Memorial wall, London Travel Guide

The National Covid Memorial Wall is a deeply moving public memorial located on the Albert Embankment beside the River Thames in London. Stretching for more than 500 metres opposite the Palace of Westminster, this wall is covered with over 240,000 red and pink hearts, each painstakingly hand-painted by volunteers. Every heart symbolizes an individual who died in the United Kingdom with COVID-19 recorded on their death certificate. The sheer scale of the wall, extending from Westminster Bridge to Lambeth Bridge, makes it one of the most extensive visual commemorations of the pandemic anywhere in the world.

The memorial was conceived and created in March 2021 by the campaign group Led By Donkeys in collaboration with Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice. Over a thousand volunteers painted approximately 150,000 hearts in just ten days, with many more added in subsequent months. The wall was never officially authorized at the start, making it a grassroots act of remembrance. Since then, a dedicated group called The Friends of the Wall has taken responsibility for its upkeep, repainting faded hearts with durable masonry paint, adding new dedications, and removing graffiti. Their weekly maintenance sessions ensure the memorial remains a vivid and respectful space.

Situated on the south bank of the Thames, the wall faces the terraces of the Houses of Parliament, creating a powerful dialogue between public grief and political responsibility. The memorial’s proximity to St Thomas’ Hospital, one of London’s largest healthcare institutions, adds further resonance, honoring the sacrifices of health and care workers alongside those lost. The wall also encompasses an older plaque commemorating victims of the 1994-96 BSE outbreak, linking past public health crises with the present.

The wall has become a focal point for bereaved families, many of whom visit to leave personal messages within the hearts. It offers a place for collective mourning and reflection, especially for those who were unable to say goodbye to loved ones during lockdowns. The Friends of the Wall also organize remembrance events, including annual ceremonies and seasonal vigils, fostering a sense of solidarity and ongoing remembrance. For those unable to visit, dedications can be requested remotely and added by volunteers.

Initially created without official sanction, the memorial has since gained recognition and support from local authorities and the UK government. In November 2025, it was announced that the National Covid Memorial Wall would be made a permanent national memorial. Discussions continue between stakeholders to preserve this unique and heartfelt tribute, ensuring that the memory of those lost and the lessons of the pandemic endure.

The National Covid Memorial Wall stands not only as a record of loss but also as a symbol of resilience and community. The vibrant red hearts catch the eye from across the river, a visual plea for remembrance and compassion. The wall invites visitors into a quiet space of contemplation amidst the bustling city, reminding all who see it of the profound human impact of the pandemic and the importance of honoring those who passed.