If the streets of Tower Hill could talk they’d be telling grim tales of public executions and foiled plots, before gushing about the buzzing hive of bars and restaurants that have popped up over the years.
The area is a vibrant fusion of old and new, where one moment you’ll be diving headfirst into history and the next you’ll find yourself sipping cocktails on a (hopefully) sun-drenched rooftop. With so much on we don’t blame you if you’re totally stuck on the best things to do in Tower Hill. Luckily, we’ve put together a guide for when you’re next in the area…
1. Feast on a fabulous array of tempting bites at Tower Hill Market
We’re starting off with one for you foodies. A fairly new addition, Tower Hill Market unleashed its delicious street food delights on the area in April 2024 and can now be found every Thursday from 11am to 4pm. Just follow the drool-inducing aromas of Sri Lankan roti, flavour-packed burritos, traditional Taiwanese food and more to Tower Hill Terrace and you’ll be digging into something scrumptious in no time. There’s even a pop-up pub if you fancy a few midday drinks to fuel your Tower Hill exploration.
📍Tower Hill Terrace, EC3N 4EE
2. Embark on a tour of the Tower of London
Of course, we couldn’t talk about Tower Hill without mentioning the big, looming, history-drenched fortress sitting in the middle of it. The Tower of London has worn many hats over the centuries – as a site of execution, a royal palace, a prison fortress, a menagerie for exotic animals and even a home for the famous Tower of London ravens. You can learn all about the story of the Tower of London with a fascinating VIP guided tour where you’ll see the glittering Crown Jewels and enjoy a walkway tour of Tower Bridge.
📍 London, EC3N 4AB
3. Travel back in time at the Gunpowder Plot experience
One of the most infamous stories surrounding the Tower of London was that of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. The historic conspiracy has now been brought to life as an explosive immersive experience which unfolds in the Tower Vaults’ labyrinthine tunnels. The pivotal events of 1605 have been brought to life with live actors, thrilling virtual reality, authentic sets and historically accurate costumes.
Prepare to step into a world of deceit, where you’ll find yourself scheming with mysterious figures, smuggling gunpowder barrels and fleeing the tower in a heart-pounding escape. Equal parts exciting and educational – with the added perk of cocktails and nibbles at the themed bars – this will make for a great addition to your day in Tower Hill.
📍 8-12 Tower Hill Vaults, London, EC3N 4EE
4. Enjoy the wild wonders of St. Dunstan in the East
This green haven in the city will have you torn between whipping out your phone for a photo and simply taking a moment to soak up nature. The centuries-old church St. Dunstan in the East is no stranger to hard times, having been damaged by the Great Fire of London and then further battered by a German bomb in 1941. But, to our gain, nature has worked its magic and transformed the ruins into a certified Eden, with creeping vines twisting through gothic windows and cascading over mossy walls, the public park makes for a serene sanctum that everyone can enjoy.
📍 St Dunstan’s Hill, London, EC3R 5DD
5. Indulge your morbid curiosity at the Jack The Ripper Museum
London has its fair share of dark and grim history, but the brutal crimes of Jack The Ripper cast a particularly dark shadow over the city. The serial killer’s reign of terror on the streets of Whitechapel sent ripples throughout time and there is still plenty we do not know about this faceless figure. Those of you who are curious can pay a visit to the Jack The Ripper museum, located under a 10-minute walk from Tower Hill station. Inside, you will learn about the lives of the victims, the main suspects and intriguing details about the police investigation – can you solve the mystery?
📍 12 Cable St, E1 8JG
6. Dine by the riverside in a Coppa Club igloo
The igloos at Coppa Club tick all the boxes for a truly special dining experience – a front-row seat to Tower Bridge? Check. A cosy and private space solely for you and your family or friends to enjoy? Check. Insta-worthy flowers and lush greenery that feel like a slice of paradise? Check. And, of course, most importantly, delicious dishes that include everything from dry-aged rib steak to bucatini carbonara? Check and check. The only thing is that it does get booked up fast, so be sure to book in advance.
📍3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6AH
7. Sip sky-high concoctions at Savage Garden
Head over to the Hilton Doubletree Hotel, hop in the lift to the 12th floor and you will emerge onto the sleek rooftop terrace of Savage Garden. A top spot for sundowners, you can soak up views of Tower Bridge and the Shard with a refreshing cocktail in hand. The rooftop bar boasts a drinks menu that will please any palate – try artfully made concoctions such as the Karuna Spritz (coconut-infused gin, aloe vera water, watermelon wine and more). There’s also some tempting nibbles – think succulent sliders and bao buns – if you’re feeling peckish.
📍Hilton Doubletree Hotel, Floor 12, 7 Pepys St, London EC3N 4AF
8. Go for a wander along St. Katharine Docks
Described as a ‘Marine Oasis’, St. Katharine Docks is a must-visit for when you’re in the Tower Hill area. The docks date back to the 12th century, named after the hospital that stood on the site beforehand. Now, it is a bustling leisure complex with a treasure trove of bars, restaurants, cafes and a variety of free events. These are a couple of our favourites…
☕️ White Mulberries – Winner of ‘The Best Coffee Shop’ in the 2014 Coffee Shop Awards, this welcoming, relaxed gem serves up banana bread to die for, freshly brewed coffee and some irresistible cocktails.
🍷 Bravas Tapas – This family-run restaurant will tantalise the taste buds with Spanish wines and Basque small plates.
9. Catch a glittering musical at the Bridge Theatre
One of the greatest musicals of all time is currently lighting up the stage of Tower Hill’s Bridge Theatre. Guys & Dolls has won over critics and the public with their dazzling, neon-drenched theatrics, with many five-star reviews gushing over the thrilling immersive elements, strong vocals and brilliant performances. You’ll feel part of the action as the unlikely love story unfolds and are sure to emerge with stars in your eyes. Make sure you book your tickets ahead of time – we would recommend the standing ones for the most immersive experience, but just be aware you’ll be on your feet for almost three hours.
📍3 Potters Fields Park, London, SE1 2SG
10. Sink some pints at the Munich Cricket Club
Every day is Oktoberfest at the Munich Cricket Club. The German beer hall willkommen you in with all the delicious signatures of a Bavarian Bierkeller – think live Oompah bands, steins filled to the brim with that foamy liquid gold we love so much and some authentic Bavarian food to soak it all up. There are also happy hours in case you somehow need even more enticing.
📍9 Crutched Friars, Tower Hill
11. Dance the night away on a floating silent disco
In the mood for a dance? You’ll no doubt be on board for the Silent Sounds Boat Party, which sets sail from the Tower Millenium Pier and takes you along the Thames. You’ll not only float past some of London’s most famous sights – including The London Eye, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and the O2 – but you’ll be able to show off your best moves as your headphones play some of the biggest party anthems to bless our eardrums. Basically, you’ll be able to do your tourist duties while dancing the night away under the stars – the perfect combo.
📍Tower Millennium Pier
12. Take a stroll across Tower Bridge
Once you’ve had your fill of the many delights of Tower Hill, you can follow in the Hoka-clad footsteps of marathon runners (well, technically you’d be going the opposite way…and walking) with a leisurely stroll across Tower Bridge to explore what awaits south of the river. Be sure to make a stop along the way too. The Grade I-listed, iconic London landmark promises panoramic views from its glass floor walkways (as seen in Spider-Man: Far From Home), extraordinary stories about the workers who made the bridge a reality and a fascinating exploration of the engine rooms that once powered the Bridge Lifts.