed by the famous William Pye. Sit back and relax in the wooden bench surrounding the pond and get mesmerized by the smooth and calm spurts of water from a central stem and spreading out at the top into four spouts. Watch as it goes down in four cups from which it sprays into the pond in fascinating dancing droplets. Stay until the park is near closing time to witness the lighting of four submersible lamps illuminating the rising droplets, making them appear to be floodlit.
Sibirica Fountain
Address: Holland Park, Ilchester Pl, Kensington, London W8 6LU, UK
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
Price: Free
6. Glass Fountain
One of the first pieces of contemporary art to be erected in the city is the Glass Fountain designed by Allen David, known for his glass work, situated right outside The Guildhall Building. Take time to appreciate the detailed work of this masterpiece made up of slivers of green colored glass with water falling into a black slate-lined pond. On top of the green column is a three-quarter circle that looks like a moon or a Pac-man, depending on your perspective. Enjoy watching the modest waves as water cascades from several points into a large square pool when the wind blows, whipping up the water spurts.
Glass Fountain
Address: Guildhall Piazza, London
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Triton Fountain
Head over to the Regent’s Park to see the stunning Triton Fountain depicting the messenger of the sea, Triton (the half-man, half-fish son of Poseidon and Amphitrite) blowing on a conch shell with two mermaids at his feet. This bronze sculpture nestled in the center of a round pool is definitely a nice spot to relax after moving around the park or before heading to the rose collection at Queen Mary’s Garden. Cool down while watching the sparkling droplets of the fountain and breathe in the fresh air from the lush greens surrounding the area.
Triton Fountain
Address: Chester Road | Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NR, England
Website: Triton Fountain
Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily); closing times vary depending on the season
Price: Free
8. Girl with a Dolphin Fountain
Situated on the north bank of the river, very close to the Tower Bridge, is the sculpture fountain of the Girl with a Dolphin. Overpowered by the Tower Bridge and Tower Hill, this small piece of art is hardly noticeable by tourists and locals alike but will surely tickle your mind showing the special connections between human and animal. Release the photographer in you and try to capture the flowing waters which bring to life the diving girl playing with an inquisitive dolphin. No matter what time of the day, this fountain makes a great foreground piece for Tower Bridge so make sure to include it in your itinerary.
Girl with a Dolphin fountain
Address: North East side of Tower Bridge, London E1W 1LD, England
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Fountains in Trafalgar Square
Cool down together with other passers-by and dip your feet in the fountains of Trafalgar Square during a hot summer. Enjoy the views of the pigeons hovering over one of the fountains or simply admire the artistic sculpture of the mermaids, mermen, tritons, and dolphins in each round pool. Initially installed to reduce space for public gatherings, these two fountains are now the center of the Square and are often used for public events. If you happen to visit the Square during a special occasion, take delight of the lighting of the famous fountains, bringing the waters alive with mesmerizing colors.
Fountains in Trafalgar Square
Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DN, UK
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain
Named as one of the most iconic memorials in the city center is the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain. It was the first statue in the world to be cast in aluminum and bronze. Situated on a paved octagonal platform that has a large octagonal basin and surrounded by two flights of steps, this fountain was intended for people to access water. On the peak of the column is the statue of a winged nude that was often thought to represent the God Eros, when really it is Anteros, Eros’ brother. Though many people forget the true significance behind the fountain, it is just right to mention that it’s to honor the work of Lord Shaftesbury during the Victorian Era.
The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain
Address: Piccadilly Circus, London W1J 9HS, UK
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Have a splash in London
It is no doubt that London is home to some stunning fountains that are not just handy to beat the heat during summer days, but also a great platform to understand its history, culture, and art. Each masterpiece has a story to tell so make sure to bring some extra clothes when visiting these fountains in London for you might need a closer look to really appreciate it. Be sure to check out some attractions and other things London is famous for.
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