The Ultimate Guide to Admiralty Arch London: History,
Secrets, and the New Luxury Hotel

Standing proudly between the bustling energy of Trafalgar Square and the royal
expanse of The Mall, Admiralty Arch London is one of the capital’s most spectacular
and recognizable landmarks. Serving as a literal gateway to Buckingham Palace,
this architectural masterpiece has watched over historic royal processions, wartime
strategies, and millions of tourists for well over a century.
Whether you are a history buff, a luxury travel enthusiast, or an urban explorer
looking for London’s hidden quirks, here is everything you need to know about
Admiralty Arch.

1. The History and Architecture

Commissioned by King Edward VII, Admiralty Arch was designed by famed architect
Sir Aston Webb to honour the memory of Queen Victoria. Completed in 1912, the
Grade I listed building features a striking, concave design crafted from stately
Portland stone.
The landmark features a grand triple-arch gateway:

• The Central Arch: Strictly reserved for the reigning monarch and royal processions.
• The Outer Arches: Open daily for the general public and London’s iconic black cabs
  and red buses. For decades, the building served as vital government offices, providing workspace for the Admiralty, Cabinet officials, and even serving as a workspace for Sir Winston Churchill.

2. The Famous “Secret Nose” of Admiralty Arch

If you look closely as you walk through the archways, you will find one of London’s
strangest hidden gems. Mounted on the wall of the northernmost arch, about seven
feet off the ground, is a life-sized sculpture of a human nose.
Urban legends about the “secret nose” include:

• The Wellington Myth: Rumours say it was built to mock the prominent nose of the
  Duke of Wellington.
• The Royal Guard Joke: Others claim it was placed at that specific height so passing cavalry guards could rub it for good luck. In reality, it was installed by artist Rick Buckley in 1997 as a quiet protest against the rise of CCTV cameras across London—but it remains a beloved stop for alternative walking tours today.

3. The Grand Transformation: Waldorf Astoria London

After being sold by the government on a 125-year lease, this Edwardian masterpiece
is stepping into its most glamorous chapter yet. The interior is currently undergoing a
massive, highly anticipated restoration to debut as the Waldorf Astoria London –
Admiralty Arch.

Managed under the Motcomb Estates development team, the transformation will
bring unprecedented luxury behind the monumental facade. Once open to guests,
the luxury property will offer:

• Finely crafted heritage suites overlooking The Mall and Trafalgar Square.
• World-class fine dining restaurants.
• An exclusive private members’ club and residences.

While the interior remains closed to the public for final redevelopments, the exterior
still makes for an unforgettable photo opportunity on any London itinerary.

How to Visit Admiralty Arch

• Location: The Mall / Trafalgar Square, London.
• Best View: Stand near the fountains in Trafalgar Square for a panoramic view, or
  walk down the centre of The Mall to see how it frames the path straight to
  Buckingham Palace.