What Is Piccadilly Circus?
Piccadilly Circus is a world-famous public square and street junction in the West End of London in the City of Westminster. It is located at the southern end of Regent Street and is surrounded by several major tourist attractions, including Shaftesbury Avenue, Piccadilly and Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain.
Piccadilly Circus History
The circus was originally designed as a gently curving road junction with no buildings, but was soon developed with shops and businesses. In the early 1800s, John Nash designed a grand scheme for the area, which included a circular plaza surrounded by grand colonnades. However, this plan was never fully realised and the circus we see today is a mix of Nash’s original design and later additions.
Piccadilly Circus Nowadays
Piccadilly Circus is now a busy traffic junction and a popular meeting place. It is also home to several famous landmarks, including the London Pavilion, Criterion Theatre and Piccadilly Circus tube station. The world-famous advertising hoardings that line the square are a particularly popular attraction, and have been known to feature some iconic commercials over the years.
Piccadilly Circus’s Advertising Screens
Piccadilly Circus is one of the most iconic landmarks in London, and its illuminated advertisements are an essential part of its history. The first Piccadilly Circus advertising was leased in the early 1900s, and it quickly became a popular spot for brands to promote their wares. Over the years, the billboards, signs and neon lights have changed to reflect the ever-changing landscape of advertising. Today, Piccadilly Circus is home to some of the most creative and innovative ads in the world.
London Pavillon
London Pavillon is one of the most popular landmarks around Piccadilly Circus. The London Pavilion is currently a shopping arcade that has been a fixture on Piccadilly Circus since the 1800s. The landmark’s main façade, which had been there since 1885, was restored in 1986 and converted into a shopping arcade. The building was linked to the adjacent Trocadero Centre in 2000, and the signage was changed in 2003 to read “London Trocadero”. The Underground station is linked to the basement of the structure.
The Criterion Theatre
If you’re looking for a classic theater experience, there’s no better place to go than the Criterion Theatre in London. This historic venue has been entertaining audiences since 1874, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The Criterion is best known for its beautiful Art Deco interior.
But it’s not just the inside of the theater that’s worth checking out – the building itself is a Grade II listed structure, meaning it’s one of the most important examples of Victorian architecture in the city. Even if you’re not a huge theater fan, the Criterion is definitely worth a visit – it’s one of those rare places that truly has something for everyone.
Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and Statue, Known as Eros
The Shaftesbury Memorial, located in Piccadilly Circus, is one of the most iconic landmarks in London. The monument was erected in the 19th century to commemorate the life of Anthony Ashley Cooper, the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury. The centerpiece of the memorial is a statue of Anteros, the Greek god of requited love. The statue is made of bronze and aluminum. The Shaftesbury Memorial is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, and it is frequently visited by locals and tourists alike.
Piccadilly Circus Underground Station
Piccadilly Circus underground station is located in the heart of London, and it is one of the busiest stations on the Underground network. The station serves the Bakerloo, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines, and it is also a major interchange for bus and coach services.
Top Things to Do Near Piccadilly Circus
There are plenty of things to do near Piccadilly Circus, especially if you’re a major shopping fan. The area is home to some of London’s most popular shopping destinations, including Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Bond Street. If you’re looking for something to do in the evening, Piccadilly Circus is also home to a number of popular bars and clubs, making it the perfect place to enjoy a night out on the town.
Visit Trafalgar Square and National Gallery
Just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus is Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most popular tourist destinations. Located in the heart of the city, the square is home to Nelson’s Column, a monumental tribute to Horatio Nelson. The column is a popular photo spot for tourists. The square is also home to the National Gallery, one of the largest art museums in the world.
Take a Stroll Down Oxford Street
Oxford Street is one of the busiest shopping streets in London, and it’s just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus. The street is home to a number of popular retailers, including Selfridges, John Lewis, and Debenhams.
Explore Regent Street
Regent Street is another popular shopping destination in London, and it’s just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus. The street is home to a number of high-end retailers, including Harrods, Selfridges, and Liberty.
Whether you’re looking for a taste of local culture or simply want to experience some of the city’s most popular attractions, Piccadilly Circus is sure to have something for everyone.
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