Right on the north bank of the Thames, in central London, lies the Tower of London, or “Towern” as it is often called in Swedish. This is a medieval fortress that has played a crucial role in British history, serving as the stage for numerous significant events over the centuries.
The Tower of London is one of the most visited landmarks in the entire city, with 2.5 million visitors passing through its gates every year. Be one of them! This is a destination you don’t want to miss during your stay in the British capital.
Tickets to the Tower of London
On-site, you can easily purchase tickets to the Tower of London at the ticket counter. However, keep in mind that the queues are often long, especially if you’re traveling during peak season, and you can expect to wait up to forty-five minutes before it’s your turn to buy your tickets.
If you choose to purchase your tickets via Get Your Guide, you can handle everything online. You will still need to queue to enter, but you avoid the long wait to purchase your ticket.
When you choose this option, you get standard entry to the Tower of London, an official guided tour by the Beefeaters, and access to the exhibitions, including the Crown Jewels.
You also receive a printed map of the area, and for children, there are fun activity trails to follow. Book your tickets here
How to Get to the Tower of London
If you want to use public transport to get to the Tower, you can easily choose the bus. You can take bus 15, 42, 78, 100, or 343, all of which stop nearby. A single adult ticket costs £2.50.
Alternatively, you can take the tube to the Tower. Take the District or Circle Line to Tower Hill Underground Station and easily walk to the entrance in just a few minutes.
The History of the Tower of London
The Tower of London is a medieval royal fortress whose functions over the centuries have varied between prison, royal palace, and fortress. Its most famous prisoner is probably the future Queen Elizabeth I. A large number of executions have also taken place here.
The main building, the White Tower, was built as early as 1078 in Romanesque style. Behind it stood William the Conqueror, who fortified the site in 1066. Since 1303, it has been the place where the British Crown Jewels are kept.
The Tower of London is also well-known for its guard force, the Yeomen Warders, colloquially known as “Beefeaters.” They live with their families at the Tower, and today there are about 100 people residing here.
The Tower is also famous for its tame ravens. Legend has it that if the ravens leave, the kingdom will fall, so to prevent this, they have had their wings clipped.
The Tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
What You Must Not Miss at the Tower of London
There are many highlights for those visiting the Tower of London. Here are some tips on what you should make sure to experience. Exciting experiences for the whole family.
The British Crown Jewels
One of the experiences you absolutely must not miss when visiting the Tower is the Crown Jewels. When you purchase your ticket with Get Your Guide, this is included in the visit. These priceless symbols of the British monarchy are today the largest existing collection of crown jewels in the world.
Here you will find 23,578 gemstones, with the crowning glory being the glittering Imperial State Crown, which alone has 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies.
See the Execution Site at Tower Green
The most famous executions at the Tower are likely those of two of Henry VIII’s wives, both ordered by the king himself. Stroll across Tower Green and learn more about the Tower’s sometimes violent history and see the execution site with your own eyes.
Torture Tower and White Tower
When visiting the Tower, you also must not miss going inside the buildings themselves, where the Torture Tower and White Tower are the most famous. The Torture Tower, as the name suggests, is the place where prisoners were tortured during the centuries when the Tower was a prison. In the White Tower, you can learn more about the history itself and see numerous exciting artifacts.
Guided Tours and Other Experiences at the Tower of London
If you have children with you, you can head out to count the ravens. These are found all over the Tower and are completely harmless, although it is not recommended to let children get too close without an adult.
There is excellent informational material about the ravens, tailored for children and young people, or why not adults who appreciate storytelling and history.
Opening Hours of the Tower of London
The Tower has generous opening hours, and you can visit the Tower every day of the week, year-round, except on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
- On Mondays, the opening hours are 10 AM – 4 PM.
- On Tuesdays, you can visit this landmark between 9 AM – 4:30 PM.
- From Wednesday to Sunday, the opening hours are 9 AM – 5:30 PM.
Good to Know Before Your Visit
Children under five enter for free and therefore do not need a ticket. They must always be accompanied by an adult.
Donations to Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that manages the Tower, can easily be made on-site. This helps maintain this important European landmark but is entirely voluntary.
Last admission is always one hour before the Tower closes. Therefore, always check the opening hours for the day you wish to visit the Tower.
If you are a student or pensioner, there are discounted tickets available, but you must have a valid ID card with you.
Also read: Experience Tower Bridge – The Place That Brings the British Capital Together
The Tower of London Offers Something for Everyone
Visiting the Tower of London is a fun experience for the whole family and something well worth it for all kinds of travel groups.
Here you will find everything you could dream of, from an exciting history to the legendary ravens and all the Beefeaters in their striking uniforms, further enhancing the feeling of being in the midst of history.
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