In spring 2025, the Tower of London will once again become a national space of remembrance as it marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a major new poppy installation. Running from 6 May to 11 November, the display will feature thousands of ceramic poppies—free to view in part, with full access included in standard admission.
The Tower’s 2014 installation, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, became a defining moment in public art, honouring the centenary of Britain’s entry into the First World War. Created by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper, it drew over five million visitors and became a lasting symbol of sacrifice. Now, a decade later, the poppies return to the Tower to mark another historic milestone—Victory in Europe Day.
This year's installation invites quiet reflection and collective memory. It's a chance for visitors to pause, pay tribute, and remember the many who served during the Second World War.
A New Chapter at the Tower
Alongside the poppies, 2025 will also see the reopening of the Medieval Palace inside the Tower from 23 May. After a major transformation, the experience will immerse visitors in royal life from the 1200s, where you’ll encounter monarchs like Henry VIII and Edward I and the workers who kept their court running. Expect stories from palace builders, royal laundresses, and even the Keeper of the White Bear.
The palace experience is included in general admission and offers a fresh way to explore the Tower’s layers of history.
Planning Your Visit
- Poppy display: 6 May to 11 November 2025
- Medieval Palace: Reopens 23 May 2025
- Where: Tower of London
- Cost: Partial poppy display is free. Full access included with ticket
Whether you’re returning to see the poppies or discovering the Medieval Palace for the first time, 2025 is a powerful year to visit one of London’s most important historic landmarks.
