The Traveling Taylors

We didn’t realize until after our trip that we’d walked right past parts of the London Wall—without even knowing it. Scattered throughout the city are fragments of what was once a massive Roman wall, built nearly 2,000 years ago to defend the ancient city of Londinium. Today, these ruins are hiding in plain sight—next to office buildings, car parks, and underground stations. If you’re a history lover (or just love discovering secret corners of London), here’s how to find and explore the remains of the London Wall.

🏗️ What Was the London Wall?

The London Wall was a defensive fortification built by the Romans around 200 AD to protect Londinium.

• It stretched over 3 kilometers around the city’s northern and western edges
• Built from stone and rubble with watchtowers and city gates
• It remained in use through the medieval period and into modern times

Fun Fact: The wall defined London’s city boundaries for over 1,000 years.

Because you’ll likely be outside for hours visiting landmarks and viewpoints, bringing UV-protective sunglasses like these can help keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day.

📍 Where to See the London Wall Today

While much of the wall has disappeared, several impressive sections are still standing. Here’s where to find them:

🧱 1. Tower Hill Section

• Just outside Tower of London, behind the Tower Hill Underground station
• One of the most visible and well-preserved portions
• Includes both Roman and medieval layers

Photo Tip: Visit early morning for the best light and fewest crowds.

🧱 2. Museum of London Wall Segment

• Located just outside the Museum of London entrance (St. Paul’s or Barbican Tube)
• A dramatic curve of wall sits next to modern high-rises
• You can view it from a raised walkway above the road

Bonus: Visit the museum (free entry!) for deeper Roman London context.

Many travelers also like carrying a lightweight backpack like this one so they can comfortably store essentials like chargers, water bottles, and jackets while exploring.

🧱 3. Noble Street Section

• Hidden behind office buildings near St. Anne’s Churchyard
• Features a long, exposed stretch of Roman and medieval masonry
• Less visited—feels like a true hidden gem

🧱 4. London Wall Car Park

• Underground near London Wall road
• Yes, it’s in a car park! But you’ll find interpretive signs and preserved walls
• Slightly eerie but fascinating

Tip: Ask staff or follow signs—they’ll point you to the wall remains downstairs.

🧱 5. Barbican & Salters’ Garden

• Tucked behind the Barbican Estate, near the Salters’ Hall
• A beautifully landscaped garden surrounds a striking wall section
• Peaceful and photogenic

🗺️ Planning Your London Wall Walk

Want to turn this into a full walking tour? Start at Tower Hill, loop past the Museum of London, and end near Barbican. The full trail takes about 1–1.5 hours on foot with plenty of stops.

Map Tip: Search “London Wall Walk” online or follow City of London plaques marked with a Roman soldier.

Because the weather can sometimes change quickly while sightseeing, packing a compact travel umbrella like this one is always a good idea.

🧠Why the London Wall Is Worth Discovering

In a city packed with royal palaces and glossy museums, the London Wall is one of the most underrated historical sites. There’s something surreal about seeing 2,000-year-old stonework sandwiched between glass skyscrapers. Whether you follow the entire trail or just stop at one or two sections, it’s a fascinating reminder of how old (and layered) London really is.