Superbloom at the Tower of London

Last updated: 29 July 2023

This summer in 2022 will see the arrival of Superbloom at the Tower of London, the result of planting over 20 million seeds into the moat of the 1000 year old castle to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee marking the 70 year reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Over the summer months visitors will be treated to a visual feast of assorted flowers, vibrant colours, art displays, and photo opportunities aplenty as they walk through the moat of an iconic London landmark. Superbloom will also produce a haven and sanctuary for various wildlife too, such as this busy bee who was hard at work during our visit.

Close up of bee on a purple flower at Superbloom at the Tower of London

Superbloom will run from June through to September 2022, the perfect time to be in London because the weather is glorious and the mood this year will be particularly festive. And it’s that sunny and warm summer weather which will be required to coax those shy flowers to show off in all their natural splendour.


READ MORE: DISCOVER London’s 1000 Year Old Castle and 17 Other ICONIC Landmarks


What to Expect at Superbloom 2022

Superbloom Slide

There’s perhaps no better way to slide into your Superbloom day out than taking hold of a hessian sack as you fly down the four-lane slide into The Tower’s moat! Yes, the Superbloom Slide, or Super Slide as we now refer to it, is fun for all ages and should definitely be used as your main way of getting to the moat. However, if you’re unable to take the slide then not to worry as there’s a set of stairs available next to the slide. 

Check out Roma as she speeds her way into Superbloom;

The Walking Path and Viewing Areas

Once you’ve picked up your hat next to the slide then set off on the designated footpath which will lead you throughout Superbloom and the various displays on offer, including dedicated viewing areas. The designated viewing areas will not only provide you with a spot to take photos of the bright and colourful flora and fauna but also provide a unique perspective of the 1000 year old castle too. 

Or as in the case below, the opportunity to capture a single photo of the floral display, the 1000 year old castle, and an iconic London landmark – The Shard.

A low-angled photos showing the flowers in the green grass, a blurred Tower of London in the background to the left, and a blurred Shard to the background right.

The Musical Score

As you move your way around the walking path you will hear a very unique and ethereal soundtrack from the conveniently located speakers. The score was created by Scottish composer Erland Cooper and is titled “Music for Growing Flowers”.  

If you watched Roma’s video above then you would have heard the soundtrack being played over the footage of the flowers. If you missed it, scroll back up and have a look.

Artwork Installations

During your visit, you will encounter a Willow sculpture by artist Spencer Jenkins which provides an amazing perspective of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge so do make sure you stop and capture some photos. It really is a view like none other! 

Image of Tower Bridge in the centre of photo with brick wall to the left and Tower of London to the right

Located just after the willow sculpture on the east side of The Tower is a fascinating artwork by Mehrdad Tafreshi, a series of copper insects swarming about the moat. We were advised by one of the helpful volunteers that visitors could touch the insects to feel the weight of the copper bodies. This is one piece of art which will evolve over time as copper left to the elements will change colour so expect these swarming insects to become a shade of pale green soon, ideal for a garden display.

Roma looking at the insect swarm sculpture at Superbloom at the Tower of London

READ MORE: Looking for more London Things to Do? Here’s a list of 37 for You!


The Queen’s Garden

The art installations are located at the end of the main area of Superbloom but there is still one more key section that you need to experience, and that is The Queen’s Garden, located in the Bowling Green. Follow the footpath to the exit and keep walking towards your right which will bring you to The Queen’s Garden and this fantastic garden display facing the Thames.

The Queen's Garden at Superbloom at the Tower of London. Garden in the centre of photo, the glass crown in centre middle. Tower of London to the right side of the image with blue skies in the centre top.

This display has taken inspiration from Her Majesty The Queen’s 1953 Coronation gown by Norman Hartnell. The display draws upon the colours, shapes, and motifs used by Hartnell in the design of the gown. Rising above the garden are 12 glass forms designed by glass artist Max Jacquard, representing the national emblems of the United Kingdom and several Commonwealth countries embroidered into the Coronation gown. The centre of the display sits a glass crown, a reminder of The Tower’s role as home to the Crown Jewels.


What Type of Flowers Are Part of Superbloom?

Through June to September 2022, Superbloom will see a variety of flowers on display for visitors to appreciate, some will bloom in bright and vivid colours and others more subdued but equally important to the biodiversity of the display. 

Across the summer, visitors to Superbloom can expect to see a vast display of flowers, including;

  • Red Poppies
  • Yellow Corn Marigolds
  • Blue Cornflowers
  • Sunflowers
  • Cosmos
  • Rudbeckias
  • Fairy Toadflax
  • Baby’s Breath

READ MORE: What You Need to Know For the Notting Hill Carnival 2022 This Year


Superbloom Tickets

If you’re planning a visit to Superbloom and looking to purchase tickets, here are your options.

Option 1. Purchase a combined Tower of London + Superbloom ticket which will give you access Superbloom – the slide, the moat, the artwork – and entry to one of London’s most famous landmarks, The Tower of London. If you’re looking for Tower of London ticket deals then this one of newest on offer, see two attractions on a combined ticket.

Option 2. Purchase a Superbloom Only ticket which will give you access to Superbloom – the slide, the moat, and the artworks. 

Option 3. Book a Public Viewing Path ticket which is free and will give you access to a bird’s eye view of the Superbloom display and Castle walls from the Tower Hill path. The tickets are free but need to be booked to manage the crowds.


Final Thoughts

Superbloom is a celebration to mark the Platinum Jubilee, Her Majesty The Queen’s 70 year reign, and one that provides a unique experience for all visitors where nature, beauty, and history meet in a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Don’t miss out!


BESTSELLER TICKET! DON’T MISS OUT

Book your Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket Below

Born and raised in Sydney Australia and currently based in London, I absolutely love exploring the UK and Europe at every opportunity. It still thrills me that all it takes is an hour flight to be in a new country with a completely different history, language, food, and culture that is just waiting to be experienced. We started our blog, Roaming Required, as a way to keep in contact with family and friends, and over the last 10 years, the blog has grown and evolved and it remains a real passion project. We've travelled a lot in the 10 years living in London and there's still plenty more to experience. So, why not join us for the adventure and come roam with us!

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Comments (3)

    1. Hi, Patricia. If you’d like to book your free tickets to the Superbloom public viewing path then you can do so by either clicking on the link in the article to the Superbloom website or here’s the for easy access – https://superbloom.hrp.org.uk/timeslot/superbloom-moat-freeview – once you go to this page you can then select the date you want (you mentioned the 21st July) and then select the date you’d like (you mentioned midday) and then you can enter the quantity required. The booking page will then ask you for your personal details to complete the booking and then you will receive an email confirmation. I hope this helps but if you need any further detail then please feel free to either reply here or send me an email – Russell[AT]roamingrequired.com

  1. Can I book two free tickets for Superbloom. Option 3
    For about midday Thursday 21st July

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