Superbloom 2022: What are the building works at the Tower of London?

By Jessica Frank-Keyes

Senior Reporter

Published 18th Feb 2022, 17:00 BST

Updated 20th Feb 2022, 08:00 BST

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Visitors to the Tower of London may find themselves wondering what the scaffolding, clumps of earth and construction work mean for the landmark’s latest chapter.

If you’ve strolled past the Tower of London recently, you might have found yourself wondering just what is going on at the historic castle.

Perched in a scenic spot overlooking the River Thames, the medieval stone structure has played a leading role in the story of the capital for centuries.

Works have begun on the Superbloom at the Tower of London. Photo: LondonWorld — Works have begun on the Superbloom at the Tower of London. Photo: LondonWorld | LondonWorld

Works have begun on the Superbloom at the Tower of London. Photo: LondonWorld — Works have begun on the Superbloom at the Tower of London. Photo: LondonWorld | LondonWorld

And while the Tower has played host to famous names such as Anne Boleyn and Walter Raleigh, it has also been used over the years as a palace, prison and a battle-ready fortress.

Now visitors to the Tower may find themselves wondering what the scaffolding, clumps of earth and construction work mean for the landmark’s latest chapter.

What is Superbloom?

The Tower of London is set to welcome visitors to a special celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Year.

The castle’s moat will be transformed into a “colourful, dramatic and vibrant field of flowers”.

Works have begun on the Superbloom at the Tower of London. Photo: LondonWorld — Works have begun on the Superbloom at the Tower of London. Photo: LondonWorld | LondonWorld

Works have begun on the Superbloom at the Tower of London. Photo: LondonWorld — Works have begun on the Superbloom at the Tower of London. Photo: LondonWorld | LondonWorld

Visitors will even be able to walk along a winding pathway into the very centre of the floral display - to enjoy a sound installation, sculpture trail and experience the bees and butterflies.

When can I visit?

The attraction will be open from June 1, 2022, to September 18, 2022.

It coincides with the Platinum Jubilee year and makes the most of the summer season.

Works have begun on the Superbloom at the Tower of London. Photo: LondonWorld — Works have begun on the Superbloom at the Tower of London. Photo: LondonWorld | LondonWorld

Works have begun on the Superbloom at the Tower of London. Photo: LondonWorld — Works have begun on the Superbloom at the Tower of London. Photo: LondonWorld | LondonWorld

But if you can’t make it then, the moat will remain a permanent flowerfield, as a long-lasting legacy of the Jubilee festivities.

The new natural landscape will soon become a familiar part of the City of London - offering a perfect home to wildlife in the centre of the city.

What’s being done now?

Work on the moat transformation has already begun.

Builders are installing 10,800 metric tons of soil and creating a 2.4m drainage system.

Then, once the ground is fully prepared, gardeners will sow 20 million seeds across the entire moat.

Once the flowers bloom, the area will blossom into a welcoming habitat and a “green haven” for insects, birds and other pollinators.

The Tower of London is recruiting volunteers to help with the Superbloom - for more information or details about booking tickets, visit the website.

Tower of London River Thames Work

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.