Tower of London — Attraction in London

The Tower of London is an extraordinary destination, steeped in nearly 1,000 years of history, and it delivers a fascinating experience that can easily keep you engaged for up to 48 hours without a hint of boredom. I recently had the pleasure of visiting, and the memories I made there will last a lifetime.

One of the highlights of my visit was witnessing the historic Ceremony of the Keys, where the guards performed the traditional nightly locking of the Tower gates. Watching the Yeoman Warders and soldiers conduct this time-honored ritual was truly captivating, bringing the history of the Tower alive with every step and exchange of words. The presence of the ravens, which legend says keep the Kingdom from falling, added a mystical touch to the atmosphere. Seeing these iconic birds up close was an unforgettable experience.

The Crown Jewels were a particular standout. This dazzling collection of royal regalia included magnificent crowns, orbs, scepters, and even the coronation spoon used in royal ceremonies. Learning about the history of these jewels, including Prince Edward's coronation crown and Queen Elizabeth I's necklace, gave me a deep appreciation for their significance. The exhibit also featured videos and interactive displays, such as heraldry videos and insights into the coronation process, making it an educational yet enthralling visit. I couldn’t resist picking up a few souvenirs from the gift shop as a keepsake of this remarkable part of British history.

The White Tower, home to the Armoury, was another incredible experience. The exhibits of weapons and armor gave a sense of the Tower's historical importance as a fortress. I even had fun with some interactive activities, like playing games with a canon, which made the visit not just a visual but a hands-on experience. However, after exploring the extensive collection, I did get a bit burnt out, which is understandable given the sheer amount of history packed into this place.

Among the Tower's more somber sites is the Traitor's Gate, a haunting reminder of the fortress's darker past. This notorious entrance, once used to bring prisoners accused of treason into the Tower, has witnessed many desperate souls pass through its arches. One of the most poignant stories linked to this gate is that of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated second wife of King Henry VIII. After being accused of treason, she entered the Tower via the Traitor’s Gate in 1536, marking the beginning of the end for the once-beloved queen. Her execution took place on Tower Green, where she faced her fate with remarkable composure, meeting her end by beheading at the hands of a French swordsman—a small act of mercy for a fallen queen. The execution site stands as a solemn reminder of how swiftly fortunes could change, even for those of noble birth.

Other intriguing spots included the Tower Bridge, which offers stunning views of London’s waters, and the Execution Site, where you can reflect on the darker aspects of the Tower’s history, such as the fate of several unfortunate royals and nobles. I also wandered around Wardrobe Tower, which boasts remnants dating back nearly 2,000 years, reminding me of the Tower's Roman origins.

I was fascinated to learn about the Tower’s use as a royal palace over the centuries and its association with numerous monarchs. The fact that the Norman kings lived here over 950 years ago gives a sense of just how deeply rooted this landmark is in English history.

There’s even more to discover in the Tower’s collection of objects used during royal ceremonies, such as the Imperial Mantle, maces adorned with diamonds, and items related to banqueting and communion. It’s hard to miss the grand Imperial State Crown, which, along with other regalia, truly showcases the opulence and ceremony surrounding British royalty.

The Tower of London is not just a historical site; it's an immersive experience that transports you through time. From marveling at the ancient architecture and ravens to the glittering jewels, the somber stories of Traitor's Gate, and significant...

The Tower of London is an absolute must-visit for anyone looking to dive deep into British history, and let me tell you, we had an amazing time exploring it! We were a group of three very energetic sons, and I was delighted to find that the Tower offers something for both kids and adults alike.

We kicked things off with the Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tour, and wow, what a fantastic experience! Our guide was an absolute character—funny, informative, and full of cheeky historical anecdotes. He really brought the history of the Tower to life and had the kids in stitches with his humor. We learned everything from the grisly executions that took place here to the quirky stories behind the ravens that call the Tower home. (Did you know that if the ravens ever leave, it’s said that the Kingdom will fall? Now that’s some pressure on those birds!)

One of the highlights for us was the White Tower, where we got up close to some of the most impressive historical artifacts, including medieval armor and weapons. My kids couldn’t get enough of the ancient suits of armor, especially the ones that looked like they belonged to knights straight out of a fairytale. There were even a few interactive displays to keep the kids engaged, which made it both fun and educational.

