Description
All Hallows by the Tower is a stunning, award-winning historic haven located in the heart of the City of London, offering families a peaceful green escape from the hustle and bustle of Tower Hill. Founded all the way back in 675 AD by the Abbey of Barking, it stands proudly as the absolute oldest church in the City of London. If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in the City of London and the Tower Hill area, this ancient sanctuary serves as a magnificent outdoor and indoor rest stop between busier museum visits.
Visiting this beautifully preserved landscape and church is completely free, making it an excellent budget-friendly addition to a day out in central London. There are no entry fees or standard tickets required to wander the wide aisles and historic grounds, allowing families to step inside a quiet paradise without spending a penny. It provides a spectacular, stress-free spot to let children unwind, rest on the benches, and take in a unique setting.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines rich Roman, Saxon, and medieval history with an immaculate natural setting, this church fits the bill perfectly. It allows parents to relax while children safely observe the historic surroundings, look out over Tower Hill, and explore deep local roots. Its central location directly adjacent to the Tower of London means you can effortlessly weave it into any central London sightseeing itinerary.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What makes All Hallows by the Tower unique?
- The City's oldest church: Established in 675 AD, it predates the neighboring Tower of London by a staggering 400 years.
- The Samuel Pepys connection: During the Great Fire of London in 1666, Samuel Pepys climbed to the top of this very clock tower to look down upon the "saddest sight of desolation".
- Global presidential heritage: The church holds the original 16th-century parish registers recording the 1644 baptism of Pennsylvania founder William Penn and the 1797 wedding of US President John Quincy Adams.
- Antarctic expedition relics: The Crypt Museum houses the authentic crow's nest from the Quest, the famous final ship sailed by legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Top Highlights
- The Crypt Museum: Head downstairs to the Crypt Museum to go on an unforgettable journey through time. It contains a magnificent collection of Roman and Saxon artifacts, ancient church plate, and historical models of old London.
- The Roman Tessellated Floor: Located deep inside the crypt is a genuine, remarkably preserved section of a Roman domestic house floor dating back to the late 2nd century. It offers a fantastic, real-life visual aid for children learning about Roman Britain.
- The Seventh-Century Saxon Arch: Discovered intact after devastating World War II bomb damage blasted away the surrounding Norman plaster, this ancient archway was built using recycled Roman bricks. It stands as one of the few surviving fragments of pre-Norman London layout.
- Shackleton’s Crow’s Nest: Housed inside the museum collection is the large, iconic wooden barrel that served as the crow's nest on Sir Ernest Shackleton's final Antarctic voyage from 1921 to 1922. Kids love standing close to a real piece of global maritime history.
- The Grinling Gibbons Font Cover: Located in the Baptistery is an incredibly intricate, hand-carved wooden font cover crafted by the legendary 17th-century master sculptor Grinling Gibbons. The carvings feature beautiful details that are highly engaging for children to look at.
Beyond the Main Attraction: Because All Hallows by the Tower sits in a prime historic district, families can easily explore the fascinating attractions surrounding it. Walking directly across the road leads you straight to the ancient stone perimeter of the Tower of London and the historic Tower Hill execution site. A short two-minute stroll brings you to Tower Pier, where you can hop onto a river boat ride or walk along the Thames toward the iconic Tower Bridge. For older kids, the modern, expansive green spaces of Trinity Square Gardens and the Merchant Navy War Memorial sit just a brief walk to the north.
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