London lies along the Thames in southeast England at an average elevation of just 11 meters above sea level. The city is largely flat; higher ground appears only in outer areas like Hampstead Heath (134 m). The Thames Barrier, opened in 1982, protects against North Sea storm surges and has been raised over 200 times.
That works out to roughly 36 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 32 m, putting London about 21 m lower.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 11 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51.5074° N, 0.1278° W |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | 35 | France |
| Amsterdam | 5 | Netherlands |
| Brussels | 29 | Belgium |
| Manchester | 60 | United Kingdom |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to London (11 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Hamburg | 8 | Germany |
| Lübeck | 18 | Germany |
| Rostock | 18 | Germany |
| Bremen | 20 | Germany |
| Rome | 21 | Italy |
| Kiel | 23 | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is London above sea level?
London averages 11 m above sea level. The Thames flows through the city at 1–3 m above sea level; Hampstead Heath in the north reaches 134 m.
What is the Thames Barrier and why does London need it?
The Thames Barrier is a movable flood defence of 10 gates opened in 1982. It protects London from North Sea storm surges channeled up the Thames. It has been raised over 200 times since opening.
Which London borough is highest?
Hampstead in north London is highest at up to 134 m on Hampstead Heath. Beyond the city boundary, the North Downs and Surrey Hills rise much higher.