The Martian War of the Worlds sculpture
A towering stainless steel Martian tripod sculpture, a striking tribute to H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds' located in Woking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best for photos and context
The Martian War of the Worlds sculpture
Best Time
Best for photos and context
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A towering stainless steel Martian tripod sculpture, a striking tribute to H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds' located in Woking.
"This is really interesting and it was interesting to photograph. It is extremely impressive."
📸 Perfect for Photos
This sculpture is incredibly photogenic, especially with good lighting. Bring your camera!
📚 HG Wells Connection
Learn about its link to H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds' from the nearby sign.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Woking Martian
Crown Passage, Woking town centre
A towering 7-meter high stainless steel tripod sculpture, a striking tribute to H.G. Wells' classic novel.
Informative Pavement Sign
Adjacent to the sculpture
A helpful sign explains the 'Woking Martian' and its connection to the famous novel, adding context to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Quick Photo Op
Fan Pilgrimage Spot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect for Photos
This sculpture is incredibly photogenic, especially with good lighting. Bring your camera!
📚 HG Wells Connection
Learn about its link to H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds' from the nearby sign.
📍 Convenient Location
Easily accessible near Woking Shopping Centre, perfect for a quick stop.
👨👦👦 Explain to Kids
Great spot to explain the story to younger visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect for Photos
This sculpture is incredibly photogenic, especially with good lighting. Bring your camera!
📚 HG Wells Connection
Learn about its link to H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds' from the nearby sign.
📍 Convenient Location
Easily accessible near Woking Shopping Centre, perfect for a quick stop.
👨👦👦 Explain to Kids
Great spot to explain the story to younger visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Martian War of the Worlds sculpture to be an impressive and well-maintained landmark, particularly for fans of H.G. Wells. It's praised as a great photo opportunity and a convenient stop near Woking town centre, though some find it to be a very brief experience.
"It's worth a visit if you are around the area. You can see it is really taken care of."
Louise
"This is really interesting and it was interesting to photograph. It is extremely impressive.
There is a sign on the pavement, which explains about the "Woking Martian.""
Alex Kennedy
"Brilliant. Spent perhaps 3 minutes there getting some photos and explaining to my son what it was and why it was there.
This is what passes as a day out these days."
Andrew Bettcher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sculpture is located in Crown Passage, very close to Woking Shopping Centre. It's easily accessible by public transport, with Woking train station a short walk away. Many visitors arrive by car and park in the nearby shopping centre car parks.
Yes, there are several parking options available at Woking Shopping Centre, which is adjacent to the sculpture's location.
Absolutely! Woking town centre is well-served by trains, and the sculpture is a short walk from Woking station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the sculpture is a public art installation and can be viewed and photographed for free at any time.
As it's an outdoor sculpture in a public area, it's accessible 24/7. However, daytime visits are best for photography and reading the informational sign.
📸 📸 Photography
Daytime offers the best natural light for capturing the details of the stainless steel. Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can also provide dramatic lighting.
Experiment with different angles! Getting low can emphasize its height, while a wider shot can include the surrounding townscape.
Yes, photography is encouraged! It's a popular spot for visitors to capture their own memories.
🎫 📚 About the Sculpture
It's a 7-meter tall stainless steel sculpture depicting a Martian tripod fighting machine from H.G. Wells' iconic novel, 'The War of the Worlds.' 
The sculpture was created by artist John Bilton and is a significant landmark in Woking, paying homage to H.G. Wells, who lived in the area.
H.G. Wells set parts of his novel 'The War of the Worlds' in Horsell Common, near Woking. The sculpture commemorates this literary connection.
While the sculpture is directly inspired by H.G. Wells' novel, the immersive experience mentioned in some social media content is based on Jeff Wayne's musical adaptation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a perfect spot for a quick photo opportunity that kids will enjoy. You can explain the story of the Martian invasion and let their imaginations run wild. Since it's located near the shopping centre, it's easy to combine with other family-friendly activities or a quick snack break.
📚 Sci-Fi Enthusiasts & Book Lovers
+1Consider pairing your visit with a re-read of the novel or exploring other H.G. Wells-related sites in the area. While the sculpture is a static tribute, some visitors mention immersive experiences inspired by Jeff Wayne's musical adaptation, which offer a more dynamic way to engage with the story.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Literary Legacy of Woking
+1For fans of Wells and classic sci-fi, the sculpture serves as a pilgrimage site. It's more than just a piece of art; it's a tangible link to a story that has shaped popular culture for over a century. The presence of an informational sign near the sculpture further enhances the visitor experience, providing context and details about its creation and significance.
While the sculpture itself is a static monument, the spirit of 'The War of the Worlds' can be experienced more immersively through events inspired by Jeff Wayne's musical adaptation. These immersive experiences, often featuring live actors and elaborate sets, bring the terror and wonder of the Martian invasion to life, offering a different, yet complementary, way to engage with the story.
Capturing the Martian Menace: Photography Tips
Don't be afraid to experiment with angles. Getting down low can emphasize the sculpture's scale, making it appear even more colossal. Conversely, a wider shot can incorporate the surrounding urban environment, providing context and a sense of place. The informational sign nearby also presents an opportunity for a photo, especially if you want to document the story behind the art.
Many visitors find the sculpture to be an impressive and photogenic landmark. It's a relatively quick stop, making it ideal for a brief photo opportunity while exploring Woking. The clear signage and accessible location mean you can easily capture memorable images without much hassle.
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