The Marble Arch Mound, UK: London's 'worst tourist attraction' closes after just six months

A critically derided tourist attraction in London is to close after only six months.

The Marble Arch Mound opened to much fanfare in July last year, but immediately the £6 million ($A11.36 million) artificial hill beside one of the UK capital's busiest intersections was mercilessly mocked.

Many of the plants had not bedded in and onlookers, who paid £4.50 ($A8.50) for tickets, complained that all they saw were views of scaffolding and rubble.

Critics likened the 25-metre monument to a building site and said it looked like the set from the Teletubbies.

Now after six months the Westminster City Council, who oversaw the project, has announced its closure.

A spokesperson from the council defended The Mound saying it "has done what it was built to – drawn crowds and supported the recovery in the West End"

"We're really pleased that nearly 250,000 visitors have come to Westminster to see The Mound and the terrific light exhibition inside. Those visitors have gone on to spend money in shops, bars and restaurants across the West End – helping local businesses to get back on their feet," reported The Guardian.

A tongue-in-cheek online campaign has been launched to save the "icon".