London's Roman Amphitheatre at Guildhall Yard
Step beneath Guildhall Yard to explore London’s only Roman amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old arena of gladiators, wild beasts, and ancient spectacle.
Discover the ancient remains of London's only Roman amphitheatre, located beneath Guildhall Yard in the City of London. Built around AD 70 and expanded in the early 2nd century, this historic venue once hosted gladiatorial combats, animal fights, public executions, and religious events. Now preserved underground within the Guildhall Art Gallery, visitors can explore the stone walls, wooden drainage system, and chambers that hint at its dramatic past.
A brief summary to London's Roman Amphitheatre
- Guildhall Yard, London, EC2V 5AE, GB
- +442073323700
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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
- Visit the Guildhall Art Gallery to access the amphitheatre remains, as entry is included with gallery admission.
- Look for the dark stone line in Guildhall Yard marking the amphitheatre’s elliptical outline before descending underground.
- Join one of the monthly guided tours to gain detailed archaeological insights and hear stories of gladiators and Roman London.
- Allow time to experience the digital projections and sound effects that recreate the atmosphere of ancient 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 Train
Take the London Underground to Bank station, approximately a 5-minute walk from Guildhall Yard. Trains on the Central, Northern, Waterloo & City, and DLR lines serve this station. Tickets cost £2.50–£6.00 depending on zones and time.
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Train
London Cannon Street station is an 8-minute walk from Guildhall Yard, served by Southeastern trains from southeast London and Kent. Tickets range from £5 to £15 depending on origin.
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Bus
Bus routes 21, 43, and 141 stop at Great Swan Alley, a 5-minute walk from Guildhall Yard. Single fares are £1.75 with an Oyster or contactless card. Buses run frequently during the day.
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Walking
If staying nearby in the City of London, walking to Guildhall Yard is straightforward on paved, flat terrain. Expect a 10–20 minute walk from major nearby landmarks like St Paul's Cathedral or the Bank area. The route is wheelchair accessible.
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
Unearthing a Hidden Roman Legacy
The London Roman Amphitheatre was rediscovered in 1988 during archaeological excavations prior to the construction of the new Guildhall Art Gallery. Buried about eight metres below the modern pavement of Guildhall Yard, the amphitheatre was a remarkable find, as it lies within the old Roman city walls—unusual since most Roman amphitheatres were built outside city boundaries. This discovery revealed a large oval structure dating back to AD 70, initially constructed as a wooden venue and later rebuilt in stone around 120 AD, featuring tiled entrances and rag-stone walls.A Hub of Ancient Public Entertainment
At its peak, the amphitheatre could seat approximately 6,000 to 7,000 spectators, a significant number given Londinium’s population of 20,000 to 30,000 at the time. The arena hosted a variety of events including gladiatorial combat, wild animal fights, public executions, athletic contests, religious ceremonies, and even musical performances. The central arena was oval-shaped and surrounded by wooden seating banks, with dignitaries likely seated in covered boxes. The eastern entrance still reveals chambers that may have served as resting rooms, shrines, or holding pens for wild animals.From Roman Glory to Medieval Transformation
After the Romans left Britain in the 4th century, the amphitheatre fell into disuse and much of its stone was repurposed for other buildings. The site lay dormant until the 11th century when a Viking trade settlement emerged, followed by the construction of the first Guildhall in the 12th century, marking the area’s return as a civic center. Today, the outer limits of the amphitheatre are marked by a circle of dark paving stones in Guildhall Yard, tracing the 80-metre-wide elliptical shape of the ancient arena.Preserving History Beneath the Modern City
The amphitheatre’s remains are protected in a controlled environment within the basement of the Guildhall Art Gallery. Visitors can see the surviving stone walls, original wooden drainage systems, and sand that once soaked up the blood of gladiators. The site is enhanced with digital projections and sound effects that help recreate the atmosphere of Roman London’s original public entertainment space. The integration of the ruins into the modern gallery allows for both preservation and public engagement.Experiencing the Amphitheatre Today
Access to the amphitheatre is included with admission to the Guildhall Art Gallery. The site occasionally hosts guided tours that delve into its archaeology and history, offering deeper insight into the lives of Romans in Londinium. Above ground, the curved line of dark stones in Guildhall Yard provides a tangible connection to the amphitheatre’s grand scale and significance in London’s layered history.Architectural and Cultural Significance
The London Roman Amphitheatre stands as a rare example of Roman entertainment architecture within a major modern city. Its discovery challenged assumptions about Roman urban planning, especially because it was built inside the city walls. The amphitheatre reflects the social and cultural dynamics of Roman Britain, illustrating how public spectacles were central to community life and control. Today, it offers a unique window into London’s ancient past, blending archaeology, history, and urban development in a compelling visitor experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
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Explore the ancient Roman and medieval layers of London's historic city wall nestled within the peaceful St Alphage Garden in Barbican.
Statue of James Henry Greathead
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Discover the statue honoring James Henry Greathead, the engineer whose invention shaped London's iconic Underground tunnels.
London City Wall - Bastion 14
0.4 km
Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
London City wall
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Explore the ancient Roman and medieval London City Wall, a monumental symbol of the city’s enduring history and resilience.
