London arch open to public

One of London's most imposing monuments, the Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner, is to open to the public later this year.

Built in 1826 to commemorate the Duke of Wellington's victory at the Battle of Waterloo, the arch is big enough to house a new shop, a lift to two floors of permanent and temporary exhibitions, and an external viewing gallery overlooking Hyde and Green Parks.

On its roof sits the largest bronze sculpture in Britain: Peace Descending on the Chariots of War. Until 1960, the arch housed London's smallest police station.

Contact: English Heritage properties