Constructed nearly 1,000 years ago in the 11th century, the Tower of London is one of the world’s most famous buildings.
Things to see and do at the Tower of London
There’s so much to do and see at the Tower of London, making it a fantastic day out for all the family! Here are some of our favourite things to explore at this magnificent attraction:
Line of Kings Exhibition
For more than 300 years, visitors to the Tower of London have been amazed by stunning displays featuring arms and royal armour, life-sized wooden horses and figures of kings at this fascinating exhibition.
The White Tower
The White Tower is one of the world’s most famous castle keeps and is an iconic symbol of Britain. It was built to awe, subdue and frighten Londoners, and to prevent invaders.
The Crown Jewels
The Jewel House at the Tower of London is home to the world-famous Crown Jewels, which are made up of 23,578 precious stones and gems. The Jewels include the world’s most famous diamond: ‘The Great Star of Africa’.
The Yeoman Warder tours
The Yeoman Warders, more popularly known as the Beefeaters, are the public face of the Tower of London. As well as guarding the Tower and Crown Jewels, they deliver tours for visitors and tell magnificent tales of the Tower from across the ages.
The Royal Beasts
You might not expect to see lions, tigers, polar bears and elephants during your visit to the Tower of London, but the Royal Menagerie was home to a variety of exotic animals like these for more than 600 years! Relive their extraordinary stories and discover what their life was like at the Tower.
The Ravens
According to legend, ‘the kingdom and the Tower will fall if the six ravens ever leave the Tower of London’. Whether this is true or not, the ravens have become one of the Tower’s most famous features. Just make sure you spot at least six during your trip!
The Tower Green
Believe it or not, being executed inside the Tower of London was considered a privilege for high-ranking individuals. Tower Green contains a permanent memorial for those who were executed there.
The Medieval Palace
As the oldest part of the Tower of London, the Medieval Palace has remarkable interiors that you won’t see anywhere else. Here, you can experience what life might have been like in a luxurious medieval household all those years ago.
Coins and Kings: The Royal Mint at the Tower
This exhibit is devoted to telling the history of the Mint, which has been located at the Tower for more than 500 years. Learn all about Isaac Newton's efforts to rid London of counterfeiters when he was Warden of the Mint, be surprised by Edward I's severe punishments for those who interfered with his coins, find out about Elizabeth I's restoration of the coinage in the wake her father Henry VIII’s calamitous meddling, and hear about Charles II's rejection of Commonwealth money.
How long is the Tower of London tour?
Tours at The Tower of London take place every half hour. The first tour begins at 10am Tuesday to Saturday, and 10:30am on Sunday and Monday. The last tour of the day begins at 3:30pm in the summer and 2:30pm in the winter.
How to get to the Tower of London
The Tower of London is easily accessed via public transport, with the nearest Tube stations being Tower Hill (2 minutes away), Aldgate (8 minutes away) and Monument (nine minutes away). The Tower is just 4 minutes away from Fenchurch Street Railway Station and 12 minutes away from Cannon Street Railway Station.
Buses run regularly to stops close to the Tower. You can reach the Tower of London by travelling on the following bus numbers: 15, 42, 78, 100 and RV1.
If you’re travelling to the Tower of London by car, you can leave it at Lower Thames Street Car Park, which is only a 2-minute walk from the Tower.
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