The Tower Hill Sundial: A Bronze Chronicle of London’s History
A captivating bronze sundial near Tower Hill station, telling London’s 2,000-year history through intricate carvings and offering stunning views of the Tower of London.
Situated on a raised circular platform near Tower Hill tube station, the Tower Hill Sundial is a unique bronze sculpture unveiled in 1992. Designed by John Chitty and Edwin Russell, it functions both as a timekeeper and a historical frieze, tracing London’s history from the Roman founding in AD 43 through to the construction of the Thames Barrier in the late 20th century. This artistic landmark offers panoramic views of the Tower of London and invites visitors to explore London’s layered past through its detailed carvings.
A brief summary to Sundial at the Tower Hill
- Tower Hill, London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit on a sunny day to fully appreciate the sundial’s shadow and the intricate bronze reliefs.
- Take time to explore the detailed historical scenes carved around the dial, including cultural and transport milestones.
- Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Tower of London for a deeper historical experience.
- Look out for the humorous carved figure of Margaret Thatcher cleverly placed among the historical events.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Circle or District Line to Tower Hill station. The sundial is located just outside the station exit on a raised platform. Travel time varies depending on your starting point; from central London stations, expect 10-20 minutes. The station is fully accessible and well signposted.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Tower Hill, including routes 15, 42, 78, and 100. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with journey times from central London averaging 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Bus stops are within a short walk of the sundial.
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Walking
If you are exploring the City of London, the sundial is a 15-25 minute walk from landmarks such as the Monument or London Bridge. The terrain is flat and suitable for most walkers, with paved paths and pedestrian crossings.
Sundial at the Tower Hill location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Sundial at the Tower Hill
An Artistic Timepiece at Tower Hill
The Tower Hill Sundial stands prominently on a raised circular platform just outside the Tower Hill Underground station, offering an elevated vantage point over the iconic Tower of London. Commissioned by London Transport and unveiled in 1992, the sundial is the collaborative work of landscape architect John Chitty and sculptor Edwin Russell. Its central feature is an elaborate bronze gnomon—the part that casts the shadow—set within a circular dial embedded in the ground. This innovative design not only marks the passage of time but also serves as a canvas for a detailed historical narrative.Tracing London’s History in Bronze
Encircling the sundial is a frieze that artistically traces the chronology of London’s history from the Roman establishment of Londinium in AD 43 through to the completion of the Thames Barrier between 1975 and 1982. The timeline is carved clockwise around the dial, featuring significant events such as the Roman invasion, the Great Fire of London, the construction of Tower Bridge, and the development of London’s transport systems. The reliefs include depictions of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and an early omnibus, reflecting both cultural and technological milestones. Notably, the sundial also incorporates a subtle humorous detail—a carved figure of Margaret Thatcher with a handbag nestled between the Peasants’ Revolt and the Black Death.Historical Context of Tower Hill
Tower Hill itself is steeped in history, located just north-west of the Tower of London and once infamous as the site of public executions of high-status prisoners from the late 14th to the mid-18th century. The area has evolved from a place of punishment to a public garden and viewing platform, offering visitors a contemplative space with sweeping views of one of London’s most historic landmarks. The sundial’s placement here connects the narrative of London’s history with the physical and symbolic presence of the Tower of London, a fortress and royal palace founded by William the Conqueror in 1066.Design and Symbolism
The sundial’s design cleverly integrates elements of London’s transport heritage, with the gnomon resembling the iconic Transport for London roundel and rail lines radiating into it. This nod to the city’s transport history is fitting, given London Transport’s role in commissioning the artwork. The frieze captures a snapshot of London’s past up until the early 1990s, intentionally stopping before more recent landmarks such as the London Eye or the Olympic Games, thus preserving a historical moment in bronze.Visitor Experience and Surroundings
Visitors to the Tower Hill Sundial can enjoy an engaging blend of art, history, and panoramic views. The raised platform creates a natural gathering spot where guided tours often convene to share stories about the Tower and the city’s past. The sundial’s detailed carvings invite close inspection, rewarding visitors with new discoveries upon each visit. The surrounding open space, known as Wakefield Gardens, provides a tranquil urban oasis amid the bustling city, making it a perfect spot for reflection on London’s rich heritage.Legacy and Cultural Significance
As a relatively modern addition to the historic landscape of Tower Hill, the sundial stands as a testament to London’s continuous evolution and its respect for history. It encapsulates over two millennia of events in a single artistic form, bridging the ancient and the contemporary. The sundial not only tells time but also tells a story—one of resilience, transformation, and the enduring spirit of London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
London Wall
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Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
Tower Hill Memorial
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Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
1 Tower Hl Ter
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Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Roman Wall of Londinium
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Explore the towering Roman Wall at Tower Hill, a striking relic that shaped London’s ancient cityscape and echoes 2,000 years of history.
