Wellington Monument
Situated on the Blackdown Hills, Wellington Monument has panoramic views over the Somerset countryside. There are picturesque walks around the monument and through the tree lined avenue, or just enjoy a picnic. Wellington Monument is 175ft high and is the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world. It was started in 1817 and was completed in 1853 and was built to celebrate Arthur Wellesley – the 1st Duke of Wellington‘s victory over Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo. Lightning strikes in 1846 and possibly again in the early 1850s caused serious structural damage and sadly access to the base of the monument is currently prohibited to protect the public from the risk of falling stone debris. The monument is now part of the National Trust and they are currently raising the £3 million required to repair the building.
The monument is around 500m from the car park. There is an easy access path up to the Monument with some rest stops.
There are no toilet facilities on site.
Historic Monument Outdoor Picnic Spot Walking Viewpoint
Information
Facilities
- Dog Friendly
- Family Friendly
- Free Entry
- Parking
- Viewpoint
Features
- Historic Monument
- Outdoor
- Picnic Spot
- Walking
- Viewpoint