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.
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 will once again unveil 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.
Plans for the 80th anniversary commemoration
The latest installation, overseen by designer Tom Piper, will feature almost 30,000 of the original ceramic poppies, on loan from the Imperial War Museums’ collection.
This display will be designed to resemble a wound at the heart of the Tower, with poppies cascading across the lawn. The Tower of London itself bears scars from the Second World War, having suffered bomb damage during the Blitz.
The main installation will be 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.
Discover even more historic attractions, or see what other events are happening in London in 2025.