Dubbed as ‘London’s worst attraction’ by the press, it’s easy to see why the Marble Arch Mound has been the target of so much criticism: the 25 metre hill is unattractive to look at and is hardly high enough to call itself a successful viewpoint, mainly showcasing the building work across central London. 

 

The 6 million pound project has met turbulence through its whole planning and opening process from the resignation of a key council member to reports of its costs spiralling out of control. Was it worth it? Probably not. Despite Westminster City Council stating that the attraction was ‘drawing crowds’ as reported by the BBC, on a recent Friday afternoon there were few people who were visiting: far from the crowd-drawing project that was promised to land in London. 

 

Yet without the long queues or needing to pre-book tickets, the Mound could be an ideal spontaneous trip in the way that the London Eye or other iconic London landmarks are not. Its emptiness makes for uninterrupted views (such as they are) and minimal risks from photobombers! If only it didn’t look so incongruous and unfinished. 

 

Yet the standout highlight was the feature that is much less known about. Go through the black curtains underneath the mound and you will find the Lightfield Exhibition, the fully-immersive light show by Anthony James. It is everything that the mound isn’t: interesting, immersive and Instagrammable. As a mesmerising combination of lights and mirrors, the free exhibition is a fun addition to London’s latest attractions. Only open until December 2021, it is worth taking a look before it closes - just don’t be put off by the unsightly hill on top.