Wakefield Tower
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Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
Custom House
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Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
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.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
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Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
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A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
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An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
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Affordable comfort in the heart of East London, steps from Liverpool Street station and vibrant city attractions.
Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr
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Experience the architectural beauty and serene atmosphere of the Church of Saint Magnus-the-Martyr, a historical gem in the heart of London.
Devonshire Square
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A vibrant historic campus blending heritage, modern workspaces, and lively lifestyle spaces in central London’s City.
Samuel Bourne Bevington Statue
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Discover the Samuel Bourne Bevington Statue near Tower Bridge, a captivating tribute to London's rich artistic heritage and history.
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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Tower Hill
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Historic Tower Hill offers a captivating blend of medieval heritage, iconic landmarks, and vibrant riverside charm in the heart of London.
Trinity Square Gardens
0.1 km
A quiet City garden on the site of Tower Hill’s scaffold, home to the Tower Hill Memorial and framed by historic architecture and views of the Tower of London.
Trinity House
0.1 km
Discover the rich maritime heritage at Trinity House, London's historic center for navigation and seamanship, featuring stunning architecture and captivating exhibits.
Trinity Square
0.1 km
A dignified London square where imperial architecture, ancient walls, and solemn memorials meet beside the Tower of London.
Tower of London Ice Rink
0.1 km
Skate in the historic moat of London’s iconic Tower of London for a magical winter experience surrounded by medieval walls and festive cheer.
8-12 Tower Hill
0.1 km
Historic Tower Hill in London, where ancient walls meet iconic landmarks and vibrant riverside life unfolds.
The Crown Jewels
0.1 km
Explore the dazzling Crown Jewels collection, a symbol of British monarchy and history, housed securely within the iconic Tower of London.
Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula
0.2 km
Historic Tudor chapel within the Tower of London, resting place of executed royalty and a vibrant parish church for over 500 years.
Gunpowder Plot: The Immersive Experience
0.2 km
Immerse yourself in the thrilling 1605 Gunpowder Plot with live actors, authentic vaults, and cutting-edge VR at Tower Hill Vaults.
Tower of London
0.2 km
Explore the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in history and home to the Crown Jewels, perfect for all history lovers.
All Hallows by the Tower
0.2 km
Discover London's oldest church, a historic gem beside the Tower, where Roman, Saxon, and medieval layers tell tales of resilience and heritage.
St Olave's Church, Hart Street
0.2 km
Discover the serene beauty and rich history of St Olave's Church, a hidden gem in the heart of London, perfect for history enthusiasts and peace-seekers alike.
Lanthorn Tower
0.3 km
Step into the Lanthorn Tower to explore the medieval royal lodgings and rich history of the Tower of London’s riverside palace.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
0.3 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill offering seasonal classics and craft ales in a setting steeped in London's dramatic past.
The Garden at 120
0.4 km
Discover London’s largest free rooftop garden with serene greenery and iconic 360° city views atop 120 Fenchurch Street.
Essential places to dine
La Dame de Pic London
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Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
14 Hills
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Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.6 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.6 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Restaurant Story
0.8 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.9 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.
George
1.1 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Madison
1.4 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Lyle's
1.5 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Nomadic community
1.6 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Clove Club
1.9 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.9 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Mercato Metropolitano
2.0 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
St. John
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Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Sea Containers Restaurant
2.1 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Traders Gate
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A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Tower of London Shop
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Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Hay's Galleria
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Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
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
0.7 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
The Royal Exchange
0.9 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Fashion St
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A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Commercial St
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Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
1 Poultry
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Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Spitalfields Market
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Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Borough Yards
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Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Sclater Street Market
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Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
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.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
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Explore the UK’s largest underground vintage market, where fashion history meets East London creativity and every visit promises a unique find.
The Truman Brewery Markets
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Historic brewery turned vibrant markets on Brick Lane, offering vintage treasures, global street food, and creative culture in East London.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Bootlegger
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The Alchemist Bevis Marks
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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 Bell
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A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Discount Suit Company
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Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
Nine Lives
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A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
Demon, Wise & Partners
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Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
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A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
The Astronomer, EC1
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A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Dirty Dicks
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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.
The Old School Yard
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Aviary
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Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
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.
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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
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Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
E1
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Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
The Hoxton Pony
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XOYO LONDON
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Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Trafik
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Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for 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.
Basing House - Shoreditch
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An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
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.
Corsica Studios
2.4 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Club 701
2.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.9 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
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Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
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Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Proud Late
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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
3.1 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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
