Imagining Animals

Name: Imagining Animals
Start: 2026-08-19T11:00
End: 2026-08-31T16:00
Location: Tower of London

Wonderful creatures are transforming the Tower of London in this unforgettable family experience

Skip the event ticket details and go to event summary.

When

19 - 31 August (excluding 25 August)

11:00-16:00

Ticketing information

This event is suitable for all ages. Under 5s go free.

Included in palace admission (Members go free)

Buy Tower of London tickets

Visitor access and information.

A host of extraordinary creatures will transform the Tower this August - brought to life through puppetry, music, and movement.

Throughout your visit, you may stumble upon enchanting moments: a gentle bear ambling through the parade ground, butterflies fluttering by, a giant serpent slithering in and out of view amongst many others.

The perfect summer day out, this is the Tower of London as you’ve never seen it before.

Led by artists Mervyn Millar and Suzy Willson, and brought to life by a world-class company of puppeteers, dancers and musicians, Imagining Animals is inspired by animals from all over the world, including those that once lived at the Tower as part of the Royal Menagerie.

What’s more, you’ll be able to see everything else that the Tower of London has to offer, including the legendary Yeoman Warder tours, battlements of London’s famous fortress, Henry VIII’s armour and the dazzling Crown Jewels.

Illustrations by Significant Object.

Visitor access and information

There is no map, no timetable, so keep your eyes open and see what crosses your path, as you enjoy your Tower visit. Please respect the puppets and performers, and allow them a little space as they roam the site.

Performances are non-verbal and accompanied by music and sounds
They are family friendly and suitable for all ages
Performances will take place throughout the day at various times and locations around the Tower

Alongside this striking experience, you can also take in everything else the Tower of London has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see our FAQs for more information about this event:

Read FAQs

*Image: An elephant which was gifted to Henry III from King Louis IX of France in 1255. It was part of the Tower Menagerie. © From the British Library archive*

Such a noble collection of wild creatures as is nowhere else to be seen in Great Britain.

Tower guidebook, c.18th century

Public events programme

In September, a vibrant programme of talks, workshops and events will support Imagining Animals, bringing its themes to life beyond the Tower walls. Created with local partners, it connects the Tower of London with East London through shared stories, ideas and creativity.

The public events programme explores animals in the human imagination, empire and power, and our changing relationship with the natural world. Open to all, with some adult-only themed events, the programme features both free and ticketed activities.

More information about this programme will be listed here.