As for the Crown Jewels, they were absolutely stunning. The exhibit is like stepping into a treasure chest of royal history. While we all marveled at the sparkling crowns and coronation artifacts, there’s no ignoring the fact that these jewels come with some serious history. The collection includes everything from the Imperial State Crown to the Sceptre with the Cross, which houses the famous Great Star of Africa diamond—a jaw-dropping 530-carat gem. It’s hard not to get lost in the sheer opulence of it all. Sure, there's a little drama surrounding the jewels—like the infamous Kohinoor Diamond, which is a fascinating piece of history all on its own, but let's not get into whose it is or how it ended up there. Either way, it's mesmerizing to see these royal treasures up close.

After we took in the jewels, we wandered around the medieval towers, where we were able to explore rooms that have witnessed hundreds of years of history. The audio guide provided additional context, but honestly, the Yeoman Warder tours were so engaging that I would recommend them over the guide. Plus, they’re free with admission, so why not take advantage?

We also took a break for lunch in one of the Tower’s cafes, which was a lovely spot to recharge. The food was surprisingly good, and we were able to take in the surroundings while discussing all the things we had just learned. (There’s only so much history you can take in one go before needing a snack!)

A couple of other things worth noting: The Tower can get crowded, especially around the Crown Jewels and the main entrances, so it’s definitely worth getting there early if you want to avoid the queues. We were fortunate to visit on a quieter day, but I’ve heard the lines for the Crown Jewels can be a bit long, so plan accordingly. The site is also huge, so don’t be surprised if you end up spending more time there than you initially planned—there’s just so much to see.

All in all, the Tower of London offers an incredible, immersive experience into British history. From the Yeoman Warders' entertaining tours to the jaw-dropping Crown Jewels, it’s a place where the past truly comes to life. It’s definitely worth every penny of the £34 adult admission fee—especially considering how much there is to explore. Whether you’re a history buff, a family with kids, or just looking for something unique to do in London, the Tower has something for everyone. A must-see attraction that will leave you with...

TLDR: Despite the horrendous food and drink prices, the pay-for-use bathrooms, and the poor organization, the Tower of London is still a place worth exploring.

I am from the USA and I am writing this through an American’s point of view.

The food and drink prices are terrible. Make sure you eat and drink before you visit or be prepared to trade your liver for a bottle of water and a quick snack. I understand that food and drink is a bit more expensive at a tourist destination but I was surprised just HOW expensive.

You have to pay 50 pence to use the bathroom. I didn’t encounter this anywhere else in London and I found it odd. I tried to get a picture of the 50 pence sign and they were adamant for me not to get any photos of it. The angle would not have included anything in the bathroom itself so it struck me as especially weird.

The signs are small and I had to squint to read them. Some of the informational panels are see-through acrylic and the font is black against a stonewall. The words blended in somewhat and I had to move my head back and forth to make out the writing. At points they put the acrylic over a wall carving and it was difficult to make out what the carving read. There were certain historically relevant points of interests not labeled at all and I had to google as I was walking around to make sure I was seeing everything. The audio guide was difficult to understand at times, especially discussing the location of Anne Boleyn’s trial vs. stay, as an example. Transitions on the audio guide were also confusing due to vague instructions. All of this confusion ate up time I could’ve spent enjoying more of the Tower.

I also came at a time in which the construction made enjoying the Tower more difficult. I wish the construction was posted somewhere publicly so I could’ve decided what time was the best. However, I recognize that the construction work is important and fixing the Tower is the primary focus, as it should be.

As a side note: I think it would be cool at some point to fix up the chambers of Queen Eleanor so instead of samples we can walk in to view a fully restored chamber.

Overall, there are many things to love about the Tower. The obvious one is that it is dripping with history. The staff inside the Tower itself seem to be passionate about the history and culture. I love that the tour is divided up into paths of history. I enjoyed each as its own adventure. I liked reading about and seeing artifacts such as the old toys and the 1200s Spanish goods brought in for Queen Eleanor of Castile. I learned a lot and I had a good time overall.

I recommend going to explore it. If I could do it over again I would make a list of points of interest and their location in the Tower so I could see more and be more efficient en lieu of a detailed audio guide. It is also important to understand if you plan to see the Tower of London in a single day, it’s overly ambitious. To do the audio tours and see and explore everything I would set aside two whole days. For those with physical disabilities, there are many benches to sit and rest but some parts of the Tower will be difficult to navigate due to the narrow staircases. I would plan accordingly. For those who have sound and light sensitivity, there are many places and shops inside the Tower itself to retreat from the crowds.

Buy tickets ahead of time to bypass the crowds. They also sell a Historical Royal Palaces pass for 100£ that allows access to the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace, Hillsborough Palace and Gardens. It sounds like a lot of money but the pass is good for a year and it allows for 2 card holders on an account. It was a worthy...