The Tower of London, often referred to simply as the “Tower,” is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. Built by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century, it has served as a royal palace, fortress, and prison throughout its long history. It is perhaps best known for its role as a prison during the Tudor period, where many famous figures were held captive and executed, including Anne Boleyn and Sir Walter Raleigh. Visiting Tower of London was highlight of our London trip. Here are 10 tips for visiting Tower of London, one day Tower of London itinerary and other helpful information about Tower of London
Tower of London short history
The Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 as a royal palace and fortress. Over the centuries, it has served many purposes, including as a prison, a royal mint, and a menagerie. Some of the most famous prisoners at the Tower of London include Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, and Sir Walter Raleigh. The Tower has also been the site of important historical events, such as the execution of three queens and the imprisonment and eventual execution of the gunpowder plot conspirators. Today, the Tower of London is a popular tourist attraction and is home to the Crown Jewels, as well as the Yeoman Warders who act as guides for visitors.
Interesting facts about Tower of London
The Tower’s moat was once home to a polar bear: In the 13th century, King Henry III received a polar bear from the King of Norway as a gift. The bear was kept in the Tower’s moat and would swim and fish for its food.
The Tower’s ravens are protected by law: Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the monarchy and the Tower itself will fall. Because of this, the ravens are kept at the Tower and their wings are clipped to prevent them from flying away.
The Tower has been used as a royal mint: From the 14th to the 19th century, the Tower of London was used as a royal mint to produce coins.
The Tower’s walls are 22 feet thick: The walls of the Tower are made of stone and are incredibly thick, which helped to make the Tower an impenetrable fortress.
The Tower has a resident ghost named the “White Lady”: Legend has it that the ghost is the spirit of Anne Boleyn, one of King Henry VIII’s wives who was executed at the Tower in 1536.
The Tower has been the site of many executions: Over 100 people were executed at the Tower of London, including three queens of England.
The Crown Jewels are kept at the Tower: The Crown Jewels of England, which include the Crown of Queen Elizabeth II, are kept at the Tower of London and can be viewed by visitors.
The Tower was once a royal menagerie: The Tower of London was home to a menagerie of exotic animals, including a polar bear, lions, and an elephant.
The Tower has been used as a prison: Many prisoners were held at the Tower, including Guy Fawkes, who was part of the Gunpowder Plot to blow up the House of Lords in 1605.
The Tower’s Yeoman Warders have a special role: The Yeoman Warders, also known as the Beefeaters, are responsible for guarding the Tower of London and giving tours to visitors. They also perform the Ceremony of the Keys each night to lock up the Tower for the night.
How much time to spend in Tower of London- Is it really a full day activity?
As someone who enjoys packing in as much as possible when traveling, I can attest that the Tower of London is truly an exception. It is a place that deserves a full day to explore, and rushing through it would mean missing out on so much. I had the opportunity to visit the Tower of London during my last trip to London. We spent the morning on Trafalgar square and arrived to the Tower of London around 11 am, spent the rest of the day exploring the Tower and by the time the Tower was closing around 5.30 pm, we wish we had couple more hours to spend there. There is so much to see and learn, from the Crown Jewels to the infamous Traitors’ Gate. I highly recommend taking your time and immersing yourself in the stories and legends of the Tower. So, if you have the chance, make sure to spend a full day there and do not rush. You won’t regret it!
10 tips for visiting the Tower of London
Arrive early to avoid the crowds: The Tower of London is a popular attraction, so it’s best to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds and have a more enjoyable experience. The site opens at 9 am, so aim to arrive as close to opening time as possible.
Book tickets in advance: Booking your tickets in advance will not only save you time but also money. You can book your tickets online and skip the long lines at the ticket booth. You’ll also be able to select a specific entry time, which can help you plan your day more effectively.
Take a guided tour: A guided tour is a great way to learn about the history of the Tower of London and get the most out of your visit. The Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters, offer free tours throughout the day, and audio guides are also available for a fee.
Visit the Crown Jewels early: The Crown Jewels are one of the Tower of London’s main attractions, so it’s best to visit them early in the day to avoid the crowds. You can also download the Crown Jewels app to learn more about the history of the jewels before your visit.
Explore the White Tower: The White Tower is the oldest part of the Tower of London and houses the Royal Armouries collection. It’s worth exploring the tower to see the collection of weapons and armor, and to take in the views from the top.
Watch the Ceremony of the Keys: The Ceremony of the Keys is a unique and traditional event that takes place every night at the Tower of London. You need to book tickets well in advance to attend, but it’s a memorable experience that’s well worth it.
Take a Thames River Cruise: A Thames River cruise is a great way to see the Tower of London and other London landmarks from a different perspective. You can catch a riverboat from the Tower Pier, which is located next to the Tower of London.
Allow plenty of time for your visit: The Tower of London is a large site with lots to see and do, so it’s important to allow plenty of time for your visit. Plan to spend at least 5-6 hours at the site, but you could easily spend a whole day there.
Dress appropriately for the weather: The Tower of London is an outdoor site, so it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather. Bring an umbrella or rain jacket if it looks like rain, and wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
Check for special events: The Tower of London hosts a range of special events throughout the year, such as reenactments, exhibitions, and concerts. Check the Tower’s website before your visit to see if there are any special events happening during your stay, and plan accordingly.
One Day itinerary for Tower of London
9:00 AM – Arrive at the Tower of London: The Tower of London can get busy, so it’s best to arrive early to beat the crowds.
9:30 AM – Take a guided tour: The Yeoman Warders, also known as the Beefeaters, offer guided tours of the Tower throughout the day. These tours are included in the price of admission and last approximately one hour.
10:30 AM – Visit the Crown Jewels: The Crown Jewels of England are kept at the Tower of London and are a must-see attraction. Be prepared to wait in line to see them, which can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
11:30 AM – Explore the White Tower: The White Tower is the oldest part of the Tower of London and is home to exhibits on medieval armor and weaponry. Allow approximately one hour to explore this area.
12:30 PM – Lunch break: There are several cafes and restaurants at the Tower of London where you can grab a snack or meal.
1:30 PM – Visit the Bloody Tower: The Bloody Tower is where the two princes, Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, were supposedly murdered in the 15th century. It’s now a museum with exhibits on the Tower’s history.
See the Ravens: The ravens are an iconic part of the Tower of London and are worth a visit. They are typically located near the entrance to the Tower and can be seen quickly in around 10-15 minutes.
2:30 PM – Walk the Tower Walls: The Tower walls offer great views of the city and are a fun way to explore the Tower. Allow approximately one hour to walk the walls and take in the views.
5:00 PM – Depart from the Tower of London: This is just an estimate of a full day plan, and you can adjust the time according to your preference and the actual length of waiting lines at attractions.
