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Tower of London poppies return in 2025 for the VE Day 80th anniversary

The Tower of London will once again be adorned with thousands of ceramic poppies as 2025 marks 80 years since VE Day and the end of the Second World War.
Kirstine Spicer
Written by Kirstine Spicer Edited by Visit London Editors 09 May 2025
A yeoman warder holds a ceramic poppy in front of the tower of london.
See the moving display of poppies at the Tower of London. Image courtesy of Royal Historic Palaces.

Everything you need to know about the poppies at the Tower of London:

  • Where: Inside the Tower of London (EC3N 4AB).
  • When: 6 May to 11 November 2025.
  • Price: A section of the display will be free to view, while full access is included with a standard entry ticket. 

Medieval Palace at the Tower of London reopening 23 May 2025 – learn more below.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) and the end of the Second World War. To commemorate this historic occasion, the Tower of London has once again unveiled a striking poppy installation as a powerful symbol of remembrance.

The poppy has long represented peace and sacrifice, most famously portrayed in John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields”, which he wrote after seeing poppies grow on battle-scarred fields.

The Tower of London’s original 2014 Blood Swept Lands and Sea of Red installation, created by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper, marked 100 years since Britain’s involvement in the First World War. This deeply moving display had a lasting impact and became a national symbol of remembrance, attracting millions of visitors looking to pay their respects.

Now, a decade later, the historic landmark is set to create another poignant installation encouraging reflection and honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

How to see the Tower of London poppies

Red poppies on the lawn of the tower of london next to the white tower.

Visit London author, Kirstine Spicer recently visited the the Tower of London to see the latest installation, which features almost 30,000 of the original ceramic poppies on loan from the Imperial War Museums’ collection.

The display is designed to resemble a wound at the heart of the Tower, with poppies cascading across the lawn – a striking and emotive addition to this already iconic historic site.

As you stroll around the edge of the lawn, it's hard not to be captivated by its design. The vivid red poppies stand in sharp contrast to the imposing White Tower. The installation is visible from multiple angles, including a dramatic section that appears to spill out from the White Tower itself, creating a powerful "bleeding" effect. 

Do you have to pay to see the poppies at the Tower of London?

Ceramic poppies spill across the green lawn of the tower of london with tower bridge in the background.

The main installation is located inside the Tower of London – you can see it by purchasing a standard entry ticket. However, a small section will be visible to the public for free.

Secure your tickets now to experience the display from May to November, and explore the Tower’s fascinating history, from seeing the Crown Jewels to meeting the legendary Beefeaters.

Other key VE Day 80 events in London

Alongside the Tower of London’s display, a series of commemorations will take place across London, with the public encouraged to participate.

The four-day event, starting on 5 May (bank holiday Monday) will pay tribute to the millions of people who served in the Second World War, with many of the city’s historic landmarks offering their own celebrations, including:

  • The Cenotaph memorial, adorned in Union flags, will provide a place for silent tribute.
  • A special service at Westminster Abbey and military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace.
  • A programme of events across Imperial War Museum sites reflecting on key events such as the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, VE day and the atomic bombings.
  • A flypast of current and historic war planes and the Red Arrows.
  • Nationwide street parties where the public can celebrate the occasion in their local areas.
  • An anniversary performance by the Parliament Choir at Westminster Hall.
  • A concert at London’s Horse Guards Parade will welcome more than 10,000 members of the public and will feature stars of stage and screen and military musicians.

Be sure to get involved in celebrations across London, as we come together to mark this momentous historic event.

Don't miss the reopening of the Medieval Palace at the Tower of London in summer 2025

The white brick walls and tall towers of the historic medieval palace at the tower of London.

The poppies are not the only reimagining at the Tower of London this year. The Medieval Palace is set to reopen this summer after undergoing an exciting transformation, offering visitors an unforgettable historical experience.

Step back to the 1200s to the time of the kings who first brought the palace to life. Meet two of England’s most famous monarchs, Henry VIII and Edward I, along with their royal households, and explore the lives of some of the most influential figures at court during medieval times.

Hear fascinating stories from the craftspeople who built the Tower of London Medieval Palace, and from those who served the royal family, such as the King’s laundress and the Keeper of the White Bear. This immersive historical experience will introduce you to an entirely new side of the Tower’s rich history, making it one of the best things to do in London for history lovers.

The Medieval Palace at Tower of London is open from 23 May and is included in standard admission.

Discover even more historic attractions, or see what other events are happening in London in 2025.