Spitalfields Market, London E1 6FQ
Herd of Hope Elephants
Unusual place
Place photograph
3.6
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Free
Cost
Quirky
Feel
Why it's Wildland
3.6A life-size bronze herd brings stories of rescued elephants into the streets of Spitalfields. Scan the sculptures’ QR codes to learn about the real elephants they represent and the work of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
A distinctive conservation-themed public artwork rather than a wild landscape: the Herd of Hope turns a short Spitalfields visit into an encounter with life-size elephant sculptures and the individual rescue stories behind them.
Quirky · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapSpitalfields Market, London E1 6FQ
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Walk among the life-size bronze elephants, look for their names and QR codes, and follow the stories of rescue and care. The official site also describes free guided storytelling tours, with dates and booking requirements that should be checked before setting out.
Things to do
Walk among the life-size sculptures
Explore the bronze herd at its current Spitalfields display location; the official site describes 21 life-size elephants.
Under 1 hour
Scan the elephants’ QR codes
The official site says the sculptures have names and scannable QR codes linking to stories about the real orphan elephants they represent.
Join a guided storytelling tour
The official website describes free guided tours. Dates, availability and booking requirements can change, so check the current listing before visiting.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
Meet the bronze herd
- 01
Walk among the life-size elephant sculptures at the current display location.
- 02
Look for the sculptures’ names and QR codes to discover the real elephants they represent.
Half day · Check current tour details
Follow the elephants’ stories
- 01
Explore the sculptures and scan their QR codes.
- 02
If a guided storytelling tour is running, check its dates and booking requirements on the official website.
Verified history
The official Herd of Hope website describes a public art installation by artists Gillie and Marc, displayed across Spitalfields Market in partnership with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Its 21 life-size bronze elephants represent real orphan elephants in the Trust’s care. Each sculpture is named and has a QR code linking to information about the elephant it represents. The supplied official page also advertises guided storytelling tours, with dates and booking requirements to check before visiting.
Hidden details
The matriarch’s blue tusks — The official website says the matriarch’s blue tusks draw attention to elephant endangerment and symbolise the mother each orphan elephant lost.
Every smaller elephant has a story — Look for the names and QR codes: the official site says they connect each sculpture with a real elephant’s rescue and rehabilitation story.
When to go
· No time-of-day recommendation is supported by the supplied sources. Check the official website for current display and tour details.
The supplied official information gives display and tour periods rather than seasonal wildlife or landscape conditions. Confirm the current dates before travelling.
The display is outdoors. Check the forecast and current arrangements before setting out.
What to look for
Look for the matriarch’s blue tusks, described by the official site as a symbol drawing attention to elephant endangerment. Find the names and QR codes on the individual sculptures and use them to explore the represented elephants’ stories.
Best time to go
Check the official website for current display dates and location; the installation may move.
No specific best time is established by the supplied sources. Check the official website for current display and tour information.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
Families · Young children · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
An outdoor sculpture display described by its official website as free to visit. The installation’s location and display period may change; check the official website before travelling.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Check current access arrangements at the display location before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Herd of Hope Elephants
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Spitalfields Charnel House
Bishops Square, London E1 6FQ, United Kingdom
0.1 km away
Place photograph5.2The Stage Viaduct Garden
11 Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3EJ
0.5 km away