Poppies at the Tower of London - A moving Tribute in 2025

 Posted by Lucile, 9th May 2025

This spring and summer, something quietly powerful is happening in the heart of London. From 6 May to 11 November, the Tower of London will once again be the backdrop for a sea of red ceramic poppies marking 80 years since VE Day and the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Remembering Through Art

Many will remember the 2014 installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, created to mark the centenary of Britain’s entry into the First World War. That display filled the Tower’s moat with over 800,000 handmade poppies, each representing a life lost in that conflict. It became a powerful national symbol, attracting millions of visitors.

Now, in 2025, nearly 30,000 of those same poppies return to the Tower in a new context commemorating the end of the Second World War in Europe.

This new installation, designed by Tom Piper, will resemble a wound at the heart of the Tower. The poppies will cascade across the lawn inside the walls, echoing the damage and loss of wartime, and reflecting the Tower’s own history, having sustained bomb damage during the Blitz.

Planning Your Visit

If you’re in London this year, the installation is well worth a visit, whether you’ve seen the original or not.

Location: Inside the Tower of London (EC3N 4AB)
Dates: 6 May – 11 November 2025
Admission: The main installation is included with a standard entry ticket. A small section will also be visible to the public free of charge from outside the Tower.

The atmosphere is quiet and reflective. Visitors often move slowly through the space, taking in the scale of the installation and the emotions it stirs. Whether visiting alone, with family, or as part of a group, it offers an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Marking 80 Years Since VE Day

Victory in Europe Day, 8 May 1945, marked the end of the war in Europe. It was a moment of relief and celebration, but also one of profound sadness, as millions grieved those who had been lost.

In 2025, London will host a number of events to commemorate the 80th anniversary, including:

• A military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace
• A commemorative service at Westminster Abbey
• A flypast featuring historic and current aircraft, including the Red Arrows
• Public concerts and street parties
• Exhibitions and programming at Imperial War Museum sites
• A special open-air concert at Horse Guards Parade, welcoming over 10,000 guests

These events, along with the Tower poppy installation, offer opportunities for reflection, learning, and community remembrance.

The Tower’s Medieval Palace Reopens

From 23 May, the Tower of London’s Medieval Palace will reopen after a major renovation. This immersive experience brings the medieval court back to life, with a focus on the reigns of Edward I and Henry VIII.

Visitors can step into the rooms once used by kings and their households, meet historical characters like royal servants and craftspeople, and hear stories of life inside the fortress-palace. It’s a unique addition to the Tower’s visitor offering, and access is included with standard admission.

Why It Matters

Moments like this remind us of the human cost of conflict and the importance of remembering those who came before us. The poppies don’t just represent lives lost, they stand for peace, resilience, and the enduring hope for a better future.

In a city as fast-paced as London, the Tower’s poppy installation offers something rare: space to slow down. Space to reflect.

Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or returning to rediscover its stories, this is one moment in 2025 not to miss.