Cornhill Fountain
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A historic cast-iron water pump outside the Royal Exchange, symbolizing centuries of London's civic pride and public health innovation.
London Stone (remaining part)
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Discover London Stone, the ancient and mysterious limestone relic at 111 Cannon Street, a symbol of London's enduring history and legend.
113 Cannon St
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A distinguished Grade II listed classical building in London’s financial district, showcasing early 20th-century architectural elegance.
St Michael's Church : Paternoster Royal
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Historic Anglican church on College Hill, rebuilt by Wren and linked to Dick Whittington, featuring stunning stained glass and a Hawksmoor spire.
Historic England
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Discover the rich tapestry of England's history at Historic England, a key organization dedicated to preserving the nation’s architectural treasures.
The National Firefighters Memorial
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A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
Temple Bar London
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Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
Queen Anne Statue
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Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
Liverpool Street
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Explore the vibrant heart of London at Liverpool Street Station, a historic transport hub with modern amenities and access to iconic attractions.
College of Arms
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Discover the College of Arms: A Historic Icon of British Heraldry in the Heart of London, Showcasing Art and Tradition.
Lloyd's of London
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A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Unmissable attractions to see
Guildhall Art Gallery
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Discover London’s rich art heritage and ancient Roman past beneath the striking semi-Gothic facade of the Guildhall Art Gallery.
Guildhall
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Step into Guildhall, London's medieval heart where Roman ruins, grand halls, and legendary giants tell the story of the City’s enduring power and history.
St Lawrence Jewry
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Discover St Lawrence Jewry, Wren’s exquisite 17th-century guild church and the official sanctuary of London’s Lord Mayor, rich in history and serene beauty.
Guildhall Library
0.1 km
Discover London’s history through the world’s largest city-focused library, housed within the historic Guildhall complex.
The City Of London Police Museum
0.1 km
Explore the rich history of London's oldest police force within the City’s historic Guildhall complex.
St Mary Aldermanbury Garden
0.2 km
Historic garden marking the site of Wren’s St Mary Aldermanbury church, linking Shakespeare, Churchill, and transatlantic heritage in the heart of London.
St Margaret Lothbury
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Discover St Margaret Lothbury, a Baroque masterpiece by Christopher Wren nestled in London's financial heart, rich with history and exquisite woodwork.
1 Poultry
0.3 km
A striking postmodern landmark in London’s financial heart, blending bold design, rich history, and panoramic rooftop views.
St Mary-le-Bow Church
0.3 km
Discover St Mary-le-Bow, the iconic Wren church on Cheapside, home to the legendary Bow Bells and centuries of London history.
Bank of England Museum
0.3 km
Explore over 300 years of British financial history and try lifting a real gold bar at this free, interactive museum in the heart of London’s financial district.
Mansion House
0.3 km
Explore Mansion House, the grand Palladian residence of the Lord Mayor of London, rich with history, art, and ceremonial splendor.
London Wall Museum Of London
0.3 km
Explore the ancient Roman city wall and artefacts at the Museum of London London Wall, a unique historical gem in Barbican.
One New Change
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Discover premier shopping, dining, and stunning rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral in the heart of London's financial district.
St Stephen Walbrook
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Discover the serene beauty and historic grandeur of St Stephen Walbrook, Wren’s architectural gem with its iconic dome and modern artistic altar.
St Mary Aldermary
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Discover St Mary Aldermary, a rare 17th-century Gothic Revival church by Wren’s office, blending medieval roots with stunning architecture in London’s City.
Essential places to dine
Madison
0.3 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
14 Hills
0.8 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
St. John
0.9 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.0 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.0 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.1 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.1 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
La Dame de Pic London
1.1 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
George
1.3 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.3 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Lyle's
1.4 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.5 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
The Clove Club
1.5 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.5 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Ikoyi Restaurant
1.7 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Barbican Shop
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Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Smithfield Market
0.8 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Middlesex Textiles
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Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.1 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Borough Yards
1.1 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.1 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Traders Gate
1.1 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Spitalfields Market
1.2 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Tower of London Shop
1.2 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Hay's Galleria
1.2 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
Commercial St
1.2 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Sclater Street Market
1.3 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
Fashion St
1.3 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
DPUS Designer Outlet
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Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
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Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Demon, Wise & Partners
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Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
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Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bootlegger
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Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
Flight Club Shoreditch
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Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Aviary
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The Alchemist Bevis Marks
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Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Dirty Dicks
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Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
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A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
The Astronomer, EC1
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The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
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Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Moonshine Saloon
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Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
Black Parrot
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Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Punch Tavern
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Historic Victorian Gin Palace on Fleet Street, famed for its Punch magazine heritage and vast gin selection in the heart of London.
The Chocolate Cocktail Club
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London’s intimate chocolate cocktail bar blending rich flavors, stylish ambiance, and over 20 unique chocolate-infused drinks.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
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Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
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London Best Night Clubs
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Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
XOYO LONDON
1.2 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
The Hoxton Pony
1.4 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Trafik
1.5 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.8 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
Proud Late
2.0 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
2.0 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Ministry of Sound
2.1 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
2.2 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
E1
2.2 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Cirque Du Soul
2.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.3 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
The Roxy
2.4 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
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
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
