London's Roman Amphitheatre at Guildhall Yard
Step into London’s only Roman amphitheatre, an ancient arena beneath Guildhall Yard where gladiators once battled and history lives on underground.
Discover the remains of London's only known Roman amphitheatre, dating back to AD 70, located beneath Guildhall Yard in the City of London. This ancient arena, seating up to 7,000 spectators, hosted gladiatorial combats, animal fights, public executions, and religious events. Unearthed in 1988 during excavations for the Guildhall Art Gallery, the site reveals stone walls, wooden drainage, and chambers, preserved 8 meters below ground and accessible via the Guildhall Art Gallery.
A brief summary to London's Roman Amphitheatre
- Guildhall Yard, London, EC2V 5AE, GB
- +442073323700
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Entry to the amphitheatre is included with the Guildhall Art Gallery ticket, offering a combined cultural experience.
- Look for the dark stone curved line in Guildhall Yard marking the amphitheatre’s original elliptical shape.
- Attend one of the monthly guided tours to gain deeper insights into the site’s archaeology and history.
- The underground site features digital projections and sound effects that help recreate the atmosphere of Roman spectacles.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Underground Rail
Take the London Underground to Bank station, approximately a 5-minute walk from Guildhall Yard. Frequent services run on the Central, Northern, and DLR lines. Tickets cost between £2.50 and £6.00 depending on the zone and time.
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Train
London Cannon Street railway station is about an 8-minute walk away, offering Southeastern train services connecting to various London and Southeast England destinations. Ticket prices vary by route and time.
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Bus
Bus routes 21, 141, and 43 stop near Great Swan Alley, a 5-minute walk from the amphitheatre. Buses run frequently during the day with fares around £1.75 using contactless payment or Oyster card.
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Walking
From nearby transport hubs, walking to Guildhall Yard takes 5 to 10 minutes on flat, paved surfaces suitable for most mobility levels. The area is pedestrian-friendly with clear signage.
London's Roman Amphitheatre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about London's Roman Amphitheatre
An Unexpected Roman Legacy Beneath the City
The Roman Amphitheatre in London, hidden beneath Guildhall Yard, was discovered in 1988 during archaeological excavations prior to the construction of the new Guildhall Art Gallery. Unlike most Roman amphitheatres that were built outside city walls, this one lies within the ancient Roman defensive walls of Londinium, the Roman city that flourished from the 1st century AD. Originally constructed around AD 70 as a wooden structure, it was rebuilt in stone in the early 2nd century, expanding its capacity to approximately 6,000 to 7,000 spectators.A Venue of Spectacle and Social Life
The amphitheatre was a central hub for public entertainment in Roman London. It hosted gladiatorial contests, wild animal fights, public executions, athletic events, music, and religious ceremonies. The arena was oval-shaped, about 100 meters long and 85 meters wide, with wooden seating banks and stone-lined entrances. The eastern entrance remains visible today, with chambers that may have served as waiting rooms for gladiators or pens for wild animals. The arena floor featured original wooden drainage systems to manage blood and water.From Abandonment to Rediscovery
After the Romans left Britain in the 4th century, the amphitheatre fell into ruin and was dismantled for building materials. By the 11th century, the area was reoccupied, eventually becoming the site of the first Guildhall, London's medieval town hall. The amphitheatre’s remains lay buried under centuries of development until their rediscovery in 1988. Since then, the remains have been carefully preserved in a controlled environment 8 meters below ground, integrated into the Guildhall Art Gallery’s basement.Experiencing the Ancient Arena Today
Visitors access the amphitheatre through the Guildhall Art Gallery, where they can view the surviving stone walls, drainage system, and chambers. The site is enhanced with digital projections and sound effects that recreate the atmosphere of Roman spectacles. Above ground, an 80-meter-wide curved line of dark paving stones in Guildhall Yard marks the amphitheatre’s original elliptical footprint, offering a tangible connection to London's Roman past.Architectural and Archaeological Significance
The amphitheatre is a rare example of a Roman entertainment venue within city walls, highlighting Londinium’s importance as a provincial capital. Its preservation beneath a modern civic building exemplifies successful urban archaeology and heritage integration. The site’s stone walls, tiled entrances, and wooden features provide valuable insights into Roman construction techniques and social life.A Living Link to Roman London’s Vibrant History
Today, the amphitheatre stands as a testament to London’s 2,000-year history, bridging ancient Roman culture with the modern city. It is a unique archaeological treasure that invites visitors to imagine the roar of crowds and the drama of gladiatorial combat in the heart of contemporary London, enriching the city’s cultural and historical landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
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Watling St
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St Vedast alias Foster
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Statue of James Henry Greathead
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St Anne & St Agnes Church
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City of London
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London City Wall - Bastion 14
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Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange
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IMPRINT Church London: St Mary Woolnoth
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London City wall
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Threadneedle St
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Cornhill Fountain
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Lombard St
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London Stone (remaining part)
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113 Cannon St
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Guildhall
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St Lawrence Jewry
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Guildhall Library
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The City Of London Police Museum
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St Mary Aldermanbury Garden
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St Margaret Lothbury
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St Mary-le-Bow Church
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Bank of England Museum
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Mansion House
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London Wall Museum Of London
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St Stephen Walbrook
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St Mary Aldermary
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Bloomberg Arcade
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London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE
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Essential places to dine
14 Hills
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St. John
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Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
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Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
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Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
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Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
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La Dame de Pic London
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Sea Containers Restaurant
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Lyle's
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Nest Restaurant Old Street
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The Clove Club
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Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
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Ikoyi Restaurant
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Restaurant Story
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Wahaca Southbank
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Barbican Shop
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Middlesex Textiles
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Bankside Arches Boutique
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Traders Gate
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Tower of London Shop
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DPUS Designer Outlet
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SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
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Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
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j-me original design ltd
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Sugar And Style
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Brick Lane Souvenirs
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Pop Up Luxury Shop
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Unique Gifts
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
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Flight Club Shoreditch
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Aviary
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Dirty Dicks
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The Bell
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
