Visiting the Tower of London
My #1 bucket list item when I visited England was The Tower of London. I love medieval fiction, especially books by the late great Sharon Kay Penman, and the Tower features so much in that time period that I just had to see it myself.
There are many reasons to visit The Tower of London. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a Listed Building that indicates its importance both architecturally and historically. It’s also a very popular destination for tourists, 2.8 million of whom come from near and far each year to visit the Tower. If you’d like to count yourself among that group of visitors, here are some things to know about the Tower of London before you visit.
History of the Tower of London
The Tower of London was originally built in 1068 by William the Conqueror, two years after he conquered England. The building that is now in the center of the property, called the White Tower, was the entire property at that time. The walls and other buildings came later.
Many people think of the Tower of London as a prison, and of course it was so for much of its existence. But the White Tower was originally built as a palace, and a fine example of one, I might add. It was used as a royal residence by many of the Kings and Queens of England.
The entire complex was expanded over the centuries and now includes, in order from the center to the outskirts of the property:
- the White Tower at its center
- a grassy area called the “inner ward” that surrounds the White Tower on three sides
- the inner wall surrounding that
- the outer ward which lies between the two walls
- the outer wall
- the grassy moat
There are several other well-known parts of the Tower of London. The Church of St Peter ad Vincula is the final resting and burial place of several famous historical figures, many of who were also held prisoner at the tower. This esteemed though non-enviable list includes Queen Anne Boleyn, Queen Catherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey, Sir Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, Sir Walter Raleigh, and many others.
Things to See at the Tower of London
Although it’s right in the middle of the city of London and doesn’t seem to occupy that much space, don’t be deceived. You really can’t see everything at the Tower of London in a single day. If you want to try, your best bet is to arrive before it opens, and head straight to the Waterloo Block, which houses the Crown Jewels.
The Crown Jewels of The United Kingdom
The Crown Jewels display is by far the most popular attraction at the Tower, and the one that you’ll wait in line the longest to see.
The Crown Jewels of The United Kingdom, as they are officially known today, are really something you’ll want to see. On display are a number of crowns, with lots of jewels embedded in them…the name pretty much speaks for itself. But there’s a lot more as well. There are processional objects like swords and maces, objects used during the anointing ceremony of several monarchs, robes, orbs, scepters and more. The Tower Guard keeps a watchful eye on these priceless objects, which are occasionally removed for use by Her Majesty for special occasions of national importance.
A flat people mover runs on both sides of the main display, in order to give visitors the best view and to prevent crowding.
Pay no attention to the conspiracy theory of those who say the jewels aren’t real. The Historic Royal Palaces says they are real, and so they are.
The Old Roman Wall
When you finish seeing the crown jewels, if you exit back toward the White Tower, you can see the remnants of the old Roman wall that ran across the land before the Tower was ever built. This wall was built around 200 A.D. when the Romans occupied what is now England, including the city of London, which they called Londinium. Wikipedia says “This wall largely defined the boundaries of the City of London until the later Middle Ages.”
The actual Roman wall was mostly destroyed before the castle was built. However, the location is marked by two rows of stones on the east side of the White Tower. The Roman wall remains are shown above; they are the two stone “paths” along the ground. At the southern end of these two rows is a partial wall, but according to Archeology Travel, it dates back to the 11th or 12th century. (The article where this was published no longer appears to be online.) It is not actually part of the Roman wall; it’s part of a tower that was built later as part of the Tower of London complex.
However, you can see part of the actual Roman wall outside of the Tower of London property. If you exit the tube at the Tower Hill station to walk to the Tower itself, you’ll pass right by one of the largest sections of the wall that’s still standing. It’s kind of nice that this is available to any passerby to see, without having to purchase tickets!
The Tower Ravens
If you’ve spent much time on my blog, you may have already picked up on my love for travel that involves wildlife, especially birds, so getting to see the Tower Ravens was quite a treat for me.
There are supposed to always be a minimum of six ravens in residence at the Tower of London. The reason for this is a myth that says that Charles II was warned that if they ever left, the city of London would fall. Since that time, supposedly, there have always been at least six ravens at the Tower. There are large cages where the ravens can sleep at night, and they do so most nights, but they are mostly free to come and go at will. (The flight feathers are kept clipped to prevent flights of much distance.) At the time of this writing there are nine ravens who live at the tower.
While you visit, keep an eye out for these comical and sometimes aggressive animals. They are a beloved feature and England goes to great lengths to take care of them. There is one Yeoman Warder whose sole job is to care for the ravens. With the addition of “Ravenmaster” at the end of his title, Christopher Skaife holds this honor. If you’re interested in learning more about his life caring for these intelligent birds, I highly recommend his book Ravenmaster (available on Amazon).
Here’s a funny quick story. While visiting the Tower, I accidentally dropped a one-pound coin on the ground. It was quickly snatched up by the closest raven! I was scared to death it would choke on the coin and die, and England would fall, and it would be entirely my fault! So I tried to get the coin back. I didn’t succeed, but I did get bit. Later, after I was home and while I was reading The Ravenmaster, I was able to figure out that it was Raven George who nipped my finger. George also got to keep my coin!
As it turns out, Raven George’s namesake in the 1980s also had some other bad habits, and was dishonorably discharged from Her Majesty’s service. Serves him right.
Traitor’s Gate
The entrance known as Traitor’s Gate provides water-based access to the Tower of London. It wasn’t originally designed for traitors, though. Traitor’s Gate was added to the Tower by King Edward I (“Longshanks”) to provide personal access to the Tower of London from the Thames River.
It wasn’t until much later that the Tower of London gained its reputation for housing prisoners and for being the site of their execution. During that time, the entrance became known as Traitor’s Gate. Many prisoners were unfortunate enough to enter the Tower through Traitor’s Gate, including Sir Thomas More, Queen Anne Boleyn, Queen Catherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey (The Nine Day’s Queen), and Princess Elizabeth (later to be crowned Queen Elizabeth I). Many never left the Tower again.
Historical Reenactments
One of the most entertaining things to do at the Tower of London, is to participate in one of their historical reenactments. Actors put on fun-yet-informative reenactments of famous events that have taken place over the centuries. It’s a fabulous way to bring the history of the Tower to life! The actors take great care not to break character, which helps you to imagine that you’re really a part of the history.
The reenactment we watched included John Gerard’s escape – and the actor pretended to fall so believably that we all gasped. The entire performance was incredibly entertaining!
The reenactment are really educational, so they are great for children, as well as adults who are interested in the fascinating history of the Tower of London.
The White Tower and the Princes in the Tower
There’s a lot to see inside the White Tower, which sits right in the middle of the Tower of London complex. As I mentioned earlier, this is the oldest and original building on the grounds. You climb a set of stairs outside of the tower before entering, and along the way, you’ll see the sign for the Princes in the Tower.
This tragic story tells of the two young children of King Edward IV, after he was deposed in battle as part of the Wars of the Roses. When he died in 1483, the boys were placed in the protection of his brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. The young princes were kept at the Tower awaiting coronation of the older one, when they were declared illegitimate and Richard ascended the throne as Richard III. The boys, aged 12 and 9, were never seen again.
In 1674, the bones of two young boys were found under a set of stairs (not the same ones you climb outside) and exhumed by a workman. It is presumed that they are the remains of the princes, but it has never been proven and no attempts at proof have been made. The role that their uncle played in their death is a hotly debated topic among historians, both professional and amateur.
Once inside the White Tower, you’ll find the Line of Kings display, which has many representations of armor from the history of England, including two suits of armor worn by King Henry VIII. The Line of Kings, as a museum display, itself dates back to the 17th century! And the pieces inside are much older, in many cases.
You’ll also find the beautiful Chapel of St. John, which is where the bodies of the young princes were found. Its beautiful stained-glass windows were added by King Henry III in 1240.
Fans of medieval torture devices will enjoy (shudder) the excellent display on the top floor.
The Wire Sculptures of Animals
The Tower of London has, as part of its storied history, been used as a menagerie, or a kind of zoo. Having exotic animals helped to display the wealth and might of English monarchs. Some of the Tower’s animal residents were lions and tigers, elephants and zebras, and even a polar bear who was kept on a chain and allowed to fish in the Thames! (A sad but interesting tale.)
In 2010, an artist named Kendra Haste was commissioned to create 13 wire sculptures of the animals once kept at the Tower of London Menagerie. Today when you visit, you’ll see the sculptures in various locations throughout the Tower grounds. The sculptures include the infamous polar bear, three monkeys, several lions, and elephant, and more.
When the Tower of London’s menagerie was closed, the remaining 150 animals were moved to Regent’s Park as part of the London Zoo. These beautiful sculptures stand in their memory.
Church of St Peter ad Vincula
The Church of St Peter ad Vincula, sometimes called the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, is the former parish church for the Tower of London. It sits within the inner ward portion of the Tower grounds. The church building was completed in 1520, and features strong Tudor influences in its design.
The chapel is best known as the burial place of many famous historical people, some of whom were executed at the Tower. The Church of St Peter ad Vincula is the final resting place of Queens Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, two of the wives of King Henry VIII; Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days’ Queen, and her husband are also interred there. Some additional people buried in the church include George Boleyn, Anne’s brother; two tax collectors for King Henry VII; Thomas Cromwell, King Henry VIII’s minister; and Thomas Seymour, the brother of Jane Seymour. A list of “remarkable persons” buried in the church is displayed within the chapel.
The Church of St Peter ad Vincula and its burials is one of the most common sources of the various ghosts that inhabit the property. The most famous ghost in the tower of London is, of course, Anne Boleyn’s. Her ghost has been seen around the grounds carrying her severed head. She was executed by beheading with a sword at the Tower, so if she’s going to haunt any place, the Tower of London is probably her best option!
Near the church, you’ll notice a number of bright blue doors. These are entrances to the homes of the Yeoman Warders, the ceremonial guards, and their families. Supposedly they are blue because they are painted with leftover paint from the Tower Bridge.
The church is an active place of worship and conducts services on Sundays.
How to Visit the Tower of London
Hopefully by this point, you’re wondering how to go to Tower of London yourself. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit on your next trip to London.
Tower of London Tickets
You can purchase tickets to the Tower of London online through the Historic Royal Palaces website. Click here to go directly to the ticket page. Adult tickets are just under £30 at the time of this writing, and there are discounts for children, seniors, and families. You can also purchase a membership which lets you visit for no additional fee.
To book tickets for the Ceremony of the Keys, visit this page instead.
You can also book a tour through Viator that includes skip-the-line tickets, admissions to the Crown Jewels, entrance to the raven house, entrance to the White Tower and Armory, and a Beefeater to be your Tower of London guide.
How to Get To the Tower of London
The easiest way to get to the Tower of London – or anywhere else in London – is to take the Tube. (“The Tube” is the nickname for the London Underground, the subway system of the city.) There is a tube station just across the street at Tower Hill. The District and Circle lines stop at this station, and once you exit, it’s a short walk to the Tower. As an added bonus, on the way, you’ll pass one of the largest still-standing sections of the old Roman wall that was built in the 200s, and which used to surround the city of London.
You can also arrive by cab, double-decker bus, or by water. Most hop-on, hop-off tour buses also provide transportation to the Tower.
Tower of London Hours
The Tower of London operates different schedules depending on the season. During the summer (March – October), the Tower is open:
- Sundays and Mondays from 10am to 5:30pm
- Tuesday – Saturday from 9am to 5:30pm
During the winter (September – February) it is open:
- Sundays and Mondays from 10am to 4:30pm
- Tuesday – Saturday from 9am to 4:30pm
Holidays and other activities may affect opening times, so check the official website for complete details.
Tips for Visiting the Tower of London
Go early and see the Crown Jewels first. I realize I’ve already stated this, but I can’t overemphasize the importance: get there early! Especially if it’s your first time and/or you want to see the Crown Jewels. Be in line before they open, and head straight to the Crown Jewels display on the north side of the Tower. This approach will minimize your time standing in line.
Read up about the Tower before you go. When you’re there, you’ll likely be overwhelmed by everything there is to see. If you already know some of the history, it can help you prioritize your day. You’ll have an even better time and hopefully you won’t miss anything that you really wanted to see. It can be helpful to plan out what you want to see in the different areas of the property.
Wear comfortable shoes! You will do a ton of walking and some climbing of stairs too. I literally didn’t finish seeing the entire place because, despite wearing perfectly comfy sneakers, my feet hurt so bad that I just had to sit down for awhile. (That’s when I encountered Raven George, though, and I wouldn’t have traded that for the world!)
Take lots of pictures. Did I mention that the Tower of London is overwhelming? Photos will help you remember your visit later on so you don’t forget any details. It doesn’t matter if you prefer a fancy camera or your handy cell phone…I took photos with both and I still don’t think I took enough. One thing to note is that you’re not allowed to take pictures of the Crown Jewels.
Don’t forget to look out! There’s so much to see inside the Tower of London that you may almost forget to look out toward the city. From atop the walls, you’ll get a magnificent view of the city’s skyscrapers, and other historical structures such as the beautiful Tower Bridge and the HMS Belfast, not to mention the Thames River itself.
Not all of the Tower is wheelchair-accessible – in fact, much of it is not. The Historic Royal Palaces’ website has more information on accessibility within the Tower of London, including information for those with limited mobility, hearing impairment, and sight impairment. If accessibility is important for you or a traveling companion, use their resources to plan ahead.
Guided Tours of the Tower of London
If you’re visiting the Tower of London for the first time, you might want to consider a guided tour so you don’t miss anything important. The best tours are those led by the Yeoman Warders themselves. These Beefeater Tours are free with your general admission ticket, and they start every 30 minutes from the main entrance. You don’t need to book them ahead of time.
The Beefeaters know the history of the Tower inside and out, and will regale you with tales of the Tower’s famous prisoners, the tower’s construction during the time of William the Conqueror, and the debate over Richard III and the Princes in the Tower.
If you book a tour through Viator you’ll get your own private Beefeater to be your Tower of London guide!
Hotels Near the Tower of London
If your primary goal when visiting London is to see the Tower, then it’s a great idea to stay within walking distance. You can of course use public transportation to go pretty much anywhere in the city, so even if you want to see attractions in other areas, like Big Ben or Abbey Road, you can still stay near the Tower. Here are some of our favorite hotels near the Tower of London.
The Tower Hotel
The Tower Hotel is owned by the Thistle Hotels group, a UK company that owns seven properties in Central London. It is located just by Tower Bridge, and select rooms have an amazing view of the iconic bridge. Make sure you book in advance and request a room with this view!
The breakfast options include a Full English and a buffet. There is a restaurant on-site which also has views of the bridge. If you have a car, you’ll be thrilled to know there is on-site parking. At a rating of 8.2, it’s the lowest-rated hotel in our list but still rated very high! And you can’t stay closer to the Tower of London unless you’re actually a Yeoman Warder who lives there!
citizenM Tower of London
citizenM is only 0.2 miles from the Tower; in fact, it’s located right above Tower Hill Underground station. This is a Netherlands-based hotel company that offers “luxury experiences at affordable prices”. They offer continental and buffet breakfasts, satellite television, iPad controlled room features (lights, air conditioning, curtains, and TV). Guests rate this hotel a 9.0.
Hotel Indigo Tower Hill
Hotel Indigo are modern hotels from IHG Hotels & Resorts, a popular choice for rewards shoppers. Their property Hotel Indigo Tower Hill is no exception. It has quirky modern decor combined with more timeless elements like brick walls and four-poster beds. Reviewers say the beds are super comfy, and they also offer a full English breakfast.
Like Canopy below, it’s a 14-minute walk from Hotel Indigo to the Tower of London ticket office. The two properties are close by, but Hotel Indigo is slightly closer to the tower.
Canopy By Hilton London City
If you’re a fan of Hilton properties, then Canopy by Hilton London City is perfect for your London stay. At only 0.3 miles from the Tower, it’s a quick 14 minute walk down Minories, around the Moat and Tower Green, and down toward the Thames and the ticket office. Canopy is pet-friendly and has a buffet breakfast. Their guest rating is 9.0.
Have you visited the Tower of London? Drop a note in the comments and let us know what your favorite part was. If you haven’t visited, then now is the time to start planning. This is one historical sight that you’ll never regret taking the time to see! (Just try not to get nipped by a raven, ok